New Jurassic Fan-Film Ready to AMBUSH You!

While we all wait for the next official installment of the Jurassic franchise, fans are hard at work, bringing their own stories to life. With dinosaurs roaming rampant across the globe by the end of ‘Jurassic World: Dominion,’ there are endless possibilities and stories to tell of chance encounters with these wonderful, yet dangerous, animals. One such fan, Muzzammil Shaik, released his newest fan-film this morning.

AMBUSH’ follows an individual listening to a podcast that reports on incidents and news revolving around the prehistoric creatures now cohabiting on our planet. A few surprises lie in store for viewers as a few characters and creatures from Jurassic stories past make appearances. And be sure to stay during the credits!

“They have set up a Jurassic “World” of opportunities,” Muzzammil said when asked what prompted the short. With projects like ‘AMBUSH,’ he hopes to encourage fans of all kinds to tell their own stories. “I plan to write down whatever comes to me. This one was big for me because it’s an idea I had since ‘Battle at Big Rock.’ Also, anyone who’s seen the ‘Jurassic World’ Resort TV segments, I do plan to make more in the future especially to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 2015 film coming up. Ultimately, I encourage [other] fans to continue to share stories in any format you see fit. It’s inspiring and fun to see what you all come up with!”

You can watch AMBUSH below!

3rd ANNUAL DINOSAURS & MOR! EVENT THIS APRIL!

Museum of the Rockies isn’t just where Dr. Grant works. Every spring, for the last three years, MOR has hosted a special gathering that brings science and the public together.

April 12th through the 14th, the Museum of the Rockies (Bozeman, MT) will be hosting its annual Dinosaurs & MOR! event. Similar to other events, like Burpee Museum’s (Rockford, IL) PaleoFest (which just hosted its twenty-sixth event this past March,) Dinos & MOR! is meant to bring the public and many influential paleontologists together for a weekend full of education, inspiration, and dino-mite fun!

Over the course of the three-day event, scientists from around the world will give presentations on the latest research, finds, and news in the world of paleontology to the public. Some of the presenters in attendance will be  Dr. Stephanie Drumheller, Dr. Thomas Holtz, Dr. Caleb Brown, Dr. M. Eugenia Gold, Dr. Stephen Brusatte, and many many more.

Along with the presentations, there will also be lots of other breakout activities as well. Art shows, auctions, special workshops, dino puppet-building classes, and more, the team at MOR has carefully crafted the event so that there would be something that appeals to everyone.

The event kicks off on Friday, April 12th, with a Members-Only Appreciation Night (5:30 – 8:00 PM MDT.) Then Saturday, April 13th, marks Day 1 of lectures and workshops (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM MDT), which culminates to the Dinner with Keynote Lecture from Dr. Stephen Brusatte (6:30 PM MDT.) Sunday, April 14th, is Day 2 of lectures/workshops and the final day of the event (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM MDT.)

Event tickets include general museum admission but please note that some workshops, breakaway sessions, and the dinner/key-note lecture require additional tickets or registration. You purchase your tickets, register for workshops, and find the entire lineup for Dinosaurs & MOR!, here!

Rumor: Next Jurassic World Movie to Return to Hawaii for Filming

Hold on to your butts, because the news keeps roaring in. Courtesy of ‘Reel News Hawaii‘, we have learned that the upcoming Gareth Edwards directed Jurassic World movie is eyeing Hawaii for one of its filming locations. Rumors are circulating that the production will head out to Kauai Island as soon as next month, and have already booked locations and equipment for this outing. It’s unclear if this is for location scouting, set building, or even early filming before principal photography starts in June.

Hawaii has a long history with the Jurassic Park franchise, with every movie save for Jurassic World Dominion filming on locations across its many islands. At this time it’s unclear if this news means the upcoming movie will return to Jurassic Park and World’s Isla Nublar, or The Lost World and JP///’s Isla Sorna – or perhaps even fill in for the other islands of Las Cinco Muertes (The Five Deaths). Some have suggested the new movie may not be a linear sequel, and rather jump backward in the timeline – the return of Hawaii (if proven true) adds a little fuel to that fire as dinosaurs now roam the world in various locations leading to less of a need to return to the legendary InGen islands post-Dominion.

Of course, Hawaii offers an incredible variety of landscapes, flora, and fauna and could also stand in for other mainland regions (such as Costa Rica). It’s easy to speculate at this stage, but the fact is we know next to nothing, and the sky is the limit. One thing is for certain: if this report proves credible the next Jurassic film will absolutely share visual DNA with Jurassic Park and its many sequels that followed.

