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, directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring a fresh cast including Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali (alongside the return of screenwriter David Koepp), marks a new era following the Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard trilogy. However, initial impressions suggest a potentially disappointing return to familiar territory.

A Cretaceous Regression?

While the Jurassic World trilogy received mixed reviews, its consistent box office success underscores global audiences' enduring fascination with dinosaurs. Universal's decision to replace the original cast was predictable, leading to the recruitment of Edwards, known for his skill in crafting large-scale VFX sequences (as seen in Godzilla and Rogue One). His expertise in CGI offers a potential advantage.

The trailer showcases impressive dinosaur visuals, highlighting Edwards' attention to detail. However, the film's apparent disregard for the "world of dinosaurs" concept, teased since Fallen Kingdom, is a significant concern. The dinosaurs look stunning, but the setting feels disappointingly familiar.

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 ResultsIsland Redux?

The trailer reveals another dinosaur-infested island, seemingly a third location distinct from Isla Nublar and Isla Sorna. This decision to return to the familiar island setting feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering the previous trilogy's conclusion, which depicted dinosaurs dispersed globally. The official synopsis suggests that the planet's ecology is inhospitable to dinosaurs, confining them to isolated equatorial regions. This explanation, however, feels like an unnecessary retcon.

This creative choice undermines the potential of Rebirth as a franchise relaunch. The film's return to the island setting contradicts the established lore of Dominion, which showcased dinosaurs thriving in diverse environments. The franchise's inherent safety as a Hollywood bet shouldn't preclude exploring fresh, innovative concepts.

While Rebirth might hold surprises beyond the trailer, the persistent reliance on the tropical island setting is a concern. The rumored original title, Jurassic City, hints at a potentially different setting not revealed in the preview. Regardless, the franchise needs to break free from its reliance on this tired trope. While a complete overhaul isn't necessary, a middle ground that incorporates new environments is crucial.

Jurassic World Rebirth - Trailer 1 Stills

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