Jurassic World: Rebirth's First Trailer: A Prehistoric Step Back?
The first trailer for Jurassic World: Rebirth, the seventh installment in the Jurassic Park franchise, has arrived. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring a new cast including Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali (with the return of original screenwriter David Koepp), the film promises a “new era” following the Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard trilogy. However, the trailer suggests a potential misstep. Where's the globally dispersed dinosaur world teased in Fallen Kingdom and Dominion?
The trailer showcases impressive dinosaur visuals, benefiting from Edwards' expertise in large-scale VFX. The dinosaurs' movement and the attention to detail are noteworthy, contrasting favorably with some recent visually underwhelming blockbusters. Edwards' rapid production timeline—hired in February 2024 and in production by June—makes this achievement even more remarkable. While the new characters need more screen time to fully assess, the action sequences and plentiful dinosaur appearances are promising. (Remember the locusts from Dominion? No? Neither does anyone else.)
Despite the positive aspects, the trailer's reliance on a familiar island setting overshadows its potential. Instead of capitalizing on the global dinosaur presence established in previous films, Rebirth seemingly returns to a secluded island—a supposed "research facility for the original Jurassic Park"—ignoring established canon. The official synopsis explains that dinosaurs now inhabit isolated equatorial environments, a creative choice that feels like an unnecessary retcon. Why establish a "Jurassic World" only to abandon it? This mirrors Dominion's reversal of Fallen Kingdom's ending, confining the action to a preserve. This creative decision undermines the intended relaunch with new characters and ideas.
The established lore also suffers. Dominion depicted dinosaurs thriving in diverse locations, including snowy regions and urban settings. If the world is inhospitable, why did dinosaurs seemingly flourish in the previous film, particularly during the Malta chase sequence—arguably Dominion's best scene?
The Jurassic franchise is a surefire hit; audiences consistently crave dinosaur spectacles. Why not embrace risk and explore uncharted territory? While Rebirth might hold surprises beyond the trailer, the persistent tropical island setting is a missed opportunity. The rumored original title, Jurassic City, hints at a potentially different setting deliberately omitted from the trailer. Regardless, the franchise needs to move beyond its reliance on this familiar trope. While a complete Planet of the Apes style overhaul might be excessive, a middle ground exists, allowing for diverse dinosaur habitats. The hope is that Jurassic World: Rebirth will finally demonstrate the value of innovation over repetition.
Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills
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