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

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. 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. The promised "world of dinosaurs," teased in Fallen Kingdom and Dominion, seems conspicuously absent.

A Return to Familiar Territory?

While the Jurassic World trilogy received mixed reviews, the franchise remains a consistent box office powerhouse. The global appeal of dinosaurs is undeniable, and despite Universal's initial intention to retire the original World cast, further installments were inevitable. Gareth Edwards' involvement is particularly noteworthy, given his expertise in creating large-scale, VFX-heavy blockbusters. His experience shines through; the trailer showcases impressive dinosaur visuals, surpassing many recent underwhelming blockbusters. His rapid production timeline (hired February 2024, in production by June) is remarkable. While the new cast needs further evaluation, the action sequences and substantial dinosaur screen time are promising. (Remember the locusts from Dominion? Probably not.)

Despite the visual achievements, the trailer's failure to fully embrace the "world of dinosaurs" concept is a significant concern.

The film's setting – a seemingly new island described as the "research facility for the original Jurassic Park" – feels like a retread. This contradicts previous canon and represents a return to the franchise's familiar tropical island setting, ignoring the global dinosaur presence established in the previous trilogy. The official synopsis explains that the planet's ecology is inhospitable to dinosaurs, confining them to isolated equatorial environments. This feels like an unnecessary course correction, undermining the potential of the "Jurassic World" concept built up over the previous films. Dominion already reversed Fallen Kingdom's ending, limiting dinosaur activity to a preserve. Rebirth further diminishes this promising storyline.

This creative choice is particularly baffling given the film's intended relaunch with new characters. The established lore is also inconsistent; Dominion depicted dinosaurs thriving in diverse environments, contradicting the inhospitable world presented in Rebirth. The Malta chase in Dominion was a highlight, showcasing dinosaurs in an urban setting. The franchise's consistent success warrants taking creative risks and exploring uncharted territory.

While Rebirth may hold unforeseen surprises, the reliance on the familiar island setting is disappointing. The rumored original title, Jurassic City, hints at a potentially different setting not shown in the trailer. Regardless, the franchise needs to move beyond its reliance on this trope. A balance needs to be struck, allowing for new environments while maintaining the core appeal of the dinosaurs. Ultimately, Rebirth's success hinges on its ability to break free from the past and embrace fresh ideas.

Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills

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