Jurassic World: Rebirth's First Trailer: A Prehistoric Step Backwards?
The first trailer for Jurassic World: Rebirth, the seventh installment in the Jurassic Park franchise, has arrived. This new chapter, helmed by Gareth Edwards and featuring a fresh cast including Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali (alongside the return of original screenwriter David Koepp), marks a supposed "new era" following the Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard trilogy. However, the trailer suggests a regression for the series. The promised "world of dinosaurs," hinted at in Fallen Kingdom and Dominion, seems conspicuously absent.
A Return to Familiar Territory?
While the Jurassic World trilogy received mixed reviews, its box office success is undeniable. The global appetite for dinosaur-themed blockbusters is clear, and Universal's decision to reboot with a new cast and director was predictable. Gareth Edwards, known for his work on Godzilla and Rogue One, brings a unique skillset – a mastery of scale and VFX – that could elevate the franchise. The trailer showcases impressive dinosaur visuals, a testament to Edwards' expertise and efficient production (he was hired in February 2024 and began filming by June). While the new characters remain somewhat undefined, the action sequences and abundant dinosaur screen time are promising.
Despite the visual improvements, the trailer's reliance on a familiar island setting is a missed opportunity. The "world of dinosaurs" concept, established in Fallen Kingdom, is largely ignored.
AnswerSee ResultsAnother Island?The film is set on a previously unseen island, described as the original Jurassic Park research facility. This contradicts established canon and represents a step back to familiar tropes. Why return to this formula when Dominion ended with dinosaurs dispersed globally? The official synopsis explains that the planet's ecology is largely inhospitable to dinosaurs, confining them to isolated equatorial environments.
This feels like an unnecessary retcon. The potential of a truly global dinosaur presence, teased in Fallen Kingdom, is squandered. This creative choice undermines the intended relaunch with new characters and ideas. The inconsistencies with Dominion, which depicted dinosaurs thriving in diverse environments, further weaken this decision.
The Jurassic franchise’s consistent success shouldn't preclude taking risks. While Rebirth might hold surprises beyond the trailer, the continued reliance on the island setting is a missed opportunity. The rumored original title, Jurassic City, hints at a potentially different setting, but the trailer offers little evidence of this. The franchise needs to move beyond its tired tropes and explore new, exciting possibilities.
Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills
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