Category: News

Jurassic becomes first major live-action film franchise to average $1 billion per film

Posted on by Josh Evans

Star Wars, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Harry Potter and Fast and Furious are all major live-action Hollywood franchises that not only entertain and shape generations of moviegoers, but also dominate at the global box office. But despite all those franchises’ success, there is only one live-action film franchise (with 2+ films) that averages $1 billion worldwide per film and it might shock the average person of which franchise that is: Jurassic Park.

That is right, the Jurassic Park franchise, which currently stands at 5 films (with the 6th film, Jurassic World: Dominion currently in production for a June 11, 2021 release), is the only live-action movie franchise to reach this amazing feat. With the Covid-19 re-release of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom this Summer in multiple countries and some theatrical showings of Jurassic World, the franchise global total has finally crossed the $5 billion mark ($5,069,589,335 to be exact as of this writing).

One might argue that the re-release of those films to push it over the top is unfair, but most major film franchise’s see re-releases from time to time, including other big ones like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So how does this all break down for the Jurassic films compared to the others? Well lets start with Jurassic Park.

Before 2015, the Jurassic franchise consisted of only three films, Jurassic Park (1993), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) and Jurassic Park III (2001). The worldwide grosses of those three films are $1,033,756,460, $618,638,999 and $368,780,809 which totals $2.02 billion, or about $673.7 million per film. So how did the franchise go from averaging $673.7 million to $1 billion? In 2015 the release of the fourth film in the series, Jurassic World demolished box office records at the time on the way to a massive global haul of $1,670,400,637. Three years later the fifth film, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, while not as massive as it’s predecessor, was still one of the biggest film’s of all-time with $1,378,012,430. Add those all up and you have a franchise that makes it to the $1 billion per film average.

So if you are still surprised or asking “Well what about Star Wars or Marvel, they have to be at or close to an average of $1 billion also”. Those are indeed massive franchises with at least one film in each that has made over $2 billion individually, but overall still behind Jurassic in terms of averages. Star Wars has 11 theatrical films that average $937.4 million per film and if you include 2008’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars as the 12th film, the average drops to $859.8 million. The Marvel Cinematic Universe currently has 23 films that average $982 million. Some other major franchises that are near the top of the list include the Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts films ($923.8 million average), Pirates of the Caribbean ($904.9 million), The Hunger Games ($742.0 million) and (Fast and Furious ($654.9 million).

But there has to be a catch right, is Jurassic REALLY the highest grossing franchise in Hollywood on average? Yes, and well, also no. It is the highest grossing live-action film series per film, but it is not the highest grossing film series per film overall. There is one other franchise that can claim that title: Disney’s animated Frozen films. Currently sitting at two films, the series is averaging a very impressive $1.37 billion per film.

While Jurassic might be the only current $1 billion per film live-action franchise it will be interesting to see if a series like Star Wars or Marvel can ever reach those heights too since they are not that far off. It will also be something to watch if Jurassic can maintain that level with the series adding Jurassic World: Dominion next Summer. If Dominion can earn at least $1 billion itself it will obviously stay in the exclusive $1 billion per film club. Based on past results, the movie going audiences love for new films in the series it is a no-brainer that the new film would reach those heights. However, the wrench in the whole thing is the current world climate with the Covid-19 pandemic and the complete uncertainty of the film landscape going forward. Will the virus be gone, or at least contained enough that normalcy resumes? Will theaters be open at 100% capacity? Will some theaters even fail to re-open after their financial losses, especially in a very big box office market in China? There are a lot of rough waters that a blockbuster like Dominion will have to navigate.

The other thing Jurassic has proven and earned is the right to exist as a franchise. Not everyone loves all the films, and people will always question certain choices by the filmmakers and not everyone will always agree with with the direction the movies take. Like any other film series though, some absolutely love every aspect of it, and there are people that hate everything too. You can’t please everyone and every series will have its positives and negatives. But you can’t deny that there is a global thirst and want for these films. It is a franchise that if a new film is released, people will flock to see it. You might see people on social media or even national movie critics ask things like “Why are they making another?”, “Jurassic is not a franchise”, “It is time to let the series die”, “No one asked for another Jurassic movie”, yet what they fail to realize is that how well these films do, people do want more films and they don’t want the series to end. If you don’t want to watch another Jurassic film, then don’t, no one is forcing you to, but it is still going to have a major turnout, excitement and box office haul.

