The R-Rated 'Jurassic Park' Fans Have Dreamed of For 32 Years Is Coming This Year

For decades, Jurassic Park fans haven’t been shy about crying out for an R-rated sequel, prequel, or television series. At this rate, even a brutal video game would satiate their appetites.

While there is the upcoming first-person title “Jurassic Park: Survival,” unfortunately, like the rest of the franchise, whether films or animated shows, Jurassic will always need to have broad universal appeal. It’s likely the reason why Jurassic World Rebirth (2025) is currently stomping towards $800 million worldwide.

The desire to see the franchise take on a darker edge doesn’t just stem from the 1993 film, which has moments of genuine horror (the same can be said of its 1997 sequel, The Lost World) — it also comes from the original best-selling novels by Michael Crichton: “Jurassic Park” and “The Lost World”. Crichton’s books are brutal, describing the dinosaur-on-human kills in realistic and unflinchingly graphic detail. 

But while the Jurassic franchise will continue with new films, animated shows, and video games, it’s unlikely any of them will ever be given that violent edge that’s been missing from the franchise since The Lost World. Since that film, the dinosaur kills have been frustratingly muted, and Rebirth is no exception.

Fans disappointed with the latest sequel might be calling for a remake of the 1993 film that’s more faithful to Crichton’s book in terms of tone and violence, but let’s face it — that’s never going to happen. At least not while new films continue to devour the best part of $1 billion or more worldwide. There is, however, some light at the end of the tunnel. Or unrelenting darkness, however you choose to look at it.

Recently, we talked about a fan-made short film from Jurassic fan Krenautican, which depicts the final moments of Mr. Arnold (Samuel L. Jackson) in the 1993 film. It’s the stuff nightmares are made of, but sadly, it’s unofficial. However, now, there is an official dino-horror coming out. It’s not a Jurassic Park or World entry, but it is an R-rated action horror movie that’s also based on a popular book.

Primitive War (2025) is an upcoming film from director Luke Sparke. It’s based on the 2017 book of the same name by Ethan Pettus, which has garnered a cult following over the years. Watch the trailer below:

Primitive War is “an action-packed war film that pits battle-hardened soldiers against the greatest predators that ever walked the earth.” 

“Vietnam. 1968. A recon unit known as Vulture Squad is sent to an isolated jungle valley to uncover the fate of a missing Green Beret platoon. They soon discover they are not alone,” the official synopsis reads.

Related: New ‘Jurassic’ Theme Park Experience Features a Rotating Movie Theater Described as “Kind of a Ride”

While some of the CGI leaves a lot to be desired, most of it is strangely impressive for a relatively low-budget flick, and the trailer has been well-received by dinosaur movie enthusiasts.

“Finally, a rated R dinosaur movie. I’ve been waiting years for this,” one viewer says. Another writes, “Please spread this around, we can’t let Jurassic Park be the only movie willing to do anything with dinosaurs.”

One viewer celebrates the fact that we’re finally getting “a dinosaur movie with no children.” Those “smaller versions of adults” as Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) once put it has long been a point of contention with Jurassic fans.

Sure, the film looks slightly cheap, but compared to some of those Syfy dino flicks, it looks like a multi-million dollar blockbuster. And it can’t be any worse than Jurassic World Rebirth (the film’s tagline pokes fun at Jurassic, quipping, “This ain’t no walk in the park”).

We’re also getting some other non-Jurassic, dino-filled content soon, including the independent video game “Clawed,” which takes place in an abandoned dinosaur theme park.

Primitive War stars Ryan Kwanten, Tricia Helfer, Nick Wechsler, Jeremy Piven, Anthony Ingruber, Ana Thu Nguyen, Aaron Glenane, Carlos Sanson, Albert Mwangi, and Adolphus Waylee. It releases in theaters on August 21.

Will you be watching Primitive War? Are you happy that we’re getting a dinosaur movie that isn’t Jurassic? Let us know what you think in the comments!