Universal Pictures has begun development on another installment in the lucrative Jurassic World film franchise. As reported by multiple entertainment news outlets, the studio has enlisted David Koepp, screenwriter of the original 1993 Jurassic Park film as well as its 1997 sequel The Lost World, to pen the script for the next Jurassic World adventure.
Key Details About the New Jurassic World Movie:
- Original Jurassic Park writer David Koepp has signed on to write the screenplay
- The film is in the very early stages of development, with no director, cast, or release date set yet
- Plot details are being kept under wraps, but Koepp hinted it may take the franchise in a “new direction”
- It would be the 7th film in the Jurassic Park/World series that began in 1993
- Koepp co-wrote Jurassic Park and The Lost World with Michael Crichton, author of the novels
Koepp’s involvement seems to signify Universal’s desire to reconnect with what made the original Jurassic Park work so well – the sense of wonder, groundbreaking visual effects, and memorable characters.
While the recent Jurassic World films starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard have been commercially successful, many critics and fans feel the series has lost its way creatively. Bringing back Koepp, the franchise’s original screenwriter, appears an effort to recapture Jurassic Park’s magic.
Mixed Fan Reactions to Another Sequel
The announcement of a new Jurassic World sparked passionate reactions from fans online:
| Sentiment | Sample Fan Reacttions |
|---|---|
| Positive | “Let’s go!! This is the Jurassic I know and love!” “David Koepp is a great choice. He knows this franchise inside-out.” |
| Cautiously Optimistic | “I’ll remain skeptical but Koepp’s involvement gives me some hope.” “Not what I expected but will reserve judgement until we know more.” |
| Negative | “Hard pass. This franchise needs to go extinct.” “It feels creatively bankrupt to keep making more movies.” |
It’s clear Koepp has his work cut out for him winning over dubious fans. But his filmography, including blockbusters like Mission Impossible and Spider-Man, suggests he has the skills to potentially breathe new life into the Jurassic series.
Uncertain Fate for Previous Jurassic World Stars
While it is much too early for any casting information, the return of Koepp to pen the script introduces uncertainty around Chris Pratt and other cast members from the recent World films coming back.
Koepp has hinted this latest entry may take the franchise in a “new direction” rather than continuing the ongoing storylines. This indicates Pratt, Howard, and other established characters may not factor heavily into the new film.
Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, and Sam Neill reprised their roles from the original Jurassic Park in small parts across the recent sequels. It remains to be seen if Koepp’s script will make room for their beloved characters Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler and Ian Malcolm to return in more substantial roles. Their appearances would surely delight nostalgic fans.
What Kind of Story Can We Expect?
Without even a shred of plot yet, speculation is running rampant regarding what kind of Jurassic World adventure Koepp has in mind:
- A complete reboot, ignoring the events of recent sequels to start a whole new trilogy?
- A legacy-sequel starring grown-up Lex and Tim from the original film?
- A smaller scale thriller returning to the intimate suspense vibe of Jurassic Park?
- Or even a wildly inventive genre departure into new territory?
While producers have remained characteristically secretive about story details, reading between the lines of Koepp’s comments suggests this may not be just another string of CGI dinosaur chase scenes on an island. Cabinet-shaking surprises likely aren’t in the cards either, but his remarks indicate a willingness to take risks and try something fans haven’t seen before in the series.
What Comes Next?
Movement on the new Jurassic World will start slowly. Koepp still has to write a finished script, which producers will refine until they feel ready to bring on a director.
Casting would quickly follow securing a director, at which point tentative release years get set by the studio. This methodical process means we likely wouldn’t see the next film until 2025 at the very earliest, if not later.
While plot specifics remain unknown for now, Jurassic fans can take heart knowing this beloved franchise is a long way from extinction. Koepp helped launch the series into the stratosphere back in 1993. Hopefully lighting can strike twice, his script catalyzing a Jurassic renaissance just as exciting as the original.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
