Mahershala Ali is reportedly in talks to join the cast of Jurassic World 4, adding another notable project to his resume as his involvement in Marvel’s Blade reboot faces delays, as per THR.
Universal Studios is pushing ahead with the latest instalment of the Jurassic World series, bringing together a cast that includes Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow, The Avengers), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Wicked), Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (6 Underground), and Rupert Friend (Obi-Wan Kenobi) under the direction of Gareth Edwards, known for his work on 2014’s Godzilla, Rogue One, and The Creator.
David Koepp, who penned the scripts for the original Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park, is returning to write the screenplay for this new chapter. The film is being produced by Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, with Steven Spielberg serving as executive producer through his Amblin Entertainment. The project is set to start production in mid-June in London.
Mahershala Ali, a two-time Oscar winner for his roles in Moonlight and Green Book, is known for his selective approach to film roles, often choosing projects with significant artistic value over mainstream blockbusters. His potential involvement in Jurassic World 4 is seen as a major casting win for Universal, signalling the film’s ambition to blend high-calibre talent with its blockbuster allure.
This new role for Ali comes as his participation in the MCU’s Blade reboot has been fraught with setbacks. Announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, the project has experienced several delays, script rewrites, and a production halt due to the Hollywood writers’ strike, pushing its release date to 7 November 2025. The ongoing challenges with Blade have kept fans waiting, while Ali’s casting in Jurassic World 4 suggests a more immediate return to the big screen.
Jurassic World 4 promises to continue the legacy of its predecessors, which have collectively grossed over US$4 billion globally. The inclusion of actors like Ali and Johansson, who bring their own unique star power and acting prowess, aims to elevate the franchise further, blending established cinematic appeal with fresh narrative elements.
The untitled Jurassic World sequel roars into cinemas on 2 July 2025.