Credit: Universal PicturesJurassic World Rebirth is shaping up to be a thrilling return to the series, with Universal Pictures promising a “sinister, shocking discovery that’s been hidden from the world for decades.” While the synopsis also teases plenty of action and mystery, it’s the potential implications of this twist that have sparked speculation.
Though there are many possibilities, from human-dino hybrids to mutant dinosaurs, could the franchise be preparing to reintroduce “natural” dinosaurs—creatures that survived extinction without InGen’s interference?
For over 30 years, Jurassic Park has been synonymous with the extraordinary concept of resurrecting dinosaurs through genetic engineering.
From the original film’s iconic quotes (one of many), “Life finds a way,” to the disastrous consequences of meddling with nature, the series has always centered on humanity’s attempts to control nature. But what if the shocking revelation in Rebirth flips this narrative on its head?
Set photos of ancient ruins presumably link to the film’s new tropical island setting (which isn’t believed to be Isla Nublar or Site B), certainly lend to this possibility. Could these structures suggest a “lost world” scenario in which dinosaurs survived the mass extinction event 65 million years ago? Is this where Scarlett Johansson’s covert operations expert Zora Bennett and her team is headed?
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This wouldn’t be entirely out of left field for the franchise. Michael Crichton’s novel “The Lost World” delved into debates among its characters about the possibility of surviving dinosaurs. While the story ultimately attributed their presence to InGen’s Site B operations, the idea of “natural” dinosaurs has lingered somewhat in the franchise’s subtext.
While intriguing, the downside is that such a revelation would undoubtedly rewrite the rules of Jurassic Park. If dinosaurs have existed independently of InGen’s cloning experiments, it raises profound questions about the entire series’ foundation.
Were InGen’s scientists merely following breadcrumbs left by a species that had already endured? In other words, did they simply clone existing dinosaurs rather than create them from the offset?
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From a storytelling perspective, the concept of natural dinosaurs opens a Pandora’s box of possibilities. Imagine an ancient ecosystem untouched by human hands, where dinosaurs have continued to evolve alongside their environment.
But, of course, this shift would also come with risks. The introduction of natural dinosaurs might be seen as a departure from the core themes of genetic hubris that have defined the franchise. After all, Jurassic Park is as much a cautionary tale as it is a spectacle.
To pivot away from that could alienate longtime fans who value the series’ ethical underpinnings. However, it might also be the fresh direction needed to breathe new life into the franchise.
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Whether Universal Pictures is ready to take this bold step remains to be seen. For now, the idea of natural dinosaurs is pure speculation, but the notion aligns with the cryptic hints sprinkled throughout the film’s promotional material, including the film’s supposed “ingenious new direction” as also teased in the official synopsis.
Otherwise, we have nothing else to go on. So far, all the screenshots from the film have featured the new characters (Scarlett Johansson’s Zora Bennett, Jonathan Bailey’s Henry Loomis, Mahershala Ali’s Duncan Kincaid, and Rupert Friend’s Martin Krebs), and nothing more.
If the filmmakers can strike a balance between the awe-inspiring wonder of these ancient creatures and the franchise’s darker undercurrents, Jurassic World Rebirth could deliver one of the most intriguing chapters in the series’ history.
Jurassic World Rebirth is set to debut in theaters on July 2, 2025. Whether this new chapter features genetically engineered clones or “natural” dinosaurs, fans are bracing themselves for a prehistoric adventure like no other.
The film stars Scarlett Johansson (Avengers: Endgame), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer), Rupert Friend (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Mahershala Ali (The Green Book), Luna Blaise (Manifest), David Iacono (Dead Boy Detectives), Audrina Miranda (Lopez vs Lopez), Philippine Velge (Station Eleven), Bechir Sylvain (BMF), and Ed Skrein (Deadpool).
What are your thoughts on the potential twist? Let us know in the comments below!