Jurassic Revival: Trailer Fails to Deliver on Franchise Promise

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. 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), promises a new era following the Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard trilogy. However, the trailer's premise suggests a regression for the series. Where's the globally dispersed dinosaur world teased in Fallen Kingdom and Dominion?

A Return to Familiar Territory

While the Jurassic World trilogy received mixed reviews, the franchise remains a consistently successful global box office draw. Universal's decision to assemble a new cast and crew, notably director Gareth Edwards (known for his work on Godzilla and Rogue One), is intriguing. Edwards' skill in showcasing scale and detail in VFX-heavy films is undeniable.

The trailer showcases impressive dinosaur visuals, highlighting Edwards' attention to detail. The limited screen time with the new cast prevents a full assessment of their potential, but the action sequences and dinosaur presence are promising. However, the absence of the "world of dinosaurs" concept, a recurring promise since Fallen Kingdom, is a significant concern.

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 ResultsAnother Island?

The film's setting – a seemingly new island described as the original Jurassic Park's research facility – feels like a retread. This contradicts established canon and ignores the global dinosaur presence established in the previous trilogy. The official synopsis explains that the planet's ecology has proven inhospitable to dinosaurs, confining them to isolated equatorial environments.

This feels like an unnecessary step back. Why build up a "Jurassic World" only to abandon it? Similarly to Dominion's reversal of Fallen Kingdom's ending, Rebirth discards the exciting concept of a world overrun by dinosaurs. This creative choice undermines the film's intended relaunch with new characters and ideas. The established lore is also inconsistent; Dominion showed dinosaurs thriving in diverse environments, contradicting Rebirth's premise.

The Jurassic franchise is a safe bet, but why not embrace risk and innovation? While Rebirth might hold surprises beyond the trailer, the persistent reliance on the tropical island setting is a missed opportunity. The franchise needs to move beyond this trope. The potential for exploring new settings and narratives remains untapped. Ultimately, Jurassic World: Rebirth needs to demonstrate the value of exploring new territory rather than rehashing old formulas.

Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills

28 Images