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, 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), marks a supposed "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, its consistent box office success underscores the enduring global fascination with dinosaurs. Universal's decision to assemble a new cast and crew, with the notable addition of Gareth Edwards (known for his work on Godzilla and Rogue One), was a strategic move. Edwards' expertise in large-scale VFX-heavy films, particularly his skill in rendering CGI, presents a potential advantage.

The trailer showcases impressive dinosaur visuals, highlighting Edwards' attention to detail in terms of lighting and proportions. The production, completed on a reportedly tight schedule (Edwards was hired in February 2024 and began production by June), is remarkable. While the new cast remains somewhat undefined in the trailer, the action sequences and dinosaur presence are promising.

Despite the positive aspects, the trailer's reliance on a familiar setting casts a shadow. The "world of dinosaurs" concept, teased since Fallen Kingdom, seems largely absent.

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, yet familiar, island research facility – feels like a step back. Ignoring established lore, the choice to return to an isolated island setting, rather than exploring the global dinosaur presence established in previous films, is questionable. The official synopsis explains the dinosaurs' confinement to isolated equatorial environments, but this feels like an unnecessary retcon. Why establish a "Jurassic World" only to abandon it?

This creative decision contradicts the potential of the series. Dominion already limited the scope of dinosaur activity, and Rebirth further undermines the exciting possibilities presented by Fallen Kingdom's ending. The choice to return to a familiar formula undermines the intended relaunch with new characters and ideas.

The established lore is also inconsistent. Dominion depicted dinosaurs thriving in diverse environments, including urban settings. The film's explanation of inhospitable environments doesn't reconcile with the previous film's depiction.

The Jurassic franchise's consistent success should encourage more creative risk-taking. While Rebirth might hold surprises beyond the trailer, the reliance on a tired trope is disappointing. The franchise needs to move beyond the island setting to explore new narrative possibilities. While a full-scale "Planet of the Apes" style shift isn't necessary, a middle ground is possible. Ultimately, Rebirth's success will depend on whether it embraces innovation or simply recycles the past.

Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills

28 Images