"Jurassic World Rebirth Trailer Fails to Meet Franchise Expectations"

The summer of 2025 is set to take moviegoers back to the age of dinosaurs with the release of the first trailer for Jurassic World Rebirth, the seventh installment in the iconic Jurassic Park franchise. This new film marks the beginning of a "new era" following the conclusion of the Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard-led trilogy with Jurassic World Dominion. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring a fresh cast including Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali, the film also sees the return of original Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp. However, despite the impressive lineup, the trailer suggests that the movie might be taking a step back from the innovative world of dinosaurs that was promised in Fallen Kingdom and hinted at in Dominion.

Let's delve into what the trailer reveals and what it leaves out, and explore why the Jurassic World series may be missing a significant opportunity.

The Jurassic World trilogy has seen a mixed reception among critics, yet it remains one of the most financially successful blockbuster franchises globally over the past decade. The love for dinosaurs among audiences worldwide ensures that more films in this saga are a given. Universal quickly assembled a new cast and crew for the next chapter, with Gareth Edwards, renowned for his work on Godzilla (2014) and Rogue One, at the helm. Edwards' expertise in handling the scale and detail in VFX-heavy films sets high expectations for Jurassic World Rebirth.

The trailer showcases stunning visuals of dinosaurs in motion, with Edwards' meticulous attention to detail in lighting and proportions making the film visually superior to many unsightly blockbusters of recent times. 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 insight into the new characters, the action sequences and dinosaur screen time are promising. However, the absence of the "world of dinosaurs" concept teased since Fallen Kingdom looms large over the trailer.

The plot of Jurassic World Rebirth takes an all-too-familiar turn with the setting being yet another dinosaur-filled island, this time described as "the research facility for the original Jurassic Park." This choice seems to contradict the established canon and feels like a retreat to the franchise's traditional setting of a tropical island isolated from civilization. The official synopsis from Universal states that "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."

This explanation feels like an unnecessary course correction. The previous trilogy worked hard to establish a world where dinosaurs roamed freely across the globe, yet Rebirth seems to abandon this best new idea in favor of returning to a familiar setting. This decision is puzzling, especially when trying to relaunch the franchise with new characters and ideas. It also raises questions about the consistency of the series' lore, as Dominion showed dinosaurs thriving in various environments around the world.

The Jurassic franchise is a sure bet in Hollywood, with a consistent audience eager to see dinosaurs on the big screen. So, why not seize the opportunity to explore new and innovative settings and storylines? While the trailer might be hiding more exciting elements, such as the rumored original title Jurassic City, it's clear that the series needs to move beyond the tropical island trope. Perhaps a more ambitious approach, akin to the Planet of the Apes series, could unlock new dimensions for the franchise. As we await the full release of Jurassic World Rebirth, we hope the series will embrace the chance to explore fresh territory rather than revisiting old ground.

Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills

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