Mahershala Ali Joins Cast of New ‘Jurassic World’ Movie

Two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali is in talks to join Scarlett Johansson in Universal’s upcoming Jurassic World feature. The project, set to start production in mid-June in London with Gareth Edwards directing, already has Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo on board.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but David Koepp, the original screenwriter of Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park, has penned the script for the new installment. Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley will produce, with Steven Spielberg serving as executive producer.

The film is set for a theatrical release on July 2, 2025, and Universal is gearing up for post-production at a rapid pace. Ali’s potential involvement in the project is significant, as he is known for his serious-minded roles and selective choices in Hollywood blockbusters. His previous work includes starring roles in Moonlight and Green Book, for which he won Oscars.

In 2023, Ali voiced a character in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and starred in the hit Netflix thriller Leave the World Behind alongside Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, and Ethan Hawke. The film is currently one of the top five most-watched English films on the platform.

Represented by WME, Cognition, and Sloane Offer, Ali’s potential addition to the Jurassic World cast would bring a level of gravitas and talent to the highly anticipated film.