A Jurassic Park Prequel Idea Makes More Sense Than Any Reboot

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Summary

  • A Jurassic Park prequel is overdue, exploring the origin of the dinosaur theme park.
  • The prequel could tackle unanswered questions, like Isla Sorna’s sudden introduction.
  • Rethinking Jurassic as a horror series would offer fresh perspectives on iconic characters.

As a child of the ’90s, I have grown up with the iconic roar of the Velociraptor echoing through my childhood memories. The original Jurassic Park movie was more than just a film to me; it was an adventure that ignited my imagination and fueled my love for dinosaurs. Now, as I find myself in the midst of a career in paleontology, I can’t help but ponder the question: is it time for a Jurassic Park prequel?

It’s not necessary that every movie or series requires a prequel, but there’s no question in my mind that Jurassic Park could benefit greatly from one. With nine films between the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World series, there’s been no shortage of sequels and reboots. However, they haven’t delved into the backstory of the dinosaur theme park up until now.

Each Jurassic Park film following Steven Spielberg’s original adaptation has been a continuation of the storyline, taking place after the events depicted in its predecessor. Some of these sequels, such as The Lost World and Fallen Kingdom, have delved deeper into the history that was only hinted at in the initial movie and the books.

Does Jurassic Park Need A Prequel?

Why An Origin Story Would Work

It’s long overdue for us to have a prequel movie or TV series focusing on the events leading up to Jurassic Park. This prequel should take place during the creation or building of the original park, as the 1993 film began at a point when the park’s opening was imminent. Although it provided detailed explanations about how the park came into existence, it didn’t show us the process or potential secrets hidden beneath the surface.

Not only is this not detrimental, but it actually worked well for the film. Spielberg’s approach of “showing” rather than “telling” enriched the movie and avoided overwhelming the audience with excessive exposition or an overly detailed plot summary. However, more recent installments of Jurassic World, such as Fallen Kingdom and Dominion, seem to be running low on storylines set in the current timeline. A return to the franchise’s origins could offer a welcome change of pace. (That said, Alex Garland might still surprise us with the upcoming Rebirth movie.)

Story For A Potential Jurassic Prequel

Site B, InGen & Hammond

A possible sequel to the original “Jurassic Park” film or TV show might delve into concepts presented in Michael Crichton’s novels that weren’t covered in the first movie, including the establishment of Site B and individuals who assisted InGen in dinosaur cloning. These aspects were hinted at in subsequent films, gradually building a richer picture for viewers about how John Hammond realized his dream without skimping on resources.

The prequel storyline would take us back to the origins of InGen, detailing their groundbreaking dinosaur cloning process. We’d explore the creation and development of locations such as Isla Nublar, Site B, and Jurassic Park San Diego. Moreover, it would delve into the reasons behind the rift between John Hammond and Benjamin Lockwood before the initial park was opened, a conflict that has been hinted at in later films like “Fallen Kingdom” and “Dominion”.

What Led To Jurassic Park’s Creation?

A Jurassic Park 0 Before The Next Sequel

One compelling reason for creating a prequel to either “Jurassic Park” or “Jurassic World” is that it would provide enough time to delve into aspects from the books that were abridged or omitted entirely. This prequel could also focus on the initial discovery, a subject hinted at by Crichton in an interview for “The Lost World: Jurassic Park.” Such a series could establish a strong basis for future installments within the franchise.

In the tale I crafted, there was a character – a passionate young grad student – who brought a dinosaur back to life through genetic engineering using fossilized remains. Unfortunately, this screenplay didn’t succeed as planned. The plot revolved around the struggle to keep such an extraordinary event hidden, but in reality, it proved impossible given its fantastical nature.

When “The Lost World” was released in 1997, the emergence of Isla Sorna received criticism due to its sudden introduction, as it didn’t explain what happened to Isla Nublar in the initial film. A prequel could fill these gaps and establish a more solid foundation for subsequent movies, answering unresolved questions and potentially offering fresh insights into well-known characters.

Main Characters For A Jurassic Park Prequel

Darker Shades, Different Perspectives

In the movies, John Hammond appears as a jovial, grandfatherly figure, yet in the books, he undeniably plays the role of the antagonist. A prequel storyline could delve into his less-than-noble aspects, revealing potential instances where he may have concealed more deaths than those already known. Ideally, this spin-off should feature all characters present during the construction of the original Jurassic Park. This includes John Hammond, geneticist Henry Wu, business partner Henry Lockwood, and game warden Robert Muldoon.

More Horror, Less Adventure

A potential Jurassic Park prequel should evoke a sense of horror or thriller rather than an adventure film. This can be accomplished by portraying events that led to certain actions depicted in the original films, such as the erection of electric fences around the park. Instead of simply showing these security measures as obvious decisions, a prequel could delve into what initially necessitated their construction – possibly through a distressing or tense incident.

Prequel Series Or Complete TV Reboot?

Jurassic Park: Movie Vs. Book

Indeed, it doesn’t necessarily need to be a single prequel. Instead, there is potential for an entire series adaptation of the Jurassic Park films, making it more aligned with the original books and appealing to the fan base. This could effectively serve as a second adaptation, while retaining its own unique flavor separate from the movies. For instance, consider the adaptation of Dune, which has been presented in various forms, both as movies and TV shows.

Jurassic Park isn’t your average film; it has become ingrained in popular culture. Many viewers, regardless of their age, are familiar with the events portrayed in earlier installments. The chance to witness moments like the first birth of a baby dinosaur or the construction of Isla Nublar’s famous gates would be more than just a Jurassic Park enthusiast’s wish fulfilled. These scenes can stand alone without requiring intricate setup or context.

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2024-12-23 04:04