The second chapter of the Jurassic saga closes with a bold setup for a third entry that hooks audiences by reuniting iconic figures from the original film—Steven Spielberg’s legacy from thirty years ago—with the new heroes of the modern era, played by Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt.
a) The past and present collide in a nostalgic embrace designed to appeal to multiple generations. The plan to fuse eras was seeded from the outset, yet carefully paced with subtle nods and characters who honor the timeline. “Narratively, this is the most intricate film I’ve worked on,” Colin Trevorrow remarked during a Zoom conversation. “It wasn’t about including the original characters as mere trivia; they share the same energy and drive as Bryce and Chris. The result is a departure from the standard blockbuster rhythm, with two threads running in parallel until they converge. Precision was essential so every piece could click into place.”
The action shifts off Isla Nublar for the first time, as dinosaurs roam in the wider world. This setup sparks confusion and a thoughtful question: can coexistence between species ever be truly balanced? The storyline resonates with ecological concerns that feel timely for today, echoing the themes of environmental stewardship that have informed the franchise since its early days. The ideas—about humanity testing the limits of control and facing the consequences—trace back to Michael Crichton’s novels. In light of recent world events, the film invites viewers to reflect on the unease and transformations happening around them, turning that reflection into the film’s central message.
Jurassic World: Dominion unfolds four years after Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. The landscape has shifted for every character. Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) have started an underground life to shield Maisie Lockwood’s identity, living in isolation to keep the secret safe. Velociraptor Blue has reproduced and now has a young companion. Meanwhile, Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) and Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) enter a major biogenetic company that may be linked to a locust plague threatening global crops, while Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) has evolved into a guiding voice for the group. New figures like Ramsay Cole (Mamoudou Athie) and Kayla Watts (DeWanda Wise) enter the scene, offering fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the mission.
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Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of paleontologists, led by the University of Edinburgh’s Stephen Brusatte, contributed to the dinosaur design and behavior. Brusatte notes that Jurassic Park marked a turning point in how dinosaurs navigated popular culture, but Trevorrow aimed to shift the emphasis away from heavy CGI toward tangible realism. The plan emphasized traditional filmmaking methods—more animatronics, more on-set action, and a broader range of physical cues to convey authentic emotion. One memorable moment, where Laura Dern shares a scene with a baby dinosaur, illustrates how real contact can deepen the performers’ connection with their creatures and enhance on-screen life for audiences.
The director also returns to helm this third installment after JA Bayona’s contribution. Trevorrow praises Bayona as an artist who shaped the film to fit her own cinematic voice. When the trilogy is viewed as a whole, Bayona’s segment stands out as a crucial pivot, shaping the tone and direction of what follows.
Looking ahead, Trevorrow remains focused on cinema as a social ritual rather than a solitary pastime. He encourages audiences to step away from screens and embrace the shared experience of big-screen storytelling. While blockbuster spectacles can help sustain the industry, he also believes there is room for smaller, independent films to make an impact. He cites Everything Everywhere All at Once as a standout achievement that year, underscoring the diverse range of stories capable of resonating with wide audiences.