Jurassic Park Gates, ‘Buck’ T. rex and MORE Available as Mattel Creations Crowdfund Set!

Hold on to your butts – the first ever Mattel Jurassic World Crowd Fund is here, and it’s a showstopper. Continuing the Jurassic Park 30th Celebrations, Mattel Creations have unveiled brand new and exclusive items from Jurassic Park… and a long-awaited item from The Lost World, incredible items that debut their first Jurassic crowdfund.

There is a lot to look at with this announcement, so let’s jump in!

Right out the gate (no pun intended) we’re gonna say we want the stretch goals to be hit, because they all deliver something special – so if you want this set to be made, and you want all the goals to be hit, help spread the word! 

So what is the core set? It’s a Hammond Collection version of the Jurassic Park gates that also comes with a premium Ford Explorer Vehicle – there’s a lot to dive in to with those, but before we get into the details we wanted to give a quick explanation on what a crowd fund is, and why they’re done:

Essentially, in this capacity, crowd funds exist to develop and sell items and sets that would be more difficult, if not impossible to have major retailers carry, usually due to their price, size, and maybe their demand. Items best suited to this crowdfund platform are items geared even more towards the fans and collectors than regular items that has to focus on the whole audience.

The crowdfund ensures a certain number of items are guaranteed – in this case at least 5000 – which covers the development costs. Ultimately, it means the designers at Mattel get to cater even closer to what the fans want to see in the Jurassic toy lines, and that fans more of a say 

As more people commit to the sets, as in, the more backers this gets, Mattel earn more wiggle room in costs and can add more value to the orders via stretch goals… and believe us these stretch goals are GREAT!

Let’s take a look at the set, and how this crowdfund works:

The centerpiece of the campaign is a fan-demanded motorized entry gate, accompanied by a first-ever replica of the Ford Explorer #5. Attention to detail has been a priority, ensuring an authentic recreation of the iconic movie scenes. The crowdfund also offers additional unlockable extra stretch goals at different tiers.

The Jurassic World Hammond Collection Gates measure 20.7 inches in height, 22.8 inches in width, and 12.1 inches in depth. They require four AA batteries (not included) to operate. These structures are accurately scaled to fit with the Hammond Collection figures, faithfully capturing every crack and crevice. 

The motorized door gates can be manually adjusted to any desired position, and flickering torch lights illuminate the entrance, providing a truly immersive experience. The gates also play the original movie theme music and ambient jungle sounds, adding to the atmosphere. The set includes the Ford Explorer #5, complete with rubber tires and enhanced design details, such as film-accurate hang tags, navigation screen, and antennas. This exclusive crowdfund offering is only available through the campaign.

To bring this extraordinary set to life, a minimum of 5,000 backers based in the United States is required. Once this threshold is reached, international backers will also be able to join the campaign. (As of Friday June 30th, the set is available to be ordered internationally!) As the number of backers increases, additional figures and accessories will be unlocked, enabling fans to recreate more thrilling Jurassic Park moments.

When the campaign reaches 6,000 backers, a post-electrocution Tim figure and enclosure fences will be added to everyone’s collection. Accompanying Tim are enclosure fences measuring 9.0 inches in height and 14.8 inches in width.  

At the 8,000 backer milestone, the Hammond Collection male “Buck” T. rex from The Lost World: Jurassic Park will be included bringing to life that T rex variant for the first time in collector level toy form from Mattel. This Rex is a MUST HAVE. 

Finally, with 10,000 backers, the set will be complete with the addition of a Lex Murphy figure, this time with some mud decals and her hat, plus a goat with a removable hind leg.

There’s an additional incentive for early backers. If the campaign achieves 5,000 U.S.-based backers within the first two weeks (by July 11), a set of six Jurassic Park Paddock Signs will be given to ALL participants, including international fans.

