Colin Trevorrow interview: How Whitney and Vance evolved into Claire and Owen in Jurassic World

Colin Trevorrow, who wrote and directed Jurassic World and wrote Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom spoke to BDH Network in an exclusive interview in regards to Bryce Dallas Howard and her character Claire Dearing in the Jurassic World films. He talked about the process of evolving the female lead character from the original Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver script, the process of hiring Bryce for the role, how Claire got her name and even touched on what we can expect from Claire in Jurassic World 3, among other topics.

The very first question posed to Colin was about what the female lead character was like in the Jurassic Park 4 script that Universal Pictures had originally green-lighted for a June 2014 release. The original script was co-written by husband and wife writers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver before Colin was even hired to direct the fourth installment of the franchise. Colin and writing partner Derek Connolly rewrote the script from scratch while incorporating some important story elements that Steven Spielberg had requested, such as an operational park. The movie was delayed one year to a June 2015 release to allow proper time to prepare for the finalized script and story. But had the Jaffa and Silver script been filmed, our leads would not have been Claire and Owen, but instead Whitney and Vance. It also seems like the idea of “training raptors” would have been taken a lot further than what we get on screen in Jurassic World or even Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

The lead character was a guy called Vance, who ultimately became Owen in our story. The film opened with Vance jumping out of a helicopter with a pack of raptors on a military raid of a drug dealer’s compound in Colombia. It was a different approach. But there was a character who had one or two scenes, the manager for the corporate side of the park. I think her name was Whitney. She was an antagonist to the hero, putting up red tape.

Colin goes on in the interview to describe the process of how casting director, John Papsidera, set up a Skype call between him and Bryce to discuss her joining the film. Also elaborating the relationship she had with Spielberg and that she was already part of the “Amblin Family”. Spielberg himself was also confident that she could “create this specific character better than anyone”.

As for how Claire Dearing got her name it turns out it was a bit of a group effort with Colin choosing “Claire” and Derek choosing “Dearing”. Colin felt the name of Claire was warm and loving and Derek chose Dearing as a reference to her character being very endearing.

I chose Claire, it felt hard on the surface but ultimately warm and loving. Derek chose Dearing, which is a very Derek thing to do. He loves those Dickensian names that suggest a bit about the character, push the viewer in the direction the author wants them to go. She may seem sharp-edged at first, but ultimately she’s very endearing.

Of course no one should be surprised that the characters of Claire and Owen will be returning for the final installment in the trilogy, which is set to hit theaters on June 11, 2021. Colin and newcomer Emily Carmichael are working on the script as we speak based on a story Colin created with Derek Connolly. While Colin couldn’t share much on the sixth installment of the franchise, he did reiterate that Claire and Owen will have a lot on their plate now that dinosaurs are loose on the mainland and that other dinosaurs and DNA samples were sold or moved to other parts of the world.

She and Owen will have bigger conflicts at hand, with shared responsibilities and a shared need for redemption. That’s a compelling story I’m excited to tell.

To see the full answers Colin had for the questions featured here and other intriguing questions about Bryce and her character Claire, please visit BDH Network and view their visit digital magazine. Also, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below and on our forums.

Source: BDH Network

Watch Mattel’s Jurassic World Comic Con Panel Including First Exciting Look at 2019 Lineup!

Another year, another crazy San Diego Comic Con. While Jurassic has never made a peep there as a film itself, its brand partners oftentimes use the event as an exciting chance to show off their current and future merchandise. This year was no different, and while may companies brought their Jurassic World showcase, Mattel easily stole the show.

All eyes have been on Mattel, as they’re the first time a new company took the Jurassic Park core toy license since Kenner brought the line to life in 1993. It’s uncharted waters, but Mattel has shown they’re clearly in command of this diverse and fun property, bringing a toy line to life that not only matches but often exceeds the classic toys so many admire. While the toys have evolved for a new era of play in many regards, they still have the golden triangle of realistic and fun dinosaurs, humans, and vehicles all designed around a consistent scale and competitive price point. Play found a way.

As Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom begins to exit theaters, and wave 3 of the 2018 toys hit shelves, the number one question has been what does the future hold for Jurassic and the toy aisle. Thankfully Mattel answered with their Jurassic World Comic Con panel, where they not only talked deigning the current toy line, but teased what’s to come in the future.

Watch the panel in full below (huge thanks to Sickle_Claw on Twitter!), and read on for our summary and highlights!

One of the largest takeaways from the panel I had was how passionate and knowledgeable the team is about Jurassic Park, and how talented they are as designers. While they were careful not to throw Hasbro under the bus, let’s be honest, the 2015 Hasbro toy line wasn’t good for a plethora of reasons. Not only did Mattel carefully address those issues head on, they aimed far higher, and created a new standard when it comes to Jurassic. Before the toys released this year, I was skeptical, when they were released I was impressed, and watching the whole team talk shop I’m now inspired.

The property genuinely couldn’t be in better hands. So what does the future hold?

The first reveal made prior to the panel was the somewhat stealthy inclusion of Franklin Webb in their diorama display. While he was the only 2019 human part of their core 3.75″ line that they shared, there are surely plenty more on the way – perhaps favorites such as John Parker Hammond and Dr. Henry Wu? Time will tell!

The panel itself primarily focused on the new dinosaur toys of 2019, though they only teased what’s to come rather than showing full looks at the final toys. First up, they promised 16 new species of dinosaurs – this means dinosaurs that have not yet been made by Mattel since they launched the toy line in 2018. There will be far more dinosaur toys once you count the new sculpts of returning dinosaurs, and new paint jobs on previously released toys.

The three new species revealed during the panel are the following: Styracosaurus (All new Savage Strike assortment; $10), Amargasaurus (Action Attack assortment; $20) and the gigantic Brachiosaurus (assortment/price unknown). Yes, for the first time ever the Jurassic toy line is getting not one but two in-scale adult sauropod dinosaurs, which is utterly fantastic. Fans have been asking for a Brachiosaurus for years, and all new fans after seeing Fallen Kingdom have only strengthened the demand.

Take a look at the pictures below, which were mainly limited to teases – but showcase the silhouettes and size of the toys next to a 3.75″ action figure! (Pictures courtesy of Toy Shiz on Instagram)

While they didn’t confirm any other species beyond another new large Tyrannosaurus Rex, buzz leaving San Diego Comic Con suggests fans waiting for a large Indominus Rex will probably be happy. Other rumored new species (from short lived retailer listings) include Dracorex, Plesiosaurus, and Rhamphorhynchus! Although there is no definitive word on their existence, I’d fully expect other Velociraptors such as the respective females from Jurassic Park and JP3 plus Charlie, Delta, and Echo from World.

The panel did not touch on future vehicles, though it seems safe to assume the Ford Explorer Tour Vehicle will be inbound, alongside other classics and new fictional dino-capture themed rides. It remains unconfirmed, but one 2019 vehicle assortment is said to include a human, ATV, and dinosaur which would certainly be an exciting offering!

One of my largest worries for the future toys was the art style. While the majority of the current Mattel toys are wholly Jurassic, a few not based on movie dinosaurs have been more angular and stylized, lending to a more mean or cute cartoony appearance (Proceratosaurus and Dimetrodon for example). It may be too soon to call it, but the Styracosaurus showcased has immediately amended that particular fear and critique – its design would not look out of place roaming alongside the other animals in the films. I’m totally fine seeing new variations of dinosaurs we already know, with uniquely themed designs and colors, but I do prefer they stay within the constraints of the Jurassic style set by Crash McCreery and Stan Winston many years ago.

