Controversy has broken out around the new film, Jurassic World Rebirth being screened as part of “AMC’s Screen Unseen,” program. This stems from several issues raised by audiences and critics following the surprise screening on June 23, 2025:

1. Mixed Reception and Studio Strategy: Universal’s decision to screen Jurassic World Rebirth early via AMC’s Screen Unseen, where the movie’s title is not revealed in advance, has been interpreted as a strategic move to generate buzz with younger movie goers, while potentially avoiding early critical scrutiny. At my screening, this worked as it was sold out and many hipster types were wearing Jurassic Park t-shirt, etc. Some X posts suggest Universal anticipated positive audience reactions but expected critics to dislike the film, as the screening occurred before the review embargo lifted. This has sparked debate about whether the studio was trying to control the narrative around the film’s quality.
2. Disappointing Audience Reactions: Despite the studio’s apparent confidence, early audience reactions from the Screen Unseen event were largely underwhelming. Several X users described the film as “mid at best,” “not a good movie,” or suggested the franchise should be retired. Criticisms focused on weak storytelling, particularly when the plot centered on family dynamics, and an unsatisfying ending. These negative reactions have fueled controversy, as they contrast with the studio’s apparent hope for positive word-of-mouth buzz. From my positive reaction, watch video below, I was part of a very positive audience that clapped serval times. So this negative reaction is a bit curious.

1. Perceived Lack of Confidence: The choice to limit showtimes for the Screen Unseen event, as noted in an X post, has led to speculation that Universal wanted to create hype without flooding theaters at the discounted $5–$6 ticket price. This move has been seen by some as a lack of confidence in the film’s ability to draw large crowds or sustain positive reactions, adding to the controversy around the screening strategy. I feel that general audiences and families will come in droves to see this despite the above mentioned claims.
2. Franchise Fatigue: The Screen Unseen reactions have amplified broader discussions about the Jurassic World franchise’s relevance. Some attendees expressed frustration that Rebirth felt “sanitized” and lacked innovation, doing little to justify its existence compared to earlier films. This sentiment has contributed to the controversy, as it questions whether Universal’s decision to push the film through a surprise screening was an attempt to mask perceived weaknesses in a franchise struggling to maintain audience interest.

In short, the controversy centers on Universal’s strategic use of AMC’s Screen Unseen to screen Jurassic World Rebirth, the mixed-to-negative audience reactions that followed, and the perception that the studio may have been trying to manage expectations for a film that has not resonated strongly with viewers. The debate reflects concerns about the film’s quality, the franchise’s direction, and the studio’s marketing tactics.