Executive producer Steven Spielberg, along with producers Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, will spearhead the project under Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. Sara Scott and Jacqueline Garell will oversee production on behalf of Universal.

While specific plot details for the untitled Jurassic World sequel remain under wraps (other than ‘militarized dinos’ are not featured), the film is rumored to kickstart a “new Jurassic era” hinting at a fresh new, dinosaur-filled adventure – likely with no returning characters from past films. That’s right – anyone is fair game to be dinosaur food, as the character armor wielded by actors like Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Pratt, Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum will no longer be directly related.

The script penned by Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park scribe David Koepp is reported to be ‘leaner and meaner’, invoking vague similarities to John Carpenter’s ‘Escape from New York’. It has been reported that Spielberg and the studio are very happy with the script, which is several drafts in, and as such are very protective of it and do not want the story meddled with. According to The Hollywood Reporter and Jeff Sneider, Spielberg is more involved this time as he does not want a repeat of ‘Jurassic World Dominion’, and became worried the series would follow the trajectory of the Transformers films becoming “bigger and dumber” with each installment.

Pre-production is expected to begin at Sky Studios in the UK at the end of this month, with filming starting in June. The movie is slated for release July 2nd, 2025.

Stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost, as more news is sure to be flocking this way.

Bryan Cranston Wants to Join Bryce Dallas Howard for New Jurassic World Film

Logo mockup by Chris Pugh

Since the announcement of a new Jurassic film in the works, fans have been wondering who will be tied to the project. Will we see the return of some familiar faces, or will we get all new characters to enter the fray? One such character many fans are wondering if will return is Claire Dearing. Since Claire’s growth and evolution have been a huge driving force behind a lot of the Jurassic World series, will we be seeing more of her?

The Bryce Dallas Howard Network tweeted a clip from a recent interview EXTRA did with the actress herself, along with her co-star Bryan Cranston, promoting their new film Argylle. In it, Howard was asked if she was coming back to the franchise for the 7th installment. While she states that she would like to return, her ultimate hope was that “{…] they continue with the story and the conceit that Michael Crichton has created, and invite new cast members and storytellers to be a part of it.”

Later in the interview Cranston chimes in, stating that he would “love to be a part of Jurassic World,” and that he loves the films. Bryan Cranston is a renowned actor, known for roles in films and shows such as Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle, Godzilla (2014), Isle of Dogs, and many many more. He’s the kind of actor who would be an amazing addition to the franchise, adding to the already incredible list of talented performers who have been a part of this saga.

You can watch the entire interview below:

While the original announcement of a new film stated that it would be the start of a “new Era” for the franchise, it is unknown at this point if any characters (human or dinosaurs) from the first six films will be returning for the new movie. We also have had no further word on who else will be working behind the camera as well.

In the last several years Bryce Dallas Howard has found herself in the director’s chair for several projects, including the popular Star Wars series The Mandalorian, and The Book of Boba Fett on Disney+. Proving to have great a passion for her projects, as well as a wonderful eye and directorial skill, perhaps the person best to take on the reigns of Jurassic 7’s director’s chair is someone close with the material already?

With the film’s initial announcement stating that Universal is currently aiming for a 2025 release, we suspect that if they intend to keep to that timetable more announcements could be just around the corner.

What do you think? Who would you like to see star in the next Jurassic film? Would you like to see familiar faces or all-new characters? Who would you like to see direct the film?

Universal Re-Releases Islands of Adventure Soundtrack

When Universal’s Islands of Adventure opened to the public in 1999, guests experienced fully immersive lands with unique characters, stories, and rides. Guests were literally thrown into unique and captivating adventures with many of their favorite characters and stories. An incredibly important part of the journey that the guests experience is the unique music for each land that could only be heard in the parks, or if you were lucky to snag a physical copy of the soundtracks (regular or the 2000 special edition.)

Until now, that is!

After teasing the release for several days, Universal officially released their Islands of Adventure soundtrack online for everyone to enjoy! Their playlist includes twenty songs, all of which serenade guests as they make their way through the various islands and attractions at the theme park. This includes specialty music written and composed for the Jurassic Park portion of the park!