Interested supporters are encouraged to join the campaign promptly as it concludes on July 26, 2023, at 11:59 PM PT. Fans are urged to spread the word and invite other Jurassic Park enthusiasts to contribute, as their collective support will enable the creation of the ultimate Jurassic Park collection.

The cost to support and pre-order this set is $250, and that cost will include every stretch goal met! So what are you waiting for, help spread the word to ensure the entirety of the set can be created, and support this project now directly at Mattel Creations!

UPDATE: Mattel hosted a livestream to further unveil the set and featured special guests, and a much closer look at the items!

COMMON QUESTIONS

Does backing the set count as purchasing it?

Yes! Your backing of the set counts as a purchase if the set is funded; if it is not funded you will be refunded.

Will Mattel let fans outside of the US back the crowdfund?

Yes – as of Friday June 30th the set is available to be ordered internationally!

If funded, will the set be available at retailers or online?

No – the only way to purchase this set is via Mattel Creations through July 26th. It will not be available afterwards in any capacity.

If the stretch goals are met, does it cost extra?

No! The cost of the set does not change, so the more people that back the crowdfund the better value the set receives via more collector items.

Why is this set a crowdfund – shouldn’t they just release it in stores?

Were it so easy. While we would love for retailers to carry items and sets like these, they simply do not have any desire to carry them due to high prices and large box sizes cutting down on shelf space profitability.

Isn’t it unfair that they’re limiting the run of such desired items?

There is no limitation on this set besides time – if you want to join the crowdfund, you can (international backers just need to wait a bit longer). Every item even at mass retail has limited production numbers and limited time for distribution, this just cuts out the middleman of items trickling out of warehouses to store shelves. 

Why is the male “Buck” T. rex from The Lost World in a Jurassic Park set?

Fair question – it simply comes down to the fact that they already have the Hammond Collection Jurassic Park T. rex on store shelves now, and had offered an alternate exclusive version last year, so they wanted to add something to this set that hasn’t been done before.

Q: Does “Buck” have his facial scars?

Yes! Toy designer Greg Murphy made sure to highlight them on the live stream.

Is there anything else unique about the T. rex – and might it ever hit store shelves separately?

Yes, it has new sculpting for the head and neck, sharper teeth, plus all-new film accurate smaller feet. As for the store shelves question, it’s hard to say, but we would wager there is a chance over some years – however its painting would likely not be as detailed & premium.

Does this set count as ‘Hammond Collection’?

Yes, this set has been designed as a Hammond Collection collector level set making full use of premium stylings.

What Have They Got in There, King Kong?

Hold on to your butts, the Jurassic Park gates are coming to Mattel Creations! As we tweeted earlier today, Mattel have begun to tease a first look at the first crowdfunded Jurassic Park item to join Mattel Creations online platform, and it’s a big one.

Isla Nublar’s doorway to death has made its way to the toy universe before – Kenner’s 1993 Jurassic Park Command Compound playset included some of Jurassic Park’s iconic fencing, along with the dauntingly large gates to complete the set.

The gates did get a reissue by Hasbro in 2001 (for some reason), but haven’t been reimagined by Mattel since their acquisition of the license… until now.

Until more can be revealed, make sure to sign up for updates – believe us, you don’t want to miss this one!

Exclusive New Details On Fan-Proposed John Hammond ‘Jurassic Park’ Prequel!

The ‘Jurassic’ franchise is definitely on a bit of a hiatus after ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’. The story that began in 1993 closed with the sixth film, and while there are opportunities to continue in a new direction, many believe the actual choices for an engaging narrative are limited.

The BioSyn “Sanctuary”, as shown in the final moments of ‘Dominion’, is really the only bit of lore left to tie the franchise forward unless something new is concocted (much like the “Lockwood” material in ‘Fallen Kingdom’). Depending on who you ask, Isla Sorna could be the setting for future stories – but what is left to mine from there at this point in the series? Otherwise, we just have a future with random dinosaur attacks in our world (which honestly has a limited shelf life in terms of having an actual story).

‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ made over a billion dollars last year, a feat only shared by a handful of films. No matter what your take is on the last entry, the box office is proof that there is still an audience for this series. Universal Pictures will undoubtedly move forward with a new story at some point. However, what if instead they went backward?

Jurassic Outpost has been given exclusive new details on the proposed John Hammond prequel that was teased two years ago. An independent pitch that features a gallery of concept art showcasing Hammond’s years leading up to the creation of ‘Jurassic Park’! Included are several new images, which you can view below:

In many ways, this looks like a version of the story told by Richard Attenborough (the actor who famously portrayed John Hammond) in the DreamWorks Interactive game ‘Trespasser’ through a collection of memoirs written by Austin Grossman.

However, that game’s story has been questioned by fans as meshing canon from the films and the novels in ways that don’t quite line up (although we personally enjoy it regardless). This new pitch appears to adhere more closely to the films. For a taste, we were given this page from the script, depicting a moment from the well-known “flea circus” story.

So far, this concept sounds great and looks like it could have potential. Given how most people didn’t like the direction ‘Dominion’ went, the chances of a prequel happening (or even a remake of sorts) are definitely not out of the question. Do you think Universal Pictures would be interested? Would you be interested? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and as always, stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost for the latest!

Mattel’s New Jurassic Park BRACHIOSAURUS is Unveiled in Beyond The Gates!

The celebrations for Jurassic June continue with an all-new episode of Beyond The Gates! In the latest episode, Chris unveils a giant newcomer to Mattel’s Hammond Collection: the 1993 Brachiosaurus, as seen on Isla Nublar!

Joining Chris to dive deep into the development and design of this Jurassic Park collectible is none other than Mattel’s Gregory Murphy, alongside the legendary Academy Award winner Dennis Muren, who took the time to speak with us about his work on the Brachiosaurus scene.

Check out the exciting unveiling and behind the scenes look at Jurassic Park below:

This season of Beyond The Gates has been filled with items to celebrate Jurassic Park’s 30th Anniversary, with no signs of slowing down!

The Hammond Collection Brachiosaurus from Jurassic Park is now available to pre-order exclusively (in the US!) at Target.com! Don’t miss your chance to bring home this towering titan.

There are some exciting unveilings still to come – stay tuned for more!

Jurassic World Live Tour Returns and is Coming to a City Near You!

Announced all the way back in January 2018, the Jurassic World Live Tour was the inception of Feld Entertainment Inc. and Universal Brand Development, and promised “arena-sized action, special effects and physical stunts that will leave you on the edge-of-your seat!

The show opened in Fall 2019 but unfortunately halted it’s North American tour in 2020. None of that matters now, as the Live Tour has returned to take you back to Jurassic World!

The incredible show is now touring and may be coming to your city! Check out the list below to see how close you will be to the dinosaurs of Jurassic World, including Blue, Rexy the Rexasaurus, and newcomer to the show, fan favorite Bumpy!

We had a fantastic time visiting the show and witnessing the dinosaurs, vehicles, and impressive cast up close. Be sure to check out the gallery below:

Check out the official website for further information, the schedule, and tickets!

Have you seen the show? Be sure to share your thoughts down below in the comments!

Art Dept. Coordinator Caroline Quinn Recalls Her Adventures In ‘Jurassic Park’!

Thirty years ago, ‘Jurassic Park’ roared its way into movie theaters. The film’s impressive special effects and incredible premise have wowed audiences for decades, cementing it as a true classic.

One vital member of the film’s creative team was Caroline Quinn, the art department coordinator. While her career would later evolve as a set designer on projects like ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, ‘Halloween Kills’, and Zack Snyder’s ‘Rebel Moon’; ‘Jurassic Park’ was where everything began. Join Jurassic Time as they discuss her role as an art department coordinator, and the adventure she went on to help bring ‘Jurassic Park’ to life!

