Universal Changed the 'Jurassic World Rebirth' Ending. But the Director Had Doubts

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It’s not a surprise to hear interesting behind-the-scenes stories about movies just before they debut in theaters, or even right after. However, a recent story told by Jurassic WorldRebirthdirector Gareth Edwards featured not only a rare admission but also an interesting backstory.

Edwards spoke with Variety about the latest addition to the Jurassic World/Park series and explained a significant late change of plans after filming had been wrapped.

**WARNING: Spoilers are included from this point on in the story.

In short, the ending of Jurassic World Rebirth underwent a complete 180 at the studio's request.

Actors Rupert Friend, Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey attend the 'Jurassic World Rebirth' - Seoul press conference.

Han Myung-Gu/WireImage

While Jurassic World Rebirth ends with Mahershala Ali, who plays Duncan, sacrificing himself by distracting aDistortus rex with a flare. However, after diving into the water, another flare shoots up, and it's revealed that Duncan survived.

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The ending provided plenty of suspense on the movie's wild ride. However, both Edwards and Ali were on board with the initial script and the first ending scene that was planned, which featured Duncan dying.

Thankfully, Edwards was given enough time to film two different endings, as Universal requested the alternate ending featuring Ali's character surviving, "just to be safe," as Edwards explained to Variety.

Although Edwards and Ali were outvoted on the original plan for the ending, the director explained he really liked the alternate ending that was created.

“If we can do this, I want it to be the really classy version that I can live with," Edwards explained. "So I started trying to imagine it and to picture some shots. The actors gave this amazing performance for this little section, and I really liked it."

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But even after two screen tests featuring the ending with Ali living earned higher marks, Edwards told Variety he still wasn't positive about the decision. It wasn't until the screening in New York that it became apparent the correct choice had been made regarding Jurassic World Rebirth's ending.

"I still wasn’t sure about it until the screening in New York," Edwards admitted. "The moment where this flare appears revealing that he’s lived got this massive applause, and I felt a little tear welling in my eye. Hats off to the studio. I’m glad they made me shoot that extra little section because I think it’s probably the strongest part of the film."

It's a wild story the director told, and it also shows how tough many of the decisions behind key moments of movies can be. But after Jurassic World Rebirth's impressive start at the box office and its strong fan reviews, it's safe to say Edwards and the studio landed on the correct decision.

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Universal Changed the 'Jurassic World Rebirth' Ending. But the Director Had Doubts first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 7, 2025