The London premiere of Jurassic World Rebirth saw stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, and Jonathan Bailey gather for a photocall at the Corinthia Hotel on June 16, 2025, ahead of the film's official release. While Johansson stunned in a Schiaparelli ensemble, it was Bailey's footwear choice that sparked a flurry of discussion – a pair of casual flip-flops.
The choice was a bold one, given the typically more formal nature of such events. While his co-stars sported jeans, turtlenecks, and designer outfits, Bailey opted for comfort and a relaxed vibe, pairing his flip-flops with a sweater and jeans. This decision immediately caught the attention of fans and fashion commentators alike, with opinions ranging from amusement to disapproval. Some found the choice "tacky" and questioned its appropriateness for a major film event, while others lauded Bailey for his laid-back attitude and willingness to defy convention.
Despite the mixed reactions, Bailey's footwear choice aligns with his character, Dr. Henry Loomis, in Jurassic World Rebirth. According to NBC, Loomis is a museum-based paleontologist with a specialty in oversized dinosaurs. Costume designer Sammy Differ drew inspiration from Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski and Jason Momoa in Aquaman, to create Loomis's look which includes flip-flops and baggy pants.
Beyond the footwear debate, Jurassic World Rebirth is generating significant buzz as the fourth film in the Jurassic World saga and the seventh installment in the overall Jurassic Park franchise. Directed by Gareth Edwards and written by David Koepp, the film promises a fresh take on the dinosaur-meets-human concept. The plot revolves around a team led by Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), tasked with extracting DNA from the largest dinosaurs on a restricted island that once housed a research facility for the original Jurassic Park. Jonathan Bailey plays Dr. Henry Loomis, a paleontologist with a connection to Alan Grant (Sam Neill) from the original Jurassic Park. The cast also includes Mahershala Ali and Rupert Friend.
Shot in locations including Thailand, Malta, and the United Kingdom, Jurassic World Rebirth is set five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion. The film introduces new dinosaur species and hybrid monstrosities, including a redesigned Spinosaurus and creatures like the "Distortus rex" and flying "Mutadons".
Bailey's role as Dr. Loomis has also involved a physical transformation, spurred by advice from co-stars Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, to sustain the stamina required for the demanding action sequences. He even teased a scene where Loomis is working out on screen.
Whether his flip-flops were a deliberate style statement or a simple choice for comfort, Jonathan Bailey's appearance at the London photocall has certainly added an element of intrigue to the Jurassic World Rebirth premiere. As fans eagerly await the film's release on July 2, 2025, Bailey's relaxed approach serves as a reminder not to take things too seriously, even when facing genetically engineered dinosaurs.
