Universal Pictures
For over three decades, since the release of Steven Spielberg’s iconic “Jurassic Park,” the franchise has remained a dominant force in the film industry. Despite the consensus that none of the sequels have surpassed the 1993 adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel, the franchise’s success is undeniable. Collectively, the six “Jurassic” films have grossed over $6 billion globally. The franchise is set to expand with the release of “Jurassic World Rebirth” next summer, a film with the weighty task of securing the franchise’s future.
Before discussing the challenges this new installment faces, let’s examine what we know so far. “Rebirth” is not a complete reboot but a continuation from the events of 2022’s “Dominion.” However, none of the previous characters will be returning. Instead, Scarlett Johansson (“Black Widow”) will lead a new ensemble as Zora Bennett. Universal recently released the first synopsis for “Rebirth,” which is as follows:
Set five years after “Jurassic World Dominion,” the world’s ecology has become largely unsuitable for dinosaurs. The remaining dinosaurs inhabit isolated equatorial environments similar to their original habitats. The three largest creatures within this tropical biosphere possess the key to a drug that could bring life-saving benefits to humanity.
Further character descriptions reveal, “When Zora’s operation intersects with a civilian family whose boating expedition was capsized by aquatic dinosaurs, they all find themselves stranded on an island where they uncover a shocking, sinister secret that’s been hidden from the world for decades.” This plotline suggests a shift towards sustainability, a necessary change following the grandiosity of the “Jurassic World” trilogy.
The Jurassic World trilogy created a significant issue
Universal Pictures
Before I delve into the next section, let me clarify: “Jurassic Park” is my all-time favorite movie. I will passionately defend “The Lost World,” and despite its flaws, I have a soft spot for “Jurassic Park III.” I’m also a huge fan of 2015’s “Jurassic World.” However, “Fallen Kingdom” was, at best, a mixed experience for me. The most significant problem? “Dominion” failed to build upon the foundation laid by “Fallen Kingdom.”
“Dominion” promised a world where dinosaurs coexisted with humans. “Fallen Kingdom” had obliterated Isla Nublar, leaving no other option. However, the film merely confined the dinosaurs to another isolated area and shifted focus to giant locusts. The last two films escalated the stakes to an unsustainable level, leaving us with nowhere to go. How do you move forward after blowing up Isla Nublar? How do you regain control after releasing dinosaurs into the world?
The solution can’t be to continue escalating. While “Jurassic Park III” is not a masterpiece, its charm lies in its contained adventure and exciting dinosaur action. If the franchise is to continue expanding, it needs to embrace this approach. Even Sam Neill, one of the original stars, has warmed up to “JP III” recently. There’s merit in this approach, as the film has its defenders!
The Jurassic franchise needs to return to its roots
Universal Pictures
Fortunately, it appears that “Rebirth” director Gareth Edwards, known for “Rogue One” and “Godzilla,” understands the need for a more grounded approach. “Rebirth” promises meaningful stakes with a potential life-saving drug and a return to isolated dinosaur habitats. Coupled with the subplot involving the shipwrecked family, the film may be stepping back from the ‘bigger is better’ mentality.
It’s crucial to remember that no franchise is immune to failure. Take the “Transformers” films, for instance. They were guaranteed successes until “The Last Knight” underperformed, earning $602 million worldwide on a massive $217 million budget, a significant drop from its predecessor “Age of Extinction.” Despite grossing $1 billion worldwide, “Dominion” received mostly negative reviews and was the lowest-grossing film in the trilogy, leaving many audience members disappointed. The automatic audience investment may no longer be a given.
Given these circumstances, it’s vital to try something different. By default, this implies a smaller scale. This approach could prevent budget inflation and, if the studio can make these new films more “Park” than “World,” it could ensure the franchise’s longevity. However, the key decision-makers need to rein in the scale to prevent the franchise from going extinct.
“Jurassic World Rebirth” is slated for release on July 2, 2025.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