Moving on from the core 3.75″ line, Mattel announced their new 6″ collectors series, showcasing Owen Grady and Velociraptor Blue from Jurassic World, and Dr. Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park. The 6″ toys are a larger format item, with more detailed sculpts and paint applications alongside more articulation for the ultimate control over displaying the figure. Prices and accessories were not announced, but it stands to reason the sets will come with some fun add-ons and be sold at a reasonable price. This line will not replace the core line, but serve as a limited scope series running adjacent to it, primarily aimed at larger format collectors!

While further 6″ dinosaurs and humans were not announced, nor was there talk of vehicles, if these items are successful the range will certainly continue to grow.

Mattel closed out the panel giving away some free toys, including limited-run toys that are all but canceled (incredibly limited numbers made) such as the Indoraptor vs Blue playset, and the Destruct-a-saurs Tyrannosaurus Rex set. Mattel did offer some promising news, saying that most of the Destruct-A-Saurs (previous Toys R Us exclusive line) will see distribution at retailers, so stay tuned for more definitive details about how the 2018 line will continue to expand.

Mattel has spared no expense bringing the Jurassic toys to life, and I am loving everything they’ve cooked up in their labs so far. I cannot wait to see what surprises come in the future (fingers crossed for more collectors aimed 3.75” characters and sets, hatchlings with humans rather than mini-dinos, or even Kenner style collector cards), and am sure whatever is on the horizon will continue to provide quality toys for kids and collectors alike. The diversity of play patterns and innovation within the line is incredible, and has really redefined what quality and affordable prices to expect in the toy isle. Hopefully Mattel does more panels such as this one (and perhaps other subsets of the Jurassic brand can follow their lead), as this was an incredibly exciting look behind the scenes which only further strengthened my interest for the future.

What did you like most from the panel, and what do you hope Mattel releases in 2019? Sound off in the comments below and stay tuned – more Mattel news and announcements are surely on the horizon!

Source: Sickle_Claw, ToyShiz, Mattel


Legendary Entertainment May Not Be Involved with Jurassic World 3

Legendary Entertainment is leaving Universal Pictures faster than Arcadia left Isla Nublar in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. In 2013 Legendary signed a 5 year co-financing contract with Universal, and while that deal technically doesn’t end until December 31st of this year, Legendary is set to re-join their former distribution partner Warner Brothers.

Universal had long been expected not to renew the contact with Legendary and today’s development is further proof of that. The Detective Pikachu film that is being created by Legendary was set to be marketed and distributed worldwide by Universal in 2019, but will now shift to Warner Brothers with the expiring deal. It is also likely that Legendary will no longer be involved with the Jurassic World films and likely will not be attached to 2021’s Jurassic World 3 (not it’s final title). It has not been officially confirmed yet, but it is most likely the case with the expiring deal.

“The Universal-Legendary relationship had sputtered over the past year, culminating with Legendary’s Dwayne Johnson starrer Skyscraper, which sources say will ultimately be a money loser. Legendary also has put up large chunks of the budget for most of the films in Universal’s slate over the past four years, including summer hit Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, which has earned $1.2 billion to date. Legendary has a stake in BlacKkKlansman, a film from Universal’s Focus Features label. That would mark its final film with Universal.”

During the deal with Legendary, the studio helped finance portions of the budgets for 2015’s Jurassic World and this year’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Jurassic World exploded at the box office with $1.671 billion and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is currently at $1.204 billion, and that number continues to grow daily. Unadjusted for inflation, the Jurassic World films are the biggest films that Legendary has even been attached to.

Legendary is currently heavily pushing their “MonsterVerse” which features iconic cinematic creatures such as King Kong and Godzilla. But even the first two installments, 2014’s Godzilla and 2017’s Kong: Skull Island, combined worldwide ($1.095 billion) is less than what either Jurassic World or Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom did on their own. Granted though, both MonsterVerse movies are box office successes and made a profit, just not to the massive levels of the Jurassic films.

