Scarlett Johansson's role in the upcoming "Jurassic World Rebirth" has her reflecting on how her previous action roles prepared her for the demands of the dinosaur-filled world. The actress, known for her portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, sees a clear connection between the physical training she underwent for those films and the requirements of her new role as Zora Bennett.
Johansson plays Zora Bennett, a skilled covert operations expert leading a dangerous expedition to secure genetic material. Her mission takes her to a forbidden island that once housed a research facility for the original Jurassic Park, now populated by dangerous dinosaurs.
According to Johansson, the "years of weapons training" and stunt work from her past roles have been invaluable in preparing her for the action-heavy scenes in "Jurassic World Rebirth". While she doesn't specify the exact nature of the weapons training, it's reasonable to assume it includes firearms handling, tactical maneuvers, and hand-to-hand combat. This expertise likely informs her character's movements, combat strategies, and overall confidence in high-pressure situations.
Beyond the weapons training, Johansson emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and agility in tackling the role. The film involves a lot of running, jumping, and navigating treacherous terrain while evading prehistoric predators. Her experience in demanding action roles has undoubtedly built the stamina and physical awareness necessary to perform these stunts safely and convincingly.
The actress also spoke about how "Jurassic Park" impacted her childhood. Johansson recalls seeing the original "Jurassic Park" film at the age of 10 and being "transfixed, mesmerized, carried away [and] terrified". She stated that being part of the Jurassic universe is meaningful to her because of its Spielbergian roots.
"Jurassic World Rebirth" is directed by Gareth Edwards and written by David Koepp. The film also stars Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. "Jurassic World Rebirth" is set to be released in theaters July 2, 2025.
