The Jurassic World Franchise Wrote a Check That the Rebirth Trailer Refuses to Cash

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 (along with the return of original screenwriter David Koepp), marks a purported “new era” following the Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard trilogy. However, the trailer suggests a potentially disappointing regression for the series.

A Return to Familiar Territory?

While the Jurassic World trilogy received mixed reviews, the franchise remains a consistent box office powerhouse. The global appetite for dinosaur-themed blockbusters is undeniable, leading Universal to quickly assemble a new team for further installments. Gareth Edwards's involvement is particularly intriguing, given his expertise in crafting large-scale VFX sequences.

The trailer showcases impressive dinosaur visuals, a testament to Edwards's skill and attention to detail. However, a significant concern emerges: the apparent abandonment of the "world of dinosaurs" concept hinted at in Fallen Kingdom and Dominion. The trailer's focus on a seemingly isolated island setting feels like a missed opportunity.

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 research facility, feels like a retread of familiar territory. This choice contradicts prior established lore and ignores the potential of a world teeming with dinosaurs, as depicted in the previous films. The official synopsis explains the dinosaurs' confinement to isolated equatorial environments, but this feels like an unnecessary step back. Why establish a "Jurassic World" only to abandon it?

This creative decision is particularly perplexing given the attempt to relaunch the franchise with new characters. The trailer's lack of focus on the global dinosaur presence established in Dominion is jarring. The franchise's inherent safety as a box office draw should encourage more creative risks.

While Rebirth might hold surprises beyond the initial trailer (the rumored original title, Jurassic City, hints at a different setting), the reliance on the tropical island trope feels outdated. The franchise needs to break free from this limitation and explore new environments. The hope is that Jurassic World: Rebirth will ultimately deliver, but a more innovative approach is long overdue.

Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills

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