'Jurassic' Sequel Unveils Disappointing Trailer

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, directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring a fresh cast including Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali (alongside the return of screenwriter David Koepp), marks a purported "new era" following the Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard trilogy. However, the trailer suggests a potential regression for the series. Where's the globally dispersed dinosaur world promised by Fallen Kingdom and teased again in Dominion?

The trailer showcases impressive dinosaur visuals, highlighting Edwards' skill in creating large-scale VFX sequences. The dinosaurs' movement and the attention to detail are noteworthy improvements over some recent visually underwhelming blockbusters. Edwards' rapid turnaround—hired in February 2024 and in production by June—is also remarkable. While the new cast remains somewhat undefined in the trailer, the action sequences and extensive dinosaur screen time are promising. (Remember the locusts from Dominion? Probably not, and that's telling.)

Despite cautious optimism, the trailer's biggest letdown is its apparent disregard for the "world of dinosaurs" concept established in Fallen Kingdom. The film appears to revert to the familiar trope of a secluded island—neither Isla Nublar nor Isla Sorna, but a purported original Jurassic Park research facility—populated by dinosaurs isolated from civilization. This creative choice feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering the previous trilogy's efforts to establish a global dinosaur presence. The official synopsis explains that the planet's ecology has become inhospitable to dinosaurs, confining them to equatorial environments. However, this contradicts the events of Dominion, which depicted dinosaurs thriving in diverse locations, including urban areas. The Malta chase sequence in Dominion, showcasing carnivores in a city, was arguably the film's most creative and exciting moment. Why abandon this compelling concept?

The Jurassic franchise is a Hollywood safe bet; audiences consistently crave dinosaur spectacles. Why not embrace the opportunity to break from established conventions and explore uncharted territory? While Rebirth's initial title was rumored to be Jurassic City, suggesting a different setting, the trailer currently points towards a familiar island setting. The franchise needs to move beyond the tropical island formula. It doesn't necessarily need to go full Planet of the Apes with dinosaurs, but a middle ground—showcasing dinosaurs in novel environments—is long overdue. The hope is that Jurassic World: Rebirth will finally demonstrate the value of innovation over recycling past successes.

Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills

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