The untitled sequel to Jurassic World has set the start date for principal photography, with pre-production having been underway at a major UK studio for the last few months.

Shooting will begin in late February – the exact date is on Production Intelligence for subscribers – on the feature which is directed by JA Bayona from a screenplay by Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly and produced by Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley and Belen Atienza.

Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return to lead the cast which follows in the giant footprints of the original. Colin Trevorrow directed the first time around – the film went on to take more than $1.6bn worldwide, at the time making it the fourth highest-grossing film ever.

Reports have suggested that the sequel will film on location in Wales although The Knowledge has been told this is not the case. Hawaii has also been widely suggested as the likely location for the start of shooting.

The Jurassic World sequel is one of many big-budget films heading to the UK for filming this year; it joins Tim Burton”s Dumbo and Guy Ritchie”s Aladdin (both Disney); Tomb Raider; Mission: Impossible 6 and Star Wars Episode IX among others.

For more on these and other feature films utilising UK crew, locations, studios and services, head over to Production Intelligence. Non-subscribers can click here to request a free demo.

Photo credit: Universal Pictures.