Glen Powell declines role in upcoming “Jurassic World” film

Glen Powell prioritizes script fit over franchise appeal, declines Jurassic World role.

Glen Powell, the 35-year-old actor known for his roles in "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Anyone But You," has turned down a role in the upcoming "Jurassic World" movie. 

Despite his long-standing admiration for the original 1993 "Jurassic Park" film, Powell decided against joining the new installment after reading the script.

 In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Powell explained his decision, emphasizing the importance of choosing roles that make both the audience and himself happy.

"It's one of the things I've wanted to do my whole life," Powell said, acknowledging his love for the franchise. He added, "I’m not doing that movie because I read the script and I immediately was like, my presence in this movie doesn’t help it. And the script’s great. The movie’s going to f---ing kill. It’s not about that. It’s about choosing where you’re going to make an audience happy and where you’re going to make yourself happy" .

The upcoming "Jurassic World" film will feature a new storyline penned by David Koepp, who wrote the screenplays for the original "Jurassic Park" and its sequel "The Lost World: Jurassic Park." 

Steven Spielberg is set to executive produce under his Amblin Entertainment banner, with Gareth Edwards directing. The movie, which stars Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey, is slated for release on July 2, 2025 .

Powell's decision to decline the role has been noted as a move to avoid being typecast. His recent roles have included sequels or reboots of popular franchises from the '80s and '90s, such as "Top Gun: Maverick" and the upcoming "Twisters" .

Powell also revealed that he declined involvement in the "Bourne Identity" franchise. He stated, “First of all, there will never be another Tom Cruise. That is a singular career in a singular moment, but also movie stars of the ’80s, ’90s, early 2000s, those will never be re-created” .

The actor's ability to turn down high-profile projects like "Jurassic World" speaks to his enviable position in Hollywood, where he can be selective about his roles.