Just days after we learned thatJurassic WorldstarB.D. Wongis returning as Dr. Henry Wu in Universal’s action-packed sequelJurassic World 2, we have word that another new cast member has come aboard.Justice Smith, who can currently be seen in the Netflix seriesThe Get Down, has come aboard. Pre-production is currently under way, as directorJ.A. Bayonagets ready for a spring production start in England.
The Hollywood Reporterbroke the news of this casting, although they didn’t provide any details about what character he’s playing. The young actor joins a cast that includes originalJurassic WorldstarsChris PrattandBryce Dallas Howard, returning alongsideB.D. Wong’s Dr. Wu. New casting additions includeRafe SpallandToby Jones, although no details were given regarding their characters.
We also recently learned that originalJurassic WorldstarJake Johnsonwill not reprise his role as Lowery. This news isn’t terribly surprising since early reports have claimed that this sequel will not take place on Isla Nublar, and may feature weaponized dinosaurs. Universal hasn’t confirmed any story details at this time, although Universal chairmanDonna Langleydid confirm last year that the studio is planning a trilogy with producerSteven Spielberg. The studio has set a June 02, 2025 release date forJurassic World 2.
Back in October, acasting callsurfaced that revealed details about a new central character named Lucy. The studio is looking for young girls who are at least 9 years old, but no older than 10 years old. The actress who wins the role must be a “sensitive and clever actress capable of handling long and complex scenes,” capable of handling “a range of emotions from tender moments with her father, to anxiety, bravery, and shock.” This character has not been cast yet, but with filming scheduled to begin next year, we may hear about who is playing Lucy sooner rather than later.
J.A. Bayona(The Impossible,A Monster Calls) is directingJurassic World 2from a script by originalJurassic WorlddirectorColin Trevorrowand his writing partnerDerek Connolly.Justice Smithmade his feature film debut in a small role inTrigger Finger, before portraying Radar in theJohn GreenadaptationPaper Towns. He can currently be seen as Ezekiel ‘Books’ Figuero on the Netflix seriesThe Get Down, which premiered in August on the streaming service.