But even with Legendary helping to cover the costs of those films, things were not always sunny between the two studios. It had been reported that Universal had become annoyed with Legendary, specifically with former chairman and CEO Thomas Tull, who tried to take more credit for the success of Jurassic World than they had earned. Legendary only helped co-finance the Jurassic films and had no creative input on the films themselves or their marketing.

Several sources say there has been strain, in part because Tull kicked off the deal in 2014 with a couple of clunkers that he put through Universal’s distribution system and then upset some at the studio who feel he has indulged a bad habit of wrapping himself in credit for hits that he merely helped finance. In this case, the film at issue was the biggest movie of the year to date, Jurassic World.

Jurassic World 3 appears like it will be the first film in the Jurassic World trilogy that will not have the help of co-financing from Legendary, but that is nothing to be worried about for the film itself. Universal might cover the costs of the film themselves or may even partner up with another small studio for co-financing on the project. But as of right now only Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment are attached to the final film in the new trilogy.

With Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom joining the rare billion dollar club, it is likely Universal will spare no expense on the budget and marketing costs for Jurassic World 3. With rumors of more of the classic Jurassic cast returning for the next installment, it wouldn’t be surprising if the budget approached or crossed $200 million. Jurassic World 3, which will be released on June 11, 2021 will be directed by Colin Trevorrow who is also writing the screenplay with franchise newcomer Emily Carmichael.

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below and on our forums.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ Blu-Ray Release Date, Special Features, and Buying Guide Revealed!

It seems Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom just released in theaters a couple weeks ago, but Universal have revealed that the home video release will roar into households in a little over 1-month!

Releasing on digital September 4th, and physical disc September 18th, Fallen Kingdom will be the must own movie closing out Summer. One of the most exciting parts of the home release of any Jurassic film (other than being able to watch it whenever you want) is of course the plethora of new special features, revealing the behind the scenes fun and magic which brought the latest dinosaur film to life.

Check out the special features listed below, and then take a look at the options available to pre-order now. (Note: the special edition available only at Target has an additional 30 minutes of special features, not listed below).

Special Features:

Special features on ALL formats (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, Digital, and DVD):

  • On Set with Chris & Bryce – Go behind the scenes with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.
  • Birth of the Indoraptor – An inside look at the genetically designed monstrosity known as the Indoraptor.
  • Death by Dino – Go behind the scenes as the Indoraptor faces off with a key character.
  • Monster in a Mansion – Director J.A. Bayona discusses how Jurassic Park and Dracula (1979) influenced his approach to directing the monster in a mansion scene.
  • Rooftop Showdown – A look at the terrifying showdown on the rooftop of the Lockwood Mansion.
  • Malcolm’s Return – Behind the scenes with the one & only Jeff Goldblum.
  • VFX Evolved – The team at ILM discuss their cutting-edge approach to creating dinosaurs.
  • FALLEN KINGDOM: The Conversation – Filmmakers and cast sit down for a candid and casual conversation about Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
  • A Song for the KINGDOM – Justice Smith sings for the cast and crew of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
  • Chris Pratt’s Jurassic Journals
    •  Vivian Baker, Makeup Artist
    • Mary Mastro, Hair Stylist
    • Chris Murphy, 1st Assistant Sound
    • Dean Bailey, Stunt Edge Car Driver
    • Peter Harcourt, Diver
    • Daniella Pineda and Justice Smith, Actors
    • Jody Wiltshire, Set PA
    • Kelly Krieg, Assistant Script Supervisor
    • J.A. Bayona, Director
    • James Cox, Stunt Performer
    • Rachelle Beinart, Stunt Double
    • Bryce Dallas Howard interviews Chris Pratt, Actor
  • · JURASSIC Then and Now – Presented by Barbasol® – Key moments from the Jurassic saga that tie into Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

Special Features exclusively available on HD formats (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Digital):

  • The KINGDOM Evolves – Filmmakers discuss how the second chapter in the Jurassic World trilogy pushes the franchise in a new direction.
  • Return to Hawaii – Cast and crew discuss shooting the film in Hawaii.
  • Island Action – A behind-the-scenes look at the bunker scene and runaway gyrosphere sequence.
  • Aboard the Arcadia – Cast and crew discuss working with the animatronic dinosaurs.
  • Start the Bidding! – A behind-the-scenes look at the auction scene.

