Get Ready to Celebrate – Universal Pictures Confirms Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary!

In 2018, Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park will hit it’s 25th birthday. 25 years of entertaining audiences with three sequels released in that time. Many fans expected there to be some sort of celebration to coincide with Jurassic World 2’s release that same year, and now Universal Pictures have confirmed the celebration.

The Las Vegas Licensing Expo happens this May, and their line-up included detailed information on NBCUniversal’s Brand Development. Among the various properties listed, both Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary and Jurassic World 2 are named. This surely will lead to a theatrical re-release (something we’ve heard buzz about), and possibly even a blu ray set with new set with new special features.

The new logo has shown up on Amazon via the Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary Wall Calendar. This will hopefully be the first of many products for fans to indulge over, and we have also heard constant buzz about a 25th anniversary throwback toyline, a Jurassic Park “Classic Collection”.

While a toyline hasn’t been confirmed, we’ve been hearing about it since June of last year (see last paragraph), which may well mean that Hasbro’s plans were carried over into Mattel when they fortunately lost the license. While the linked article discusses the splintering of @JurassicWorld and @JurassicPark, it’s possible that a “classic” toyline may remain under the Jurassic World branding, but we won’t know that until next year!

What products or events are you hoping for next year to celebrate Jurassic Park’s 25th anniversary? What would you like to see in a classic toyline, a Lex Murphy or John Hammond figure perhaps? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below, and stay tuned for more as we learn it!

Source: Licensing Expo

Originally posted March 17th, 2017

Hawaii casting call set for this Saturday for Jurassic World Sequel

Always dreamed of maybe being eaten by a dinosaur? Well this weekend could be your opportunity as there is an open casting call taking place on Oahu, Hawaii this upcoming Saturday March 25th that is looking for extras to appear in the upcoming Jurassic World sequel according to a news report from Khon2.

While the news report doesn’t specifically mention the Jurassic World sequel, which is operating under the working title of Ancient Futures, it does say it is a Universal film that is part of a big franchise that filmed there back in 2014. Obviously Jurassic World is the only film that fits that specific criteria.


The news report mentions there is a casting call for another movie that is also taking place at the same time. Casting director Katie Doyle had this to say about the process, but it was unclear which film she was referencing or if it was a general comment about both films:

“This one were looking for some Latino and Latino looking Spanish speakers, lots of active duty military, military spouses, farmers, bikini girls, native Hawaiian specific Islanders”

So anyone going to be one of the lucky ones to get that chance to attend the open casting call? Let us know in the comments below and on our forums.

Thank you to our friend Reel News Hawaii for bringing this news story to our attention.

Source: Khon2

JA Bayona teases animatronics with photo of puppeteer team

Jurassic World sequel director JA Bayona took to Twitter this afternoon to tease the puppeteer team hard at work bringing the animatronic dinosaurs to life for the new film. The team, shown in the photo below, appears to be working underneath a stage or platform where shooting is taking place.

It was reported back in early February that the Jurassic World sequel was veering away from Legacy Effects practical dinosaurs and instead going with the ‘Creature Shop’ of Oscar Award winning Neal Scanlan. Scanlan might be most well known for his recent work on both of the most recent Star Wars films, ‘The Force Awakens’ and ‘Rogue One’. While Jurassic Outpost cannot 100% confirm, it appears Mr. Scanlan is in the photo second from the left.

Jurassic World star Bryce Dallas Howard, who is reprising her role as Claire Dearing in the upcoming sequel also teased today a fall protection vest that was being used during today’s shooting.

Our good friends at the Bryce Dallas Howard Network was the first to speculate that perhaps the teased animatronic dinosaur and the fall protection vest could mean an exciting dinosaur action scene involving Claire.

So what kind of dinosaur do you think the puppeteer team is controlling? Also do you agree with the speculation that this could mean there is an action scene involving Claire and this animatronic dinosaur? Let us know in the comments below and on our forums.

Source: JA Bayona on Twitter, Bryce Dallas Howard on Twitter

LA Times Lists Jurassic World 2 as Currently Shooting in Pacoima, LA – Legacy Effects Likely Involved!

The LA Times have reported that Jurassic World 2 (under the working title of Ancient Futures) is filming in Los Angeles this week, starting Monday 13th and wrapping on Sunday 19th.

We know that the production offices are in London and that the crew and a number of key actors are currently shooting at Pinewood Studios, so this week’s supposed filming in Pacoima, LA is certainly surprising.

What does this mean, you ask. We’re not quite sure ourselves… actors Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Pratt, Daniella Pineda, Justice Smith are currently filming in London, with B.D. Wong having confirmed his position there too. The rest of the cast are currently unaccounted for, so it’s possible that they are in LA shooting additional scenes or perhaps second unit material, but this theory doesn’t have much grounding as J.A. Bayona wouldn’t be there to direct them.

