Jurassic World: Rebirth's First Trailer: A Step Backwards?

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, along with the return of original screenwriter David Koepp, the film promises a "new era" for the series. However, the trailer hints at a potential misstep.

A Return to Familiar Territory?

While the Jurassic World trilogy had a mixed critical reception, its box office success is undeniable. Universal's decision to reboot the series with a new cast and director, Gareth Edwards (known for his visual spectacle in films like Godzilla and Rogue One), was a calculated move. Edwards' expertise in large-scale VFX is evident in the trailer's impressive dinosaur visuals. Despite a compressed production schedule (hiring in February 2024 and production by June), the film's visual quality is striking. However, the trailer's focus on a seemingly familiar island setting raises concerns.

The trailer's breathtaking visuals and impressive dinosaur animation are undeniable highlights. Yet, the lack of exploration of the "world of dinosaurs" concept, teased since Fallen Kingdom, is a significant drawback. The return to an isolated island setting feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering the global dinosaur presence established in Dominion.

Who's the best Jurassic hero character?

Alan Grant (Sam Neill)Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern)Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum)Owen Grady (Chris Pratt)Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard)I haven't seen Rebirth yet but I'm voting for Scarlett Johansson already.Other (Tell us in the comments.)AnswerSee ResultsIsland Setting: A Creative Regression?

The film's setting on a previously unseen island, described as the "research facility for the original Jurassic Park," feels like a step back. This contradicts established canon and ignores the potential of a world populated by dinosaurs, as depicted in Fallen Kingdom and Dominion. The official synopsis suggests dinosaurs now inhabit isolated equatorial environments, but this explanation feels like an unnecessary retcon. Why establish a global dinosaur presence only to revert to the familiar island setting?

This creative choice is particularly puzzling given the series' attempt to relaunch with new characters. The decision to abandon the "world of dinosaurs" concept, a fresh and exciting idea, is baffling. The inconsistencies with Dominion, which showed dinosaurs thriving in diverse environments, further amplify this concern.

Missed Opportunities and Future Potential

The Jurassic franchise is a Hollywood success story, but its reliance on familiar tropes limits its potential. While Rebirth might hold surprises beyond the trailer, the continued focus on an island setting is disappointing. The rumored original title, Jurassic City, suggests a different approach that the trailer may be concealing. Regardless, the franchise needs to move beyond the island motif to truly explore its potential. While a complete overhaul isn't necessary, a middle ground that incorporates new and diverse settings is crucial for the series' future. Only time will tell if Rebirth successfully breaks free from its past.

Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills

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