Jurassic World: Dominion's Success Paves the Way for a Return to the Roots: Could the Original Dinosaur Franchise Be Next?
The roaring success of Jurassic World: Dominion, surpassing $533 million globally, isn't just a victory for the modern Jurassic World trilogy. It's a powerful signal to Hollywood: audiences are hungry for dinosaurs, and perhaps, it’s the opportune moment to dust off a franchise that's been largely forgotten for nearly four decades – the original Dinosaur franchise from Disney.
Released in 1981, Disney’s Dinosaur featured groundbreaking CGI animation for its time, depicting dinosaurs in a photorealistic environment. While it wasn't a colossal box office hit upon release, it’s gained a cult following over the years, lauded for its unique blend of animation and live-action elements and its surprisingly poignant story about an Iguanodon named Aladar who finds himself leading a herd of dinosaurs across a harsh landscape.
Why Now is the Time for a Revival
The Jurassic World franchise, while financially successful, has faced criticism in recent years for relying on spectacle over substance. Dominion, while attempting to address this, still felt somewhat bloated and struggled to recapture the magic of the original 1993 Jurassic Park. The enduring popularity of dinosaurs, fueled by both the Jurassic World films and other media like Prehistoric Planet on Apple TV+, demonstrates that the public's fascination with these magnificent creatures remains strong.
A reimagining of Dinosaur could offer a fresh perspective, capitalizing on today’s advanced animation technology and storytelling techniques. Imagine a version where the CGI is indistinguishable from reality, where the emotional depth of Aladar’s journey is amplified, and where the scientific accuracy is elevated. The original film’s themes of survival, adaptation, and the interconnectedness of life resonate just as strongly today as they did in 1981.
Potential Approaches to a Reboot
Several avenues could be explored for a Dinosaur reboot:
- Faithful Adaptation with Modern Technology: A direct retelling of the original story, significantly enhanced by cutting-edge CGI and improved pacing.
- Prequel/Sequel: Expanding the Dinosaur universe by exploring events before Aladar’s journey or detailing what happens to the herd after their arrival at the Green Valley.
- Anthology Series: A series of interconnected stories set in the same prehistoric world, each focusing on different dinosaur species and their struggles.
The Opportunity for Disney
Disney has a proven track record of successfully reviving classic franchises, from The Lion King to Aladdin. With the right creative team and a commitment to honoring the spirit of the original while delivering a modern cinematic experience, a Dinosaur reboot could be a major success. The time is ripe for a return to the roots of dinosaur storytelling, and Disney is perfectly positioned to lead the charge.
The success of Jurassic World: Dominion isn’t just about dinosaurs – it’s about reminding us of the primal thrill of witnessing these incredible creatures on the big screen. And with that thrill revitalized, it's time to consider bringing back a forgotten giant of the prehistoric era.