'Jurassic World 2' release date, news: director J.A. Bayona says sequel will balance 'the new stuff and the old stuff'

When "Jurassic World" came out, critics started complaining that the film was just a remake of "Jurassic Park." Well, the filmmakers may have played it safe with "Jurassic World" by replicating a formula that worked on the first film, but things are going to be different with the sequel.

In an interview with The Playlist, "Jurassic World 2" director J.A. Bayona shared some details about the sequel and he said the film was going to be a balance "between the new stuff and the old stuff."

"I think what is tricky about doing the fifth movie of a franchise is how will you bring in new stuff and still pay tribute to what we all know and the legacy of the film," he stated. Bayona added that executive producer/screenwriter Colin Trevorrow managed to find a balance between the two, and he was surprised when Trevorrow pitched him the story for "Jurassic World 2."

"I was kind of surprised when he pitched me the story because it leads the story to a place that we've never seen before and it brings some of the most important elements from the other films and makes something with them," he said.

In past interviews, Bayona has already revealed that "Jurassic World 2" was going to be darker than its predecessors. And it's going to tackle some real-world issues such as animal abuse and animal rights.

Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard will reprise their roles as Owen Grady and Claire Dearing in "Jurassic World 2," and Toby Jones, Rafe Spall and Justice Smith will also join the cast. B.D. Wong's return isn't confirmed yet, but producer Frank Marshall has hinted that his character, Dr. Henry Wu, may return in the sequel. Composer Michael Giacchino is also coming back to score the film.

"Jurassic World 2" is set to premiere on June 22, 2018.