Steven Spielberg And Colin Trevorrow Developing ‘Jurassic World’ Trilogy
Many were impressed when Jurassic World broke box-office records this year and became the third highest grossing movie of all time, taking in a whopping $1.6 billion. Shortly after, it was no surprise that a sequel was pushed into production, but it actually looks like director Colin Trevorrow and Steven Spielberg had planned on developing a trilogy all along — and they even kept Universal Pictures in the dark!
News of the sequel broke back in July, but in a recent studio chief roundtable interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures head-honcho Donna Langley shed some light on the studio’s plans for the Jurassic World franchise, which confirmed not one, but two sequels.
“There’s no reason why we should [have trouble]. Colin Trevorrow is busy working on an outline. He’s been working with Steven [Spielberg]. And they have an idea for the next two movies actually. It was designed as a trilogy, unbeknown to us. It’s a happy surprise.”
This shouldn’t be a shock since the franchise — comprising of Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park III, and Jurassic World — has grossed a total of $3.640 billion across the globe. The Jurassic Park series has been highly lucrative since Steven Spielberg broke cinematic ground with the original in 1993, and looks to continue this well into the future. As well as films, and being based on a novel by Michael Crichton, the franchise has spawned merchandise such as toys (including a Lego collection), clothing, video games, comics, music, and even pretend Jurassic Park theme parks, like the one based in Honolulu Zoo, Hawaii, where the fourth film was placed. They recently held an event there to advertise the release of the movie on Blu-ray. Fortunately for the human race, only the zoo inhabitants were present.
Many fans will be hoping the sequels can continue the success, yet retain the charm and excitement of the original, and not deviate into territory currently occupied by The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III — these installments were not well received by fans due to a rushed production to capitalize on the original film’s popularity. Now, they have a clear indication of the franchise marketability, so the studios can take their time with bringing the new trilogy to the screen. Trevorrow has confirmed he will not be directing the sequel, what with a busy slate in his future — including a certain Star Wars: Episode IX — but he will remain involved with his regular co-writer, Derek Connolly.
Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard will reprise their roles in Jurassic World 2, with both thespians having signed on for at least one sequel, as revealed by the Wrap. Pratt recently joked to Cinema Blend that the Jurassic Park series will be a long-standing one. When asked if he is signed for sequels, he simply replied.
“I am. They have me for I think 38 movies or something.”
The response is a typical, witty response from a comedy actor currently on a meteoric rise, but it stands in good stead that the sequel will feature the lead actors from Jurassic World — The Lost World: Jurassic Park made this fatal mistake before, and alienated a chunk of its audience. However, with the original grossing $82.3 on its opening day, and the actors willing to return for a second outing, for a franchise that has been given a fresh lease of life in modern cinema, this can only bode well for the future of Jurassic World and its rabid, loyal supporters.
With the original actors on board, Spielberg pulling the strings, and Colin Trevorrow involved, the sequel has all the potential in the world. If it can follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, fans can expect another huge hit in the summer of 2018. We await details — and new featured dinosaurs — for both sequels with bated breath.
Jurassic World 2 will be open to visitors in U.K. cinemas on June 7, 2018, before opening in U.S. theatres on June 22, 2018. You can catch Jurassic World on DVD and Blu-ray now.
[Featured image courtesy of Universal Pictures]
