'Jurassic World' sequel finds new director J.A. Bayona

LOS ANGELES, April 18 (UPI) -- The Impossible helmer J.A. Bayona has signed on to direct Universal's upcoming sequel to Jurassic World.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bayona was courted by the studio during his discussions with Paramount about directing World War Z 2. The director left that project in January giving him the opportunity to take on the high-grossing dinosaur franchise.

Original Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow is still remaining on the sequel, writing the script alongside his frequent collaborator Derek Connolly. Trevorrow left the director's chair for Jurassic after signing on to direct Star Wars: Episode IX.

"Proud to collaborate with one of my favorite filmmakers on the next Jurassic adventure," Trevorrow tweeted Monday in response to Bayona's hiring. "JA Bayona, it's all yours."

"It's official! So excited to join the Jurassic Team!!" Bayona also wrote on Twitter alongside the logo for Jurassic World.

Stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are expected to reprise their roles for the sequel as Owen Grady and Claire Dearing. Jurassic World 2 is due in theaters June 22, 2018.

Bayona is currently working on another film, A Monster Calls, starring Liam Neeson and Felicity Jones arriving in theaters Oct. 14.