The Jurassic Park franchise has always captivated audiences with its thrilling spectacle of dinosaurs, chaos, and larger-than-life action. Since the release of Steven Spielberg’s iconic 1993 film, the series has evolved through sequels, reboots, and reinventions, continuously delivering the same exhilaration of watching towering prehistoric creatures on screen. While some entries have faced mockery and criticism for their outlandish plots, the franchise’s mix of absurdity, star power, and entertainment has remained its core appeal.
With the release of the first trailer for Jurassic World: Rebirth on February 7, Universal Pictures has reignited that excitement, delivering a visual feast that promises even more high-stakes action. The film, slated to hit theaters in 2024, continues the saga five years after the events of Jurassic World: Dominion in 2022. While some fans may question the timeline’s consistency, the franchise’s commitment to delivering thrills over logical precision remains intact. Dinosaurs, after all, are not meant to be bound by reality.
Bechir Sylvain, Jonathan Bailey, and Scarlett Johansson. Photo: Universal Pictures
In this new chapter, the world has become largely uninhabitable for dinosaurs, forcing the once-dominant creatures to seek refuge in a few remaining safe havens. Among them is the iconic original Jurassic Park, which has long been abandoned by humans due to its inherent dangers. Enter Scarlett Johansson, who plays Zora Bennett, a covert operations expert with a mission to retrieve DNA samples from the three largest dinosaurs in the world. The DNA is crucial to the development of a life-saving medical breakthrough. To accomplish her mission, Zora enlists the help of Dr. Henry Loomis, a paleontologist played by Jonathan Bailey.
While there are certainly additional plot elements that will unfold, the trailer highlights the central dynamic between Johansson’s Zora and Bailey’s Henry, which promises to bring humor, suspense, and adventure in equal measure. One of the standout moments from the trailer showcases Bailey’s Henry as he gazes up in awe at a giant dinosaur, whispering, “Whoa, my god!” His expression of wonder echoes the audience’s likely reaction, as the film invites viewers into a world where awe and danger are intertwined.
The visual effects in Rebirth have notably improved, with the dinosaurs appearing more lifelike and less cartoonish than in some of the recent franchise installments. The CGI department has certainly stepped up its game, delivering impressive depictions of these prehistoric creatures in their full glory.
Jurassic World: Rebirth looks set to deliver its signature action-packed set pieces, with raptors returning to the fray and promises of even more thrilling sequences. However, what has always set the franchise apart is its ability to balance high-octane action with a sense of humor. The original Jurassic Park was as much a comedy as it was an action-horror film, with moments of light-hearted banter woven into the chaos. Early indications suggest that Rebirth will follow this tradition.
In one of the trailer’s lighter moments, Johansson’s Zora quips to Bailey’s Henry, “I can guarantee your safety. More or less,” to which Henry adorably responds, “More or less?!” This playful back-and-forth showcases the chemistry between the two leads. Bailey, who has earned widespread recognition for his roles in Bridgerton, Wicked, and Fellow Travelers, further proves his ability to deliver charming comedic moments.
Another humorous exchange comes between Bailey’s Henry and Rupert Friend’s character, Martin Krebs. When Krebs asks if they need to collect a sample from an egg, Henry sarcastically replies, “I suppose we could try to get it from the parent, but they’re a flying carnivore the size of an F16.” This exchange highlights Bailey’s impeccable comedic timing and adds a layer of levity to the otherwise high-stakes narrative.
Beyond the laughs and thrills, Jurassic World: Rebirth holds significant cultural importance, especially with Jonathan Bailey’s starring role. Bailey’s casting is notable not only for his immense talent but also for being one of the first openly gay actors to lead a blockbuster action film. His role in this high-profile project marks a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, as he joins the ranks of major stars in a genre traditionally dominated by straight actors.
In addition to his acting prowess, Bailey’s charm and relatability have earned him a devoted fan base, and Rebirth is poised to solidify his status as a leading man in the industry. As he continues to captivate audiences with his performances, Bailey’s presence in a franchise as iconic as Jurassic World is a momentous step forward for LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream cinema.
As the Jurassic World franchise continues to evolve, Rebirth promises to deliver everything fans love about the series: action, humor, and, of course, dinosaurs. Whether you’re in it for the thrills, the laughs, or the spectacle, this latest installment looks set to offer it all—along with a fresh dose of star power from Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey. With Rebirth, the adventure is far from over.