So what do you think of the Jurassic franchise being the only live-action film franchise to average $1 billion per film globally? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Filming in Malta for ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ to be Scaled Back After Surge in COVID-19 Infections

Posted on by Jack

Deadline have reported that the filming in Malta for the upcoming Jurassic World: Dominion, set to begin at the end of this month, will be scaled back due to the island having received an increase in Covid-19 cases.

They report that Sam Neill, Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt will no longer be traveling to the country to film.

There were reports last week from sources in Malta claiming that four crew members set to work on Dominion when the production arrived have tested positive for the virus and are now self-isolating. A Universal Pictures spokesperson also confirmed the report in the New York Times article from last week that stated that four crew members in the UK have tested positive for the virus since early July. Those four were isolated and none became seriously ill.

The country has received a spike this month in cases, and arrivals from the UK will be required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival. Those 14 days can severely disrupt the filming schedule and while Universal have a cohesive plan for filming during this pandemic, they would naturally want to limit further delays to the production with mandatory quarantines and possible exposure to the virus.

Universal Pictures provided Deadline with this statement:

“Jurassic World: Dominion will have a significant presence in Malta with a second unit crew shooting there from the end of August through to September. Working with an abundance of caution as we have done throughout this production, first unit will no longer shoot in Malta to keep our presence on the ground to a minimum. We’d like to thank the Maltese Government and Film Commission for all their support and we look forward to a successful shoot in this beautiful country.”

The second unit shoot, while still large with roughly 200 crew members, is now at a 50% reduction from what had been planned. The crew will be made up of local professionals and some crew arriving from the UK.

In June, when filming was announced to be resuming, Universal Pictures reportedly had spent $5 million on safety precautions. That figure has reportedly jumped to $9 million, with the New York Times article revealing the studio rented a whole hotel for some of the cast and crew.

While this news may come as a disappointment to some, cast and crew safety is far more important than the film itself, and it seems the studio will continue to take necessary precautions as they arise. The Maltese Government have every right to halt filming if they believe it to be a safety risk.

And if the cast and crew are looking for masks to wear on set, we have a few available.

New Look at Dinosaurs and Chris Pratt in ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’!

Posted on by Corey Anderson

If you’re like us, every day you wake up wondering if it will be a Jurassic news day – but more often than not, we’re left waiting once again. However, today news found a way.

Courtesy of The New York Times, we have a new look behind the scenes at Jurassic World: Dominion via their article focusing on safety and filming during a pandemic. Featured inside are two very interesting images, which we take a look at below!

The first image we’re taking a look at features five Compsognathus peaking out from within a small iron cage. These Compies are some of the many practical animatronic and puppet dinosaurs that have been created by John Nolan Studios, and are the first time they’ve been practical since 1997’s The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Their designs look straight out of the classic films and we couldn’t be happier to see them getting more of a spotlight once again. Curiously, they’re not the first dinosaur we’ve seen in cages for this film, following the caged baby Nasutoceratops. Dinosaurs are free in our world, and that means the way mankind interacts with them will clearly evolve.

The second image is less straight forward, and features Chris Pratt’s Owen Grady and whom we believe to be DeWanda Wise’s ‘Kayla’ walking through a mysterious forest. While we’re unsure of the setting, the forest does look quite similar to Isla Sorna, which we know will be featured or mentioned in the upcoming Jurassic sequel in some capacity.