Featuring never-before-seen photos and concept work from the film, as Caroline Quinn tells her behind-the-scenes stories! The perfect way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ‘Jurassic Park’!

They explore her time assisting the film’s art department by assembling storyboard displays, models, and embarking on epic research assignments! Caroline even portrayed Lex Murphy in a “Raptors In The Kitchen” test video created by Stan Winston & Dennis Murren! Hear how she contributed to a famous joke in the film, helped create the memorable slideshow in the Visitor Center’s lunch room, and much more!

After thirty years, the film remains an incredible experience, thanks to the team of creative geniuses that brought to life an adventure 65 million years in the making…

It’s amazing how even after three decades we can learn new behind-the-scenes stories of ‘Jurassic Park’! What were some new details from this interview that you enjoyed the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and as always stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost for the latest!

Universal Studios Japan to Close Jurassic Park The Ride for ‘Major Refurbishment’

Promo image for Jurassic Park The Ride in Japan, now sporting a Jurassic World render of “Rexy.”

According to Universal Japan’s website, Jurassic Park: The Ride will close for a major refurbishment in September of 2023. 

As of right now, the parks website reads that the ride will close on September 4th, 2023, indefinitely, but also states further down on the same page:

‘The major refurbishment of Jurassic Park the Ride, which begins on Monday, September 4, 2023, is expected to take until early 2025. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.’

This follows the ride being closed from June 6th to June 21st also of this year, most likely for normal yearly refurbishment and maintenance.

There is also no word as to if this is a refurbishment of the existing ride or if it means the ride will be getting the Universal Hollywood treatment and transforming into Jurassic World The Ride. 

Currently, Universal Studios Orlando and Japan are the only Universal parks to still have the classic Jurassic Park The Ride/River Adventure ride. Universal Singapore has its own unique Jurassic ride called Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure that has a circular raft vehicle rather than the long multi-rowed raft (making it close to Islands of Adventure’s Popey and Bluto’s Bilge-rat Barges or Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Kali River Rapids.) Universal Beijing has the award-winning Jurassic World Adventure Ride (a dark ride in the vein of Amazing Adventures of Spider-man at Islands of Adventure,) as well as Jurassic Flyers. As previously stated, Universal Hollywood revamped Jurassic Park The Ride to Jurassic World The Ride, which opened in 2019. Sporting some new visuals, animatronics, and story, the updated ride has been well received, with many applauding the spectacular new animatronics and moments. Universal Orlando still has its original Jurassic Park River Adventure ride and opted for a brand new Jurassic World ride (instead of changing River Adventure) with VelociCoaster, which has been awarded Best Rollercoaster two years in a row. If Universal Japan is changing their Jurassic Park ride to Jurassic World though, we can theorize (“theorize, mind you”) that it’s most likely only a matter of time before Orlando sees its classic Jurassic ride go through a similar refurbishment. 


While closed, guests to Universal Japan can still visit the Jurassic Park area to experience The Flying Dinosaur, a steel flying coaster where guests soar through the air like pterosaurs (which, should be stated, are not dinosaurs,) and experience various dinosaur “meet and greets” throughout the land.

Universal Parks News Video of Jurassic Park The Ride at Universal Studios Japan

Hasbro Reveals Jurassic Park x Transformers Dilophocon and Autobot JP12

Today Hasbro revealed the Transformers Collaborative Jurassic Park x Transformers Dilophocon and Autobot JP12 to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Jurassic Park! These figures are inspired by the iconic Dilophosaurus and Jeep Wrangler Sahara from the original film. This new mash-up pack is available for pre-order on Hasbro Pulse and Amazon.