     

It’s possible that this is second unit material and that the length of time also includes set construction/preparations. It’s also possible that this is filming for a teaser trailer or something marketing related, but that is purely a theory and we have no other information at this point.

What do you make of this news? What do you think they could be filming, if anything? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below, and follow our Instagram for daily Jurassic posts!

UPDATE: Legacy Effects, who worked on the animatronic Apatosaur for Jurassic World, are located minutes from Pacoima in Los Angeles, which lends credibility to this rumour and hints that Legacy Effects may be involved in the sequel after all.

We reported a while back that Jurassic World 2 had veered from Legacy Effects and instead hired Neal Scanlan’s team in the UK to work on the animatronic dinosaurs, but now it would appear that both Neal Scanlan’s team and Legacy are working on the sequel!

In case you missed it, we’re currently working with Universal Pictures on the first official community event, taking place this April 2nd at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA. There will be an IMAX screening of Jurassic World, a Q&A with Dr. Jack Horner, a Velociraptor meet and greet and plenty more, including discounted entry to Jurassic World: The Exhibition!

Read more about the event here, and let us know if you’re coming by RSVPing to our Facebook event. We hope you can make it!

Rafe Spall navigating busy schedule including the Jurassic World Sequel

English actor Rafe Spall has been connected to the Jurassic World Sequel since last November, but very little is known about what type of role he will play in the new film. While we still don’t know really anything about his character, he took some time to talk to BT about his busy schedule filming the sequel and starring in the National Theatre’s production of Hedda Gabler which ends its run next week.

Spall, who works on the Jurassic World sequel during the day and performs at his show in the evenings is excited to be working with director JA Bayona and returning Jurassic actors Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt.

“It’s being directed by JA Bayona, who is a genuine auteur, so to have someone like that putting his own mark on it is extremely exciting, it’s a bit like when (Alfonso) Cuaron did a Harry Potter, a brilliant film-maker with their own visions coming on to a franchise.”

“It’s a great part and Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt are extremely talented and charming people so I’m really enjoying it.”

He also goes on to say how one of the best parts of working on a Jurassic film is being able to share the films with his children.

“That is part of the power of Jurassic Park, kids love dinosaurs and they have since time immemorial so I’m really excited to be in something they will be so pumped about.”

So what kind of character do you think Rafe Spall will be playing in the Jurassic World sequel? Let us know in the comments below and on our forums.

Source: BT

Colin Trevorrow shares first beautiful set picture from Jurassic World 2!

Welcome to Jurassic World 2. Colin Trevorrow just took to twitter to share this beautiful set photo from the upcoming installment in the Jurassic Park saga. Captioned only with “Walking in giant footsteps. #Jw2”, we’re left to speculate about what the image shows.

The image, which I originally thought was concept art or a key frame, was confirmed to be an actual still from the film by Frank Marshall. It showcases a young girl (likely “Lucy“!), looking at a hall of dinosaurs in what appears to be a very ornate mansion. The current favorite theory is perhaps this is John Hammond’s mansion, though reports of a mansion set being built for filming suggest this may actually be on one of the islands. If so, it doesn’t seem nearly aged enough to have been left abandoned for 25+ years, so it’s unlikely to be John  Hammond’s (unless the film will utilize flashbacks?)

On back  left of the photo is a small therapod dinosaur, which may possibly be a Velociraptor (though it’s hard to tell) – middle left appears to be an Edmontosaurus, and front left appears to be a Juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex/Nanotyrannus (see: Jane). Back right is a Protoceratops, followed by a Kosmoceratops, and finally closest to the frame is likely an Euoplocephalus or perhaps Edmontonia. The large skull center frame is a bit of a curiosity, but we currently speculate it’s a Agujaceratops.

This image is simply gorgeous – and it absolutely screams director J.A. Bayona’s and cinematographer Oscar Faura’s style. I can’t get over how beautiful the set, framing, composition, and lighting is. Whatever the image showcases, one thing is for sure: we’re in for a visual treat in Jurassic World 2.

As always, stay tuned and sound off in the comments below (especially if you think we made a mistake identifying some of the dinosaurs!).

New Photos Showcase Set Construction for Jurassic World 2!

Filming for Jurassic World 2 is now in full swing, with actress Bryce Dallas Howard kicking off the #JurassicHype by posting an image a day from the set. Along with her not-so-revealing but equally cool photos, a number of fans who live near the current filming locations decided to take a walk and see what they could see.

Below are a series of photos showing the construction team in development on sets for the film, as well as some potential props and vehicles. While the sets are indistinguishable, if you want to avoid any spoilers then look away now.

The first photos are from Jay on Twitter, who took these photos in the Hawley Common area. There were signs on the surrounding fence that confirmed it was an ‘Ancient Futures’ closed set.

     

The second is from Raptor Chaser on Twitter, who took this photo of the set currently being constructed in Pyestock!

