"Jurassic World Rebirth Trailer Fails to Deliver on Franchise Promises"

The summer movie season of 2025 is set to take us back to the age of dinosaurs with the release of the first trailer for Jurassic World Rebirth. As the seventh installment in the Jurassic Park franchise and the inaugural film of a "new era" following the conclusion of the Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard-led trilogy with Jurassic World Dominion, this new chapter is helmed by director Gareth Edwards. It introduces a fresh cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali. Despite the impressive lineup, which also sees the return of original Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp, the trailer suggests a narrative that feels like a regression for the series. The promised world of dinosaurs from Fallen Kingdom and teased in Dominion seems to be missing. Let's delve into what the trailer reveals and conceals, and explore why the Jurassic World series might be overlooking its most significant potential.

The Jurassic World trilogy received mixed reception from critics, yet it remains one of the most financially successful blockbuster franchises over the past decade. The global audience's love for dinosaurs ensured that more films were on the horizon, even after Universal decided to retire the original cast. The studio quickly assembled a new team, with Gareth Edwards, known for his work on 2014's Godzilla and Rogue One, bringing a unique perspective. Edwards excels at capturing the scale in VFX-heavy films, and his CGI expertise positions him well for mainstream blockbusters, setting him apart from many directors transitioning from indie or Sundance films to larger projects.

However, the trailer for Jurassic World Rebirth hints at a departure from the 'world of dinosaurs' concept teased since Fallen Kingdom, which looms over the trailer like an erupting volcano. The dinosaurs are beautifully animated, and Edwards' attention to detail in terms of scale and lighting elevates the film's visual appeal above many recent unsightly blockbusters. Remarkably, Edwards managed this feat on a tight schedule, having been hired in February 2024 and starting production by June. While the trailer doesn't give us much time with the new characters, the action sequences and dinosaur screen time are promising, unlike the forgettable evil locusts from Jurassic World Dominion.

Despite these positive aspects, the absence of the 'world of dinosaurs' concept remains a concern. The trailer's focus on a new island setting feels like a step back, especially when the previous trilogy concluded with dinosaurs roaming the globe.

The setting of Jurassic World Rebirth on yet another island, described as "the research facility for the original Jurassic Park," feels like a retreat to familiar territory. This choice contradicts the established canon and seems to ignore the potential of the 'world of dinosaurs' concept. According to Universal's official synopsis, "Five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, the planet's ecology has proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived."

Moreover, this choice doesn't align with the established lore from previous films. Dominion depicted dinosaurs thriving in various global environments, from snowy regions to urban settings. If the world was so inhospitable to dinosaurs, why did they seem to adapt so well in the last movie? The Malta chase in Dominion, showcasing carnivores rampaging through a city, was one of the most innovative sequences in the film. Given the Jurassic franchise's consistent box office success, it's a missed opportunity not to explore new and different settings.

The Jurassic franchise is one of the safest bets in Hollywood, so why not take a chance and do something truly different with this series? There's a possibility that Jurassic World Rebirth has more to offer than what's shown in the trailer. The film was rumored to be titled Jurassic City, suggesting a different setting that might be intentionally concealed. However, it's time for the franchise to move beyond the tropical island motif. While not suggesting a full transition to a Planet of the Apes-style world with dinosaurs, there should be a middle ground to showcase these creatures in new environments. We'll see how Jurassic World Rebirth unfolds, but for now, we hope the franchise will embrace the opportunity to explore fresh and innovative ideas rather than rehashing the old.

Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills

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