Transformers Collaborative Jurassic Park x Transformers Dilophocon and Autobot JP12

(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $74.99 / Available: Fall 2023)


The worlds of Transformers robots and Jurassic Park collide once again with the Jurassic Park x Transformers Dilophocon and Autobot JP12 mash-up pack! The iconic Dilophosaurus and Jeep Wrangler Sahara from the Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s blockbuster Jurassic Park movie are now Transformers robots. Each figure converts from robot mode to movie-inspired alt mode (convert Dilophocon in 20 steps; Autobot JP12 in 23 steps) and features screen-accurate deco and details. This 2-pack comes with movie-inspired accessories including a shaving cream canister, embryo containment unit, rain hat, venom blast effect, and 2 blaster accessories.

Transformers robots have always been — More Than Meets the Eye — but now, through the Transformers Collaborative, fans can experience these larger-than-life characters as they team-up, mash-up, and meet up with other characters, teams, and people who share this same special quality. Available for preorder on Hasbro Pulse and Amazon.



What do you think of Jurassic Park x Transformers? Will you be pre-ordering? Let us know in the comments and follow Jurassic Outpost for more!

Queue Videos From Extinct ‘Jurassic Park: The Ride’ Hollywood Attraction Receives Newly-Remastered Presentation!

‘Jurassic Park: The Ride’ at Universal Studios Hollywood may have closed forever to make way for ‘Jurassic World’… but something has survived, thanks to Jurassic Time! Experience the queue videos from the extinct original attraction in this edited & remastered production, preserving the entire fantastic pre-show! Click the title card below to watch it!

Starring Richard Attenborough reprising his role as John Hammond! Also featuring dinosaur expert “Dino” Don Lessem! This presentation uses a variety of the highest quality sources possible to recreate the original Hollywood attraction’s single-screen queue videos. Most of the footage presented in this video is sourced from a new Universal Studios Japan recording of the queue’s main screen by “USJ Informer L.C.A.STUDIOS” to present the best quality ever seen outside of the attraction!

It was then edited to match the original English audio and sequencing by using a Hollywood on-location recording from 2018 (with some elements from years prior). This audio is imperfect, with a lot of background noise at times from other video screens in the queue, but it is the best we could get under the circumstances. Some footage is still sourced from this recording, most notably the spinning “logos”, and other sources. Due to the sources available, there will be some inaccuracies & other editorial choices made to best recreate the experience.

In addition, two versions of the “boarding audio” bookend the presentation. Much of the music during the various spinning “logos” has been re-created to closely match the way they were originally edited for the videos to provide a better-quality experience. Some music remains unknown and uses the source audio.

A fun note: Steven Spielberg gets a brief cameo during John Hammond’s segment! They spared no expense!

In the queue, a set of three screens were joined together at each station, often having additional unique footage on the other screens (sometimes even interacting with each other). To see that version (including its unique alternate takes of certain moments), see the “MULTI-SCREEN Queue Videos” compilation.

‘Jurassic Park: The Ride’ was in development during the creation of the film itself. You will notice in several segments that sets, props, vehicles, and even animatronics are used from the film. The Visitor Center, for example, was used right before the set got struck down. For more about the creation of the original attraction, see Jurassic Time’s interview with its creator & other videos, including a storyboard recreation of the ride’s initial ideas!

Did you ever get to ride the original Hollywood attraction before it closed? What were some of your memories, and do you prefer it to other incarnations? Share your thoughts below, and as always stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost for the latest!

Celebrating 30 Years of Jurassic Park

Today marks the first day of Jurassic June, and Universal Pictures have dropped a celebratory video featuring the original cast of 1993’s Jurassic Park. Check it out below!

Thirty years ago, the world experienced the original Jurassic Park, “the beginning of something that changed movies.” Sam Neill (Dr. Alan Grant), Laura Dern (Dr. Ellie Sattler), and Jeff Goldblum (Dr. Ian Malcolm) return in an exclusive clip to reflect on their experiences and express their gratitude to the fandom for keeping the captivating wonders of Jurassic Park alive. After all, “there’s something about dinosaurs which captures the proper imagination like nothing else.”

How are you celebrating? Join the discussion down below!