The post goes on to detail the extreme precautions the set is undertaking to ensure a healthy working environment for cast and crew, all laid out in a 107-page safety manual. One of they key things was ensuring the cast was happy with the set up, as they are essentially guinea pigs for what’s being done. An estimated $9 million was spent on additional safety protocols ranging from hand sanitizer stations to renting out an entire hotel for crew members. Official reps have indicated:

“Roughly 750 people are involved in the $200 million production of ‘Jurassic World,’ which restarted on July 6, and the set would normally be a hive of activity. But Universal has divided the production into two categories. The larger one is made up of the departments that don’t need access to the set during filming, like construction and props. The more exclusive category, called the Green Zone, includes the director, the cast and only essential crew, like camera operators and the sound department.”

Production seems to be progressing acceptably for everyone involved at the moment. Universal still has the film slated for June of next year, so only time will tell if Jurassic will be added to the growing list of movies delayed by the pandemic.

Be sure to tune in to our latest podcast episode where we analyze these new set photos in detail!

Are you excited to see these new set pictures? Do you think Dominion will be on track for a summer release next year? Let us know in the comments below!

Jake Johnson’s Lowery may not return in ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ due to scheduling conflicts

Posted on by Josh Evans

One of the biggest fan favorite characters of the Jurassic World trilogy may end up not making his return to the big screen after all. Originally it was announced that Jake Johnson would be reprising his role of Lowery Cruthers in Jurassic World: Dominion, but unfortunately due to the pandemic shutdown, it may not happen. Speaking exclusively with Collider, Jake talked about the conflict in schedule that has arisen due to Covid-19.

“I was getting ready to go out and then this pandemic hit and so everything got pushed and the schedule got rearranged, and now we’re trying to figure it out because obviously I’m in Stumptown and we’re going into Season 2 of that. So we’re figuring out the scheduling and how and if we can make it work. But Colin Trevorrow, the director, is a good friend, we’re old friends and we’ve been talking a lot and we’re trying to figure out how to do it.”

Though while it is now probably 50/50 at best that Lowery will be in Dominion, this does likely shed some light that the size of role the character might have appears to be very minor. Though if schedules do align and Jake is able to film his scenes as originally planned, could we potentially see a different looking Lowery?

“At one point I pitched that he has like a huge pony tail now and he’s got like an army jacket and he’s kind of going through some PTSD of what he lived through. I wanted the 70s glasses and he’s always smoking a cigarette, but luckily Colin said no so we’ll see what happens (laughs). I was like, ‘Man I think he should be tatted up from the ankles to the ears, he saw a dinosaur attack!’”

We discuss Jake Johnson’s possible return in Jurassic World: Dominion on the latest episode of our podcast, which you can listen to down below:

What are your thoughts on Lowery possibly not appearing in the 6th Jurassic film?  Let us know in the comments below!

Everything We Know About ‘Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous’

Posted on by Jack

With the release of Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous on the horizon, we have compiled everything we currently know about the animated Netflix series into the video down below!

In a recently discovered interview with Polish website FilmWeb, executive producer of the show Colin Trevorrow revealed more details about the series and what we can expect from both the animation and the tone of the show.

“The animation is amazing. Dinosaurs move like animals, the characters are persuasive and emotional. You can certainly feel an element of horror as well. I am sure that after the premiere of the series there will be comments that, contrary to all expectations, our animation is really scary. The stakes are high. As in the movies, some heroes will not survive.“

The show is aimed at children and young adults so it’s surprising to hear that some heroes will not survive. While we can safely say no children will succumb to the dinosaurs, that’s not to say the camp counselors or other park staff that we meet along the way may meet their demise at the claws of the dinosaurs, and that certainly means the show isn’t going to play everything safely.

Colin has been involved with the writing of the show and explained that he was able to join the writer’s room and be a part of that process, which not only ensures that Camp Cretaceous feels like the Jurassic World movies, but that the story itself fits within the canon of the franchise.

Between the release of the two Jurassic World movies many expected there to be content that expands that universe, be it a TV series, an animated show, a video game, but aside from the Lego tie-ins and The Evolution of Claire book, there hasn’t been a project that explored new ideas or pushed the wider story in any substantial way.

“Five years ago, I would have decided that we are not ready for this. I was very careful not to exploit this universe too much and go a step too far. The last two Jurassic World movies have captured the hearts of a new generation of dinosaur fans who expect more than one new movie every three years. They can, of course, play with toys and use their imaginations, but it’s worth giving them something to stimulate them to do so. I’m no longer a child myself, but I remember how it works.”

