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 (along with 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, the franchise remains a consistent box office powerhouse. The global appetite for dinosaur-themed blockbusters is undeniable, and despite Universal's initial plan to retire the previous cast, a continuation was inevitable. Gareth Edwards, known for his masterful visual scale in films like Godzilla and Rogue One, is a particularly intriguing choice for director, bringing a unique expertise in VFX-heavy productions. His efficiency is noteworthy, given the film's rapid production timeline (hired February 2024, in production by June).

The trailer showcases impressive dinosaur visuals, a testament to Edwards' skill. The action sequences look promising, and the substantial dinosaur screen time is a welcome sight. However, a significant concern overshadows the positive aspects: the apparent abandonment of the "world of dinosaurs" concept teased in Fallen Kingdom and alluded to in Dominion.

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 trailer reveals a new island setting, described as the original Jurassic Park's research facility. This feels like a retread of familiar territory, ignoring the global dinosaur presence established in previous films. The official synopsis explains that the planet's ecology is unsuitable for most dinosaurs, confining them to isolated equatorial environments. This feels like an unnecessary step back, particularly considering the potential of the "world of dinosaurs" concept. The film's return to an isolated island setting undermines the potential of the series' most innovative idea.

This creative decision is particularly puzzling given the attempt to relaunch the franchise with new characters. The established lore is also inconsistent; Dominion depicted dinosaurs thriving in diverse environments, contradicting the new setting's explanation. The franchise's consistent success should encourage more creative risks, exploring uncharted territory instead of revisiting well-worn tropes.

While Jurassic World: Rebirth might hold surprises beyond the initial trailer (rumored previous title "Jurassic City" hints at a different setting), the reliance on the familiar island motif feels outdated. The franchise needs to move beyond this trope and embrace new environments to truly revitalize itself. Only time will tell if Rebirth succeeds, but the hope is for the franchise to finally prioritize innovation over repetition.

Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills

28 Images