Jurassic World taps Penny Dreadful director for sequel

Universal Pictures has tapped director J.A. Bayona for its sequel to last year's record-breaking blockbuster, Jurassic World, the studio announced today.

Bayona, most notable work his work on the 2012 Oscar-nominated film The Impossible, was originally attached to direct the sequel to World War Z, but pulled out of the project earlier this year. Bayona has also worked on projects like Showtime's Penny Dreadful series and the 2007 horror film, Orphanage.

Colin Trevorrow, who directed the first film and who will be directing Star Wars: Episode IX, will write the script for the sequel and act as an executive producer alongside Steven Spielberg.

Jurassic World, which pulled in $205 million domestically during its opening weekend, went on to make $1.67 billion worldwide in 2015. The film made $652 million domestically, making it one of the biggest domestic openings the country has ever seen.

Stars Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt are set to reprise their respective roles as head administrator Claire and dinosaur trainer Owen.

Jurassic World 2 is due out June 22, 2018.