Filmmaker Joseph Kahn recently highlighted the significant box office performance of Universal and Amblin's "Jurassic World: Rebirth," which stars Scarlett Johansson, as the film reportedly approaches $750 million in global earnings. Kahn's commentary reignites discussions within the film industry regarding the enduring value of "movie stars" in driving blockbuster success. The latest installment in the popular dinosaur franchise was released on July 2, 2025, and has quickly become a major theatrical draw this summer.
In a recent social media post, Joseph Kahn, known for directing feature films like "Torque" and "Bodied" and numerous award-winning music videos, emphasized the importance of A-list talent. Kahn stated, > "These movies need movie stars. Jurassic World is at $750 million so far. Scarlett Johansson was excellent ROI." His remarks underscore a growing sentiment that while intellectual property (IP) is crucial, star power provides a significant return on investment.
Scarlett Johansson's casting in "Jurassic World: Rebirth" was a strategic move by Universal, combining a powerful franchise with a proven box office draw. Industry analysts have noted her significant contribution, with the film tracking to earn between $750 million and $800 million worldwide during its theatrical run. This performance validates Kahn's assertion of Johansson's "excellent ROI," suggesting her presence helped elevate the film's commercial appeal.
The success of "Jurassic World: Rebirth" comes amidst an ongoing debate in Hollywood about whether established intellectual property or individual star power is the primary driver of box office revenue. While recent years have seen a dominance of superhero films and major franchises, 2024 witnessed a resurgence of star-driven hits. The strong performance of Johansson's film serves as a key example of how a combination of both elements can maximize a movie's global reach and financial success.
"Jurassic World: Rebirth," a standalone sequel directed by Gareth Edwards, quickly surpassed the $600 million mark globally by its third weekend in mid-July. Its trajectory towards the $750 million to $800 million range positions it as one of the highest-grossing films of 2025. The film's robust performance, attributed in part to its star-studded cast, is expected to influence future studio decisions regarding the strategic integration of bankable actors into major franchise productions.