What are you most excited for in Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, and will be binge watching the show on September 18?

Let us know in the comments section down below, and if you liked the above video please consider giving it a like and commenting on there too!

Trevorrow Teases a Return to Isla Sorna in New Set Picture from ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’

Posted on by Corey Anderson

The cast and crew have been back at work on ‘Dominion’ for a few weeks now and fans have been eagerly awaiting for pics from set. First we had Sam Neill post his Alan Grant hat, then Laura Dern posted her and Sam’s set chairs. Now we have our first pic from set sent to us by Colin Trevorrow!

The image shows a lab and a cold storage container labeled with “InGen” and “Site B Isla Sorna” on the front.

Now for some speculation. Right off the bat, the cold storage signs suggest this box contains embryos, more specifically embryos from Isla Sorna. Furthermore, its placement in a lab means that someone is making more dinosaurs from remnant InGen materials. With the recent confirmation of the return of Lewis Dodgson, it’s a pretty safe bet this location is inside of a Biosyn laboratory. While this picture alone does not confirm we will actually see the box’s recovery from Sorna, we can imagine the island is going to play a role in the plot of the upcoming film.

The last we saw Isla Sorna was in Jurassic Park III when Dr. Grant and friends crash landed on the island in 2001. Based on the viral marketing campaigns for Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, we know secret genetic work continued on Isla Sorna before the opening of the Jurassic World park. Is this container remnants of that secret work? Whatever it is, we know we are bound to discover more InGen secrets from the past.

We discuss this new set photo on the latest episode of our podcast, which you can listen to below:

Thoughts on what this could mean for Dominion? Let us know in the comments!

Sam Neill shows off Dr. Alan Grant’s hat for ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’!

Posted on by Josh Evans

It still might seem like a dream for Jurassic fans that the original trio of Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum from Jurassic Park are all reuniting on screen together for the first time since the 1993 film. All three currently are in the United Kingdom and began filming their roles this week for Jurassic World: Dominion at Pinewood Studios. Sam Neill even took time this morning on social media to tease the return of Dr. Alan Grant’s famous fedora!

The darker brown coloring of the hat is more closely resembling the hat he wore in Jurassic Park III, more so than the one he had in the original Jurassic Park, which was a more lighter color. Could this actually be the same hat that Grant lost in the Pteranodon Aviary on Isla Sorna that was recovered and later returned to him by Billy Brennan? Or does he have a full closet of these type of hats?

UPDATE: Later in day yesterday, Laura Dern took to Instagram to post a photo of production chairs for her character Dr. Ellie Sattler and Neill’s Dr. Alan Grant. The caption of the Instagram post read “Day one. Hello old friend. #jurassicworlddominion“.

What is interesting about the chair and has sparked debate across the Jurassic fandom is that Ellie’s last name is “Sattler”. In Jurassic Park III her character had married Mark Degler, who worked in the State Department. There are several theories as to why Ellie would have the last name of Sattler in Dominion. The most simplest reason, perhaps she never took Mark’s last name after marriage. Other theories include that the two have since divorced, Ellie is a widow or that maybe Dominion will sort of gloss over the fact that she was married in Jurassic Park III.

Be sure to check out our latest InGeneral Podcast episode where we discuss the hat, the chairs, and a lot more!

Are you excited to get this first look at the costume that Sam Neill will be wearing for his return as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic World: Dominion? Let us know in the comments below!

‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ filming to shift to Malta at the end of August

Posted on by Josh Evans

As reported last October, Jurassic World: Dominion will be filming on the Mediterranean island of Malta. Today it was announced by Malta film commissioner Johann Grech that the 6th film in the Jurassic franchise will be heading to the island at the end of August.

Various locations around the island will be used as part of the shoot including Valletta, Vittoriosa, Mellieħa and Pembroke. Stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Pratt and Sam Neill are among those expected to be on the island for this portion of filming. According to Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli, Dominion is just one of nine international productions expected on Malta this year.