Pre-Order Now:

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (Target Exclusive)

Exclusive 28 Page Gallery Book + 30 Mins of Exclusive Bonus Content with purchase

Blu-ray/DVD/Digital | 4K/Blu-ray/Digital

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Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom 5 Movie Collection

All 5 Jurassic Films in limited edition packaging

Blu-Ray + Digital

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Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (BestBuy Exclusive SteelBook)

Exclusive, Collectible Steelbook Packaging with purchase

Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital | 4K/Blu-ray/Digital

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Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (Walmart Funko Pop Exclusive)

Exclusive Limited Edition Giftset includes Exclusive Funko Pocket POP! Keychains of Owen and Blue

Blu-ray/DVD/Digital

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Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (standard edition)

Available on 4K, 3D, Blu-ray and DVD

Blu-ray/DVD/Digital | 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital | 4K/Blu-ray/Digital

Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom is also available on other digital platforms – see the list here.

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Sadly, the special features do not include deleted scenes, commentaries, or other behind the scenes content that offers a deeper look into the filmmaking magic. It’s a bit saddening knowing the Jurassic Journals, content made for the web and already released online, are taking up disc space that could have been dedicated to new content, and a bit worrying after the slightly lackluster Jurassic World special features which felt more like extended YouTube featurettes.

However, there is plenty of new content to be excited for (particularly the Target special features, which are still unknown) and I cannot wait to go hands on with the home release. With that in mind, I would happily purchase a later release that goes deeper into the special features the way films and franchises such as The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, Peter Jackson’s King Kong, Harry Potter, and Star Wars are known for. Jurassic, while on the same level as those franchises, has greatly lacked in the quality content akin to their home entertainment offerings.

Time will tell how deep the Blu-ray features dig in, but I’m sure no matter what they’ll be a wild, dinosaur infested ride.

What version of Fallen Kingdom will you be picking up? Sound off in the comments below, and as always, stay tuned for the latest news!


Major Jurassic World Alive Updates Coming!

Ludia posted release notes for an update coming to the Jurassic World Alive app, and it’s going to be massive!

There are a TON of new creatures and features coming in this release! The update will include 11 new creatures:

Normal
-Brachiosaurus
-Gallimimus
-Giraffatitan
-Ornithomimus
-Gryposuchus

Hybrids
-Diplotator
-Ankylocodon
-Diloranosaurus
-Monomimus

Superhybrids
-Tuoramoloch
-Sarcorixis

The release will have new features including: Achievements, Strike Events, and Friendly Battles. Over 30 Achievements will be available, and you can earn cash rewards for each one completed! We’ll have to wait until the update to learn more about Achievements.

Strike Events are PvE (person versus environment) battles that will take place in two new areas: Daybreak and Nightfall! These battles last several rounds, and you need to defeat the opposing team to progress to the next round. You win the event by winning every round before using up all your retries. There are prizes awarded after each win, and a grand prize if you win the event!

The new Social tab in the app will include a Friends features where you can invite your friends and challenge them to Friendly Battles. These battles will not affect trophy counts or leaderboard status. All creatures will be set to level 26 so there is a level playing field between you and your friends. Get ready to test your battle skills!

Updates to the map visuals, supply drops, creature sightings for Rare and Epics, and changes to Battles are also part of the release. There’s no word yet on when the update will be pushed out, but until then you can read the full release notes on Ludia’s Jurassic World Alive forum. Happy dino hunting!

