Hundreds of eager fans gathered in London to celebrate the premiere of "Jurassic World Rebirth," the latest installment in the iconic Jurassic Park franchise. This eagerly awaited film, set to release in Malta on July 2, 2025, continues the franchise's strong connection with the Mediterranean island, following the previous sequel, "Jurassic World Dominion," which also featured Malta as a filming location.
Among the attendees were excited fans and members of the cast, who shared their experiences and impressions of filming in Malta. Twelve-year-old Audrina Miranda, the youngest cast member, recalled her first visit to the island with fondness. "It was my first time in Malta, the beach was amazing, blue waters every day," she said, capturing the natural beauty that attracted the production team.
Veteran producer Frank Marshall, known for his frequent collaborations with legendary director Steven Spielberg—who serves as executive producer on this film—expressed high praise for Malta's contribution. "We love Malta, it was fantastic; we could not have done the movie without Malta," Marshall stated, emphasizing the island’s vital role in bringing the story to life.
Scriptwriter David Koepp, who penned the original Jurassic Park screenplay 32 years ago, echoed these sentiments. Highlighting the film’s extensive ocean scenes, Koepp noted, "It’s a great place to do this, a large part of it is ocean-going, and Malta was fantastic to do that." His words underline Malta's unique geographical features that perfectly suit the franchise’s adventurous storytelling.
Johann Grech, Malta’s Films Commissioner, pointed out that the repeated choice of Malta as a filming destination reflects the success of sustained investments in the local film industry. "Malta’s global reputation is strong, we have continued to boost it, and this is a vote of confidence as we are competing with the rest of the world," Grech explained. He also revealed ongoing and future plans to expand film infrastructure on the island, including new studios and world-class sound stages, aimed at attracting even more international productions.
Actors Luna Blaise and David Iacono, both part of the cast, shared their enthusiasm for Malta. Blaise exclaimed, "Oh my God it was amazing, I loved Malta," while Iacono described his experience as "lovely," praising the sense of community, the kindness of the people, the delicious local food, and the island’s beautiful waters. Their remarks highlight how Malta’s charm extends beyond its scenic vistas to its welcoming atmosphere.
Adding a whimsical touch to the premiere, Dolores, a dinosaur character from the film, also made an appearance, delighting fans and underscoring the franchise’s enduring appeal to audiences of all ages.
Meanwhile, British actor Jonathan Bailey, known for his roles in "Bridgerton" and the musical "Wicked," opened up about his thrilling and sometimes perilous experience on set. Bailey, who plays palaeontologist Dr. Henry Loomis in "Jurassic World Rebirth," revealed that filming included scenes in snake-infested waters in Thailand, where he was warned by snake wranglers about the deadly nature of the reptiles. "They say things like 'be careful around this one. If you get bit, you die in 10 seconds'," he recounted, bringing to life the visceral thrills that the franchise is famous for.
Bailey described the intense filming conditions with enthusiasm, recalling a particular stunt where his character had to pull someone back into a boat amid water cannons blasting and the boat flipping. "My inner child, which isn't all that inner, was just screaming with delight," he said, capturing the blend of danger and exhilaration that defined his experience.
Expressing his passion for the role, Bailey said, "To play Henry, who embodies the love of nature and our best curiosities about it, was great fun." His portrayal adds a scientific curiosity and emotional depth to the film, complementing the action-packed narrative.
Bailey’s involvement in "Jurassic World Rebirth" marks another milestone in a career that has seen him acclaimed for playing Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s "Bridgerton" and Fiyero Tigelaar in the stage production "Wicked," with a sequel, "Wicked: For Good," slated for release in November 2025.
Reflecting on his lifelong connection to the franchise, Bailey shared that his family took him to see the original "Jurassic Park" movie when he was just five years old—a choice he humorously described as "questionable" given the film’s intensity for a child. Nevertheless, he recalled the experience as a "sumptuous escapist delight," a testament to the franchise’s enduring magic.
As anticipation builds for the release of "Jurassic World Rebirth," the film’s blend of breathtaking locations, thrilling stunts, and heartfelt performances promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic adventure. Malta’s continued starring role behind the scenes not only highlights the island’s unique appeal but also signals its growing stature as a global filmmaking hub.