“Starting with Jurassic World: Dominion, other multi million projects will follow with huge investment in our economy, creating more jobs for anyone working in the film industry in Malta”

Also slipped into the article from Times Malta, they indicate that Dominion’s production budget is €200 million, which would equal almost $235 million. While that number has yet to be officially announced and verified, that would be a tremendous investment from Universal Pictures into their most profitable franchise. For comparison, Jurassic World’s budget was $150 million and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’s budget was $170 million.

What is your opinion on Malta being used as part of the filming for Jurassic World: Dominion? Let us know in the comments below!

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous to Debut on Netflix September 18 – Watch the Trailer!

Posted on by Jack

The trailer for the upcoming animated Netflix show, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous is here! Released moments ago, the trailer also revealed the official release date for the show – September 18.

In just over a month’s time we will be able to dive into the much anticipated series and see what Camp Cretaceous has to offer.

Check out the trailer:

A new poster for the show has also landed, showing us the Indominus Rex and two of the main characters and giving us another look at the Camp Cretaceous gates that tower over the jungle.

As featured in the trailer, the show will focus on five main characters who are all part of a Summer Camp spent at Jurassic World.

The eight-episode CG animated series features a dynamic cast of campers, including Paul-Mikél Williams (Westworld) as resident dinosaur expert Darius; Jenna Ortega (You) as social media sensation Brooklynn; Ryan Potter (Big Hero 6: The Series) as self-appointed VIP Kenji; Raini Rodriguez (Bunk’d) as gregarious and enthusiastic Sammy; Sean Giambrone (The Goldbergs) as sensitive and bookish Ben; and Kausar Mohammed (Silicon Valley) as world-class athlete Yaz. Jameela Jamil (Legendary) and Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) recur as camp counselors Roxie and Dave.

The series is executive produced by Scott Kreamer (Cleopatra in Space) and Aaron Hammersley (Star vs. the Forces of Evil) who serve as showrunners. Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow, Frank Marshall and Lane Lueras (Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny) serve as executive producers. The series was developed by Zack Stentz, who also serves as consulting producer.

Season one of Camp Cretaceous takes place prior, during, and after the events of Jurassic World as the park is thrust into chaos when the Indominus Rex escapes. The show has been pitched as a canon continuation of the Jurassic films, and promises to expand the universe in exciting new ways, not dissimilar to the approach Star Wars has for its animated series.

Some of the exciting new additions can be seen in the trailer, and in the official images released alongside. One of those additions would be the bioluminescent Parasaurolophus seen in the image above, a trait first seen in Jurassic World Live Tour on the Stegosaurs. Other dinosaur species include Toro the Carnotaurus, Bumpy the baby Ankylosaurus, Sinoceratops, Stegosaurus (featuring new grey with dark stripe coloration), Brachiosaurus, Pteranodons, the ‘Raptor Squad’, Indominus Rex, Mosasaurus, and of course, the T. rex.

Check out the rest of the images below:

Be sure to check out our video breakdown and analysis of the teaser trailer:

Which is also available to listen to here:

What are you most looking forward to seeing in Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous? Let us know in the comments section below!

Comic-Con@Home Panel with Colin Trevorrow To Drop This Afternoon

Posted on by Josh Evans

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic this year’s San Diego Comic-Con has gone virtual with Comic-Con@Home. Today is Day 2 of the events and at 2PM PT (5PM ET), Collider will be hosting a panel titled “Directors on Directing” and will include Jurassic World: Dominion director Colin Trevorrow.

The panel will be hosted by Collider’s Steven Weintraub and will also feature director’s Robert Rodriguez and Joseph Kosinski.

It is also our understanding that this panel was recorded sometime prior to Jurassic World: Dominion resuming filming on July 6th.

Trevorrow is expected to share behind-the-scenes stories from the making of his films and will indeed be discussing Jurassic World: Dominion, but at what length remains to be seen.

Make sure to keep checking Jurassic Outpost later this afternoon and our social feeds for a link to the panel.

Are you excited for the Comic-Con@Home panel with Colin Trevorrow today? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.