Who Jurassic Fans Really Want To See Direct A Movie In The Series

Since the moment "Jurassic Park" came roaring into theaters in 1993, the world has never been the same. The dino-sized blockbuster took a huge bite out of the box office, cementing it as Hollywood's next big franchise. Indeed, sequels would follow, starting with "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" in 1997. The legacy continues with "Jurassic World Dominion," the third film in the "Jurassic World" trilogy and sixth entry into the franchise overall, slated for release on June 10, 2022. The film will see the conclusion of the story that began with the 1993 original as humans and dinosaurs struggle to coexist in a final battle for survival.

One key factor that has helped the franchise thrive for so long has been its wide variety of talented directors on board. Steven Spielberg ("Jurassic Park" and "The Lost World"), Joe Johnston ("Jurassic Park 3"), Colin Trevorrow ("Jurassic World" and "Dominion"), and J. A. Bayona ("Fallen Kingdom") have all brought their A-game when making their marks on the ever-expanding world of this franchise. With plans for future movie installments still being mapped out (via SlashFilm), who else could step up to the task and deliver? Well, fans may have a clue as to their pick, and it's someone who seems like a natural fit for the job.

Redditor u/tonyinthetardis started a thread asking others if they believe that Bryce Dallas Howard would make a good director for any future "Jurassic" films. After playing small parts in films directed by her father, Ron Howard, she would take on larger parts, such as in "Spider-Man 3" and "Pete's Dragon"; she also plays female lead Claire Dearing in all three "Jurassic World" films. However, fewer people know that Dallas Howard has been actively directing since 2006, having made her feature debut with the Apple TV+ documentary "Dads" (via IMDb). More recently, she has directed episodes of both "The Mandalorian" and "The Book of Boba Fett." Initially, having had fond experiences with film crews as a kid, she leaned toward being a director before going into acting (via AFI).

User u/Ceez92, replying to the aforementioned thread, commented, "I can see her directing some future installments...I'd rather her focus on one thing and if she decides to come back to Jurassic to do so behind the camera." Similarly, u/CaptainHunt brought up what a good job Howard has done with her "Star Wars" output, believing her touch could bring a different feel to the "Jurassic" franchise.

User u/Mrbaryonyx was more cautious. "Not a bad idea, and Bryce seems pretty passionate," they wrote. "I'm kind of skeptical of smaller directors taking on big projects–it feels like they're usually brought on by the studio to have control over." While this is a valid concern, Howard's experience working on such big properties already and having the guidance of her Oscar-winning father gives her an edge — that, and an endorsement by a very important "Jurassic World" figure.

In an interview with Variety regarding the empowering feminist messages that have been present throughout the "Jurassic" franchise, "Jurassic World Dominion" director Colin Trevorrow expressed great excitement over the idea of Bryce Dallas Howard taking on future entries. 

"She knows I want that, so I'm not going to pretend," Trevorrow said. "Bryce actually can direct whatever she wants, and if she would ever make that choice to come and make a 'Jurassic' movie, we would consider that a tremendous privilege for us." Getting such a glowing recommendation from Trevorrow, who also helmed the first "Jurassic World" film in 2015 and acts as co-writer and producer on its 2018 sequel "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom," is about as big an endorsement as anyone in the franchise could hope to have next to Spielberg himself.

According to producer Frank Marshall, "Dominion" is far from the end of the franchise. Rather, it is intended to be the "start of a new era" that will see a world where dinosaurs and humans live side by side, much in the same way "World" was a new, fresh take on the original "Park" trilogy (via Collider). To usher in that new age, it's likely that a fresh, new vision will be needed to take on the franchise while still honoring its roots. Who better to inherit that world than Howard?