Jonathan Bailey recently stirred excitement in the Jurassic fan community with hints about his character in Jurassic World Rebirth. He plays Dr. Henry Loomis, a paleontologist with a mysterious connection to the classic character Alan Grant, portrayed by Sam Neill. Bailey expressed his desire to make Grant proud, teasing that their link will unfold as the story progresses.
As news spread, fans began speculating that Loomis might be an adult version of the disrespectful kid from the original Jurassic Park movie, a theory reminiscent of earlier fan discussions about Owen Grady, the Velociraptor expert played by Chris Pratt. However, these past theories turned out to be off base.
So, what’s new this time? The script for Rebirth comes from David Koepp, a seasoned writer who worked on Jurassic Park and its sequel, The Lost World. His experience positions him well to revisit characters from the beloved original film. I reached out to Whit Hertford, who originally played the “Raptor Kid,” to hear his thoughts on potential connections to his past role.
Hertford shared, “It’s not my role, it’s for Universal and the fans to shape. When art is released into the world, it belongs to everyone. I think it’s great for fans who wish to see the character’s story continue. I would love to reprise my role if that opportunity arises.” He’s seen firsthand how much fans cherish the franchise, expressing gratitude for being part of the original.
Even if his character isn’t in Rebirth, Hertford hopes to make a cameo in future films. He pointed out how a tribute to original cast members adds charm, drawing from how past film adaptations, like Wicked, included cameos from the original actors, even if they aren’t the right fit for today’s roles.
Although Steven Spielberg hasn’t directed a Jurassic film since The Lost World, he still oversees the franchise as an executive producer. His influence has maintained the series’ quality for over three decades. Hertford acknowledged the significant role of Jurassic Park in cinematic history, noting its blend of pioneering effects and a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.
“It’s a special movie,” Hertford stated, reflecting on the groundbreaking special effects and rich storytelling. “It combines various genres, including horror and adventure. Spielberg’s ability to engage emotions in his films is unmatched. Today, some of that childlike wonder in movies feels lost, but Jurassic still taps into that magic.”
He added that for many, Jurassic Park is more than just nostalgia; it’s woven into their lives. “Even though many disliked my character, I feel lucky to have been part of that film’s legacy. I’d be thrilled to see a new take on that role.”
Jurassic World Rebirth is set five years after Jurassic World Dominion. The story follows a risky mission led by Scarlett Johansson’s character, Zora Bennett, who aims to retrieve DNA samples from InGen’s long-abandoned research lab. The expedition quickly spirals out of control, leading to thrilling and dangerous encounters with dinosaurs thought to be extinct for millions of years.
The cast includes notable names like Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, and Ed Skrein, alongside a mix of emerging talents. Directed by Gareth Edwards, known for films like Godzilla and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Jurassic World Rebirth will hit theaters on July 2.
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