Ever since velociraptors stalked the silver screen in 1993’s, our fascination with genetically-engineered dinosaurs hasn’t stopped. The franchise, a spiritual successor to the original films, brought these prehistoric giants back to life (sort of) with even more thrills, chills, and mind-blowing creations.
But there’s more to Jurassic World than just teeth and claws! So, buckle up, grab your park map (metaphorical, of course), and get ready to explore some of the most interesting Jurassic World Facts you might not have known!
The Park Had a Different Name (Almost)
While “Jurassic World” perfectly captures the awe and wonder (and maybe a touch of danger) of this dinosaur theme park, it wasn’t always the frontrunner. Early concept names included
“Jurassic Park: Genesis” and even the more generic “Dino World.” Thankfully, they landed on the more evocative “Jurassic World,” instantly transporting us to a world teeming with prehistoric life.
Blue Wasn’t Always the Leader
Blue, the cunning velociraptor with the striking blue stripe, became a fan favorite in Jurassic World. However, in earlier drafts of the script, the pack leader was originally envisioned as a male named “Beta.”
Director Colin Trevor ultimately decided to make Blue the alpha, a change that not only empowered female dinosaurs but also created a deeper emotional bond between Blue and Owen Grady (Chris Pratt).
The Indominus Rex Was a Genetic Gumbo
The terrifying Indominus Rex, the park’s genetically-modified main antagonist, wasn’t just dinosaur DNA. The Indominus Rex also contained genetic material from cuttlefish, tree frogs, and even… velociraptors (talk about a family reunion gone wrong!).
This unholy mix explains the Indominus Rex’s intelligence, camouflage abilities, and overall monstrousness.
Mr. DNA Took a Backseat
Mr. DNA, the iconic cartoon explaining dinosaur DNA retrieval in the original Jurassic Park, made a surprise cameo in Jurassic World. However, his role was significantly reduced. Instead of a lengthy animated sequence, Mr. DNA appeared only briefly as a holographic advertisement in the park’s Creation Lab.
A subtle nod to the original film, but a sign of the times – genetic engineering is no longer a novelty in Jurassic World.
The Mosasaur Was a Last-Minute Addition
The colossal Mosasaur, a giant marine reptile with a taste for Indominus Rex, became a show-stealing moment in Jurassic World. Interestingly, this prehistoric predator wasn’t always part of the plan.
The Mosasaur was added during rewrites, filmed with a combination of practical effects and CGI, and ultimately became a symbol of the park’s unchecked ambition and the unpredictable power of nature.
Chris Pratt Almost Lost the Role
It’s hard to imagine anyone else as Owen Grady, the dinosaur trainer with a soft spot for Blue. But Chris Pratt wasn’t the first choice! Actors like Josh Brolin, Tom Hardy, and even Channing Tatum were considered for the role.
Thankfully, Pratt’s charm and charisma won the day, and he brought Owen Grady to life with a perfect blend of ruggedness and empathy.
The Gyrosphere Was Almost a Segway Tour
The Gyrosphere, a giant, transparent ball that rolled through dinosaur enclosures, became a popular park attraction in Jurassic World. However, the original concept was quite different.
Early ideas included a Segway tour through the park, which, while potentially more practical, wouldn’t have offered the same breathtaking 360-degree views (or the heart-stopping thrill of encountering a T-Rex).
The Park’s Creator Had a Cameo
Michael Crichton, the author of the Jurassic Park novel, made a subtle cameo in the first film. In Jurassic World, the tradition continued. The park’s creator, Dr. Henry Wu (played by BD Wong), mentions his colleague Dr. Martin Hammond, a clear nod to John Hammond, the park’s founder in the original film series.
The Theme Park Was Real (Well, Sort Of)
While you can’t actually visit Jurassic World (safety first, people!), the filmmakers went to great lengths to create a believable theme park experience. Universal Studios Hollywood partnered with the Jurassic World franchise to create Jurassic World—The Ride, a thrilling roller coaster that takes guests on a high-speed chase through a dinosaur enclosure.
So, while a real Jurassic World might be a logistical (and ethical) nightmare, theme park technology lets you experience the thrills (minus the rampaging dinos) for yourself.
The Films Have a Hidden Message
Sure, Jurassic World is all about dinosaurs, action sequences, and Chris Pratt charming velociraptors. But beneath the surface lies a cautionary tale. The films explore the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, the consequences of tampering with
nature, and the importance of respecting prehistoric giants rather than exploiting them for entertainment. So, next time you watch Jurassic World, keep an eye out for the subtle messages woven into the thrilling dino-packed narrative.
The T-Rex Roar is (Mostly) Fake
The iconic roar of the Tyrannosaurus Rex is one of the most recognizable sounds in movie history. But believe it or not, it’s not entirely real. The T-Rex roar in *Jurassic Park* and *Jurassic World* is a combination of elephant, lion, tiger, and even dolphin sounds, all meticulously layered and edited to create a truly terrifying audio experience.
The Dilophosaurus Got a Makeover
The Dilophosaurus, the frilled dinosaur that spat venom in Jurassic Park, received a bit of a redesign for Jurassic World. In the original film, the Dilophosaurus was a bipedal creature with a retractable neck frill.
However, for Jurassic World, the filmmakers opted for a more quadrupedal stance and a permanent neck frill, making it appear more reptilian and less like a walking lizard with a party favor around its neck.
The Franchise is Far From Extinct
While Jurassic World: Dominion marked the end of the current trilogy, the Jurassic World franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Talks of animated spin-offs and new live-action films hint at a future where dinosaurs continue to roam the
silver screen (or maybe even the streaming services) for years to come. So, whether you’re a longtime dino-fan or a newcomer to the Jurassic World phenomenon, one thing’s for sure: the prehistoric party is just getting started!
These behind-the-scenes details, surprising trivia, and deeper meanings add a whole new layer of appreciation to these thrilling dino adventures. So, the next time you hear the iconic theme music, remember – there’s more to Jurassic World than just teeth and claws.
It’s a world of wonder, scientific hubris, and maybe even a cautionary tale about the power of nature and the thrill (and danger) of bringing the prehistoric past to life.