Are you playing Jurassic World Alive? If so, which new feature are you most excited for? Sound off in the comments below!

Source: Ludia

The Simpsons Halloween episode to spoof Jurassic World

The Simpsons are returning for their 30th season and will be airing their 29th Halloween special, Treehouse of Horror XXIX. The episode will air this fall, though no specific air date has been announced as of this moment, and part of the episode will be a spoof on Jurassic World.

Homer wins an oyster-eating contest against the mythical Cthulhu. Springfield is overrun by plant body-snatchers, Lisa finally snaps, and Mr. Burns opens a retirement home with some Jurassic upgrades.

With Comic-Con in San Diego this weekend, a special poster for Treehouse of Horror XXIX was created for the event and can be seen below. The poster features the Simpsons family in a Jurassic World style Gyrosphere in a park called “Geriatric Park”.

Will you be checking out the Halloween special of The Simpsons this year to see the Jurassic World spoof? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below and on our forums.

Source: IndieWire

Chris Pratt to parody his Jurassic World character in The LEGO Movie 2

At Comic-Con today, Warner Brothers hosted a panel with the cast of the upcoming The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part including Jurassic World’s own Chris Pratt. He voiced the lead character Emmet Brickowski in the hit 2014 film, The LEGO Movie, and returns for the 2019 sequel. But Emmet won’t be the only character Pratt will be voicing in the sequel, he will also be voicing a new character named Rex Dangervest. Based on footage screened at Comic-Con today, Rex Dangervest appears to be a hybrid of a character between Owen Grady and Star Lord from The Guardians of the Galaxy.

Emmet ventures into space on his own and we meet a brand new character: Rex Dangervest, also voiced by Chris Pratt. Rex is a galaxy-saving archaeologist and, uh, raptor trainer. In other words, he is the “cool” version of Chris Pratt, while Emmet is the nerdy, Parks and Recreation version. Still, they quickly become buds – Rex has heard of “the special” and is ready for a team-up. They even have a similar fashion sense, which Rex’s raptor buddies pick up instantly. “Vest friends!” one of them growls in subtitles.


While the Owen Grady character himself won’t be appearing in the LEGO Movie sequel, Rex Dangervest sounds like a great parody character that Jurassic fans should check out. The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part hits theaters on February 9, 2019.

What do you think of Chris Pratt parodying Owen Grady in next year’s The LEGO Movie sequel? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below and on our forums.

Source: Slash Film

A 25 Foot Ian Malcolm ‘Jurassic Park’ Statue Has Taken Over London

The Jurassic Park franchise has been celebrating hard this year. With the release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom dominating the Summer box office, 2017 also marks 25 years since the original movie captivated audiences, with fans being treated to a three day celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood.

But topping all of that is this 25 foot statue of Jeff Goldblum, which was erected on the banks of the River Thames in London just this morning.

Sitting just in front of Tower Bridge, the statue was commissioned by Now TV – who wanted to celebrate Jurassic Park in their own unique, yet sexy way.

Featuring Dr. Ian Malcolm’s all-black clothing complete with unbuttoned shirt, the statue replicates the character’s iconic pose during the third act of the movie.

Fans living in or visiting London will have the chance to see this statue up close until July 26, where it will then no doubt become part of Jurassic World: The Exhibition.

Be sure to share your photos with us if you’re lucky enough to see #JurassicJeff!

Mattel to Host Jurassic World San Diego Comic Con Panel This Saturday Featuring Reveals & Giveaways!

It’s 2018 San Diego Comic Con week, and while Universal Pictures themselves will not be attending the fan favorite convention, Jurassic will still have a significant presence with various brand partners.

Arguably the most exciting Jurassic World brand partner is Mattel, who has an excellent array of toys in stores now based upon Fallen Kingdom, as well as the Target exclusive Legacy Collection featuring classic Jurassic Park characters. While Wave 2 is just hitting stores now, with wave 3 on the horizon, Mattel has plenty more to come, and are already eager to give fans at SDCC an exclusive look at exciting new products, including some items from their 2019 range!