Another image from Darryl also shows the Pyestock set:

Filming began at the Langley Business Centre last week, and a few fans waited around to see what they could spot. Raptor Chaser took a photo that shows a Mercedes Unimog U5000, possibly being used for the film. A portacabin with large jungle vines dangled on it was also seen:

     

Also spotted at this location were some mysterious pods that possibly hold the Jurassic World logo:

Below are some more photos from the Hawley Common area, taken by Raptor Chaser:

     

These photos certainly are interesting! Have you seen any Ancient Futures signs near you? If so, let us know, and be sure to follow our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for round the clock Jurassic news!

Rumor: Jurassic World 2 titled ‘Jurassic World: Epoch’?

Jurassic World 2 began filming over a week ago, and while a few pictures have been shared from the shoot, nothing too substantial has hit. However, today we have a fairly big (albeit unverified) rumor: allegedly the Universal Pictures website temporarily unveiled the title of Jurassic World 2 according to Twitter user @matthewjn:

Now, by the time we caught wind of this, the website listing already changed back to  ‘Jurassic World Sequel’ – as we were unable to verify the veracity of this claim, we suggest everyone take this news with the appropriate grain of salt. With the internet it’s far too easy to spread fake rumors, and we always take leaks like this with a healthy dose of skepticism, no matter the source. That said, this isn’t the first time the word ‘EPOCH’ has been associated with Jurassic World 2.

Back in November, Ryan (who is part of our news and podcast team) caught a temporary update to JurassicWorld.com – in one of the news nodes was the word EPOCH with the silhouette of a Volcano behind it. He clicked the link, which brought him to a nonexistent page, and upon returning the node was gone. This led us to speculate about the plot of Jurassic World 2, meshing the volcano bit with recently purchased domains (AllCreaturesHaveRights.com, IslaNublarRescueMission.com, and DinosaurProtectionGroup.com).

Those domains purchased were recently corroborated by a set pictured shared by Frank Marshall:

Take note of the poster on the wall titled “#WeCanSaveThem” – seemingly showcasing the raising of funds for some unknown purpose, and then the homemade Tyrannosaur holding a sign saying “Save Our Saurs”. While we can’t be sure what the full purpose of this dinosaur protection activism and fundraising is for, it does seem to be something critical to the plot judging by the domains. Could it be to save the dinosaurs from an imminent volcanic eruption?

If so, perhaps the eruption is a significant enough event to earn the title EPOCH – defined as “The beginning of a distinctive period in the history of someone or something.” Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the title – as it stands it sounds incomplete, and doesn’t flow off of the tongue easily. However, it could make sense depending on the plot of the film (it’s worth noting it also may just be an internal placeholder name to avoid major leaks.)

The Jurassic Park franchise has been nothing if not inconsistent in titling its films, but I’m a fan of anything over simple numbering (as seen with Jurassic Park 3). Are you a fan of ‘Jurassic World: Epoch’ – and do you think it’s the actual title of the upcoming sequel? Sound off in the comments below!

Source: @matthewjn

Geraldine Chaplin joins the cast of Jurassic World 2!

In what could’ve been called an absolute certainty, Bayona-staple Geraldine Chaplin, daughter of legendary filmmaker Charlie Chaplin, has joined the ever growing cast of Jurassic World 2.

Announced today on Twitter by the Director himself, Chaplin has had roles in all 3 of his previous feature films; The Orphanage, The Impossible and A Monster Calls. Starting out with an uncredited role in her father’s ‘Limelight’, she has had a massively diverse career in English, French and Spanish cinema.

The addition of another well established actress is certainly an exciting announcement for Jurassic! Are you a fan of Geraldine Chaplin? Comment below!

 

DAY 1 – Bryce Dallas Howard Kicks off Filming with the First Set Photo

Yesterday, in a dreary business centre complex in Slough, England, the production team for Jurassic World 2 began to setup for filming. While some fans visited the area to see what they could spot, it became clear that this was not day 1 of principle photography as originally thought, but instead a day of preparation with filming to commence the following day.

Actress Bryce Dallas Howard just confirmed the fact in a new tweet, featuring the first official photo from the set of Jurassic World 2. She writes: “Day 1.”

We can see in the photo that they are currently filming inside the Langley Business Centre, which as predicted, has had a set built inside of it. Notice the HMI light poking out just above the chair. What is behind this wall? That we don’t know, and hopefully won’t until June 2018.

In 2014 producer Frank Marshall tweeted to announce the first day of filming on Jurassic World, with set photos following shortly after. Hopefully we will see some official photos of the team on set today.

The sequel to 2015’s Jurassic World has now officially begun filming and will continue throughout the coming few months, filming at Pinewood Studios, an Army Training Ground in Surrey, Brecon Beacons in Wales and of course, Hawaii.

Best of luck to the cast and crew of Ancient Futures!

We’ll keep you updated on all the filming news as soon as we hear it, so be sure to stay glued to our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook channels for the latest!

Source: Bryce Dallas Howard