Gareth Edwards was born on 13 July 1975 inNuneaton, Warwickshire toWelsh parents.[1] Edwards wanted to direct his own films since childhood, stating that "Star Wars is definitely the reason that I wanted to become a filmmaker",[2] having grown up inEngland loving and studyingSteven Spielberg's films and learning tostoryboard and do special effects since watching a documentary about the making ofIndiana Jones and the Temple of Doom at age 10.[3] He attendedHigham Lane School, followed by college atNorth Warwickshire College of Technology and Art (now NWSLC), completing aBTEC National Diploma in Audio Visual Studies under lecturers such as Graham Bird. Edwards studied film and video at theSurrey Institute of Art & Design, University College inFarnham, graduating in 1996.[citation needed] In 2012, he received an honorary Master of Arts from UCA. Edwards got his start in visual effects, creating digital effects for shows includingNova,Perfect Disaster andHeroes and Villains, for which he created 250 visual effects. In 2008, he entered theSci-Fi-London 48-hour film challenge, for which a film had to be created start-to-finish in two days and within certain criteria. Edwards won the contest with his short filmFactory Farmed and went on to write and directMonsters, his first feature.[4][5] Edwards created the visual effects forMonsters using off-the-shelf equipment. Besides the two main actors, the crew consisted of just five people.[6]
Edwards at the Japan premiere forRogue One in 2016
The success ofMonsters brought sufficient awareness in Hollywood to land first major projects. After the film's release, he had interviews with several studios, includingLegendary Pictures.[7] In January 2011,[8] Edwards got his first major feature deal, to direct the 2014Godzilla reboot fromWarner Bros. and Legendary Pictures.[9][10]
Edwards with his certificate naming him as a Freeman of the Borough of Nuneaton & Bedworth
In February 2020, it was reported that Edwards was set to direct and write a film with the working titledTrue Love forNew Regency, withRogue One co-producer Kiri Hart serving as producer for the project. The film has since been renamed and released in 2023 asThe Creator.[15] The film starsJohn David Washington.[16] It marked his second collaboration withRogue One cinematographerGreig Fraser and his first collaboration with composerHans Zimmer.[17][18] It was released on 29 September 2023.[19]
In February 2024, it was reported that Edwards was set to directJurassic World Rebirth forUniversal Pictures scheduled for 2 July 2025.[21] Edwards replacedDavid Leitch, who had left the project over creative differences with the studio.[22]