Further, it will be your first chance to get your hands on products not yet in stores with exciting giveaways, including a one of a kind chance to get a hold of rare unreleased products that did not make it to final production! Yes – you read that right – toys that are to remain unreleased will be given away in limited numbers– holy grail’s for collectors. While Mattel has remained tight lipped on what those items are, they’re sure to excite and are not to be missed.

So how do you attend the panel, and when is it? We have the exclusive first details:

The panel is this Saturday (July 21st, 2018) at 11am – 12pm PST and will be hosted at Mattel’s San Diego Comic Con booth. Occupancy is limited to 100 people, and tickets will be given away at the very location the morning of. Get there EARLY to secure your tickets and seats – the panel is not to be missed, and features various members of the Jurassic design team, and has some GIGANTIC reveals planned. The exclusive product giveaway occurs at the conclusion of the panel, so be sure to stick around. Their booth is adjacent to Lobby D, number 3029, with a smaller booth behind (#2945).

If you’ll be at Comic Con, but not be around for the panel on Saturday be sure to still swing by Mattel’s booth. The dinosaurs have a huge presence throughout the event, with awesome product display dioramas, photo-ops, giveaways, and more! If you’re a Jurassic super fan, you won’t want to miss it.

You can follow updates from the Mattel at SDCC from our website as well as their newly launched official Instagram channel, dedicated to their Jurassic range:

We’re not yet sure if the panel itself will be streamed online officially, but stay tuned for updates should that option become available. If you plan to attend and stream, let us know and we will be sure to relay the info and media on our site – further, be sure to take plenty of detailed pictures!

Sound off in the comments below and let us know if you’ll be attending, plus what future items you hope to see – and as always, stay tuned for the latest news!


Mattel’s VP of Boys Design Ed Duncan talks Jurassic World toys

If there is one thing most Jurassic fans can agree on is that the new Mattel Jurassic World toys have been a massive upgrade over the Hasbro line for the 2015 film. Long gone are the screw holes and in came human figures, realisitc looking dinosaurs including even some with real feel skin. Ed Duncan, Mattel’s VP of Boys Design is partially to thank as the head of design for the Jurassic World toys. He took some time to answer a few questions about the new toy line on the Mattel website.

When was the first time you saw a Jurassic film, and what was your experience with it?

Jurassic Park came out 25 years ago, and I think that was my first year as a toy designer. Everybody was excited about it because this was the first time you saw photorealistic CG animation in a film, and it was jaw-dropping.

It was a very formative experience seeing Jurassic, and subsequently, I actually worked at [another toy company] on a preschool Jurassic line in the late ‘90s. In fact, I remember the first time I ever came to L.A. was for a meeting with Universal about [the line], and a couple of funny things happened. The first thing was that I was carrying a box of toys in my hands, and I couldn’t open the door. Somebody holds the door open for me, and I glanced over, and it was Steven Spielberg. And then the other thing was I remember thinking, “I wonder if I’ll ever come back to L.A. for anything?” And here I am, 25 years later—I live here, and I’m the head of design for Jurassic World toys.

What do you want kids to experience when they play with this new line?

One of the things that makes dinosaurs cool is their size, and size is displayed relative to other things. If you just make a dinosaur by itself and aren’t paying attention to how big it is compared to anything else in the line, you don’t get the credit for how big or small anything in the story is. So we wanted to make sure that we had a good, compelling action figure representing a six-foot human to scale everything off of, because the size of your T.rex is only impressive if it’s in comparison to something that is recognizable. So being able to make figures and Jeeps, and then show how much bigger your T.rex and your Mosasaurus are to those is what makes those things seem much cooler.

Check out the full interview with Ed Duncan on Mattel’s website. Also, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below and on our forums.

Source: Mattel