The tracklist is as follows:

1. “The Call to Adventure / Main Theme”
2. “Confisco’s Grill”
3. “Ocean Trader Market”
4. “Welcome to Seuss Landing”
5. “The Cat in the Hat”
6. “Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-Pendous”
7. “The Lost City”
8. “Sinbad Bazaar”
9. “Merlin Woods Plaza”
10. “Jurassic Park Calypso
11. “Camp Jurassic
12. “Thunder Falls Terrace”
13. “Toon Walk”
14. “The Wacky World of Jay Ward”
15. “Popeye’s Sweethaven”
16. “The Funny Business” 2:00
17. “Marvel Super Hero Island Main Street” 2:47
18. “Doctor Doom” 2:31
19. “Banner’s Science Park” 2:07
20. “The Adventure Lives On” 3:39

While the digital album/playlist includes [most] of the original music that was made specifically for Islands of Adventure, it does not include licensed ambient music that is also present in the park. So, the music surrounding rides and lands like Reign of Kong, or the Wizarding World are absent, as well as all of the extended Jurassic Park and The Lost World tracks heard in and around the Jurassic area.

There is also no word, as of yet, if Universal plans on releasing the album on other digital outlets like iTunes or Spotify, or if they plan on having a physical copy re-release. We surely hope for all of the above! Especially with the very successful collectible Halloween Horror Nights vinyls that have been released over the last few years, a physical copy seems like a no-brainer!

Would you get a copy of the Islands of Adventure soundtrack if Universal released physical copies? Are you hoping that it comes to Spotify or iTunes? Let us know in the comments below!

Jurassic Deck: Magic the Gathering to Add ‘Jurassic’ Inspired Cards

Yesterday, news broke that the popular deck-building card game Magic: The Gathering will be adding Jurassic Park/Jurassic World themed cards to its roster.

They will be a part of the new Lost Caverns of Ixalan line, the ninety-eighth expansion for Magic which is currently set to be released in November of 2023, and will most likely be found in special expansion bundles and booster packs. Typical Magic booster packs start at around $7.99, and expansions usually are $35+, depending on the size.

While there are no real specifics yet as to what we can expect the line to entail, it’s reported that the Jurassic cards will be themed around all six of the films, spanning thirty years.

There is a history of Magic the Gathering having beautifully illustrated dinosaur and prehistoric-themed cards, and the inclusion of Jurassic dinosaurs, events, and powers in this game will certainly make for interesting gameplay in the near future!

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

Exclusive Look & Review: Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Tribute Store at Universal Orlando- Now Open!

This morning Universal Orlando opened their Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Tribute Store to excited guests at their resort! Located in the Hollywood section of the park, the store acts as a sort of museum dedicated to the production, release, and impact of one of the most influential films in all of film history. Featuring several rooms crammed with rare production archives and props, exclusive merchandise, and unique foods, it is going to be a must stop-shop for the summer months at the resort for guests.

The latest tribute store is the newest Jurassic offering of the Orlando destination. In the last few years there has been the opening of Jurassic World VelociCoaster (which was awarded Best Roller Coaster two years in a row,) a Jurassic World Tribute Store (which ran the summer months of 2021 in the previous Tribute Store location in the New York section of the park,) and the Great Movie Escape which features a Jurassic World themed escape room experience.

While most of the additions to the park have been centered around the Jurassic World brand, the new tribute store transports us back to the 90’s and centers entirely around the film that started it all- Jurassic Park. Acting as a sort of museum that harkens back to the vibes of the “Dinosaurs of Jurassic Park” traveling exhibit, the store is divided into several different rooms that takes guests on a journey through the production of the film all the way through to its release and impact.

Before entering the store, the guests come face to face with the infamous sick Triceratops lying on its side, which is absolutely breathtaking (and I fully admit to tearing up upon seeing it up close.)  Just before entering the store you’re surrounded by scaffolding, stage lights, and banners sporting the Jurassic Park logo and the classic sunset imagery. Many noted last week, when signage started going up, that the signage sported a “Making of Jurassic Park,” rather than just Jurassic Park. This tribute store being more of a shine to the overall production of the filmsets it in contrast to the 2021 JW Tribute Store which had more of an “in-universe” feel, and I’m sure it also offered a bit of a creative change for all of the incredibly talented Team Members of Art and Design, fabrication, carpentry, and painters who are involved on the project.

The first room has a focus on the “Pre-Production” (and a bit of “Post-Prod”) of Jurassic Park. It is filled to the brim with concept art of the dinosaurs and characters, film props, maquettes, and footage. It also has sections where they showcase and explain how Go-Motion was going to be the way they brought the dinosaurs to life in the film and how, as we all know now, it was abandoned in favor of computer-generated dinosaurs which revolutionized the film industry forever.

Moving on to the second room, we are now in the “Production” stage of the film. There are several photo-ops where guests can stop and put themselves into key moments of the film. Guests can either get down and hide behind kitchen counters from a stalking Velociraptor, try to appease an agitated Dilophosaurus, or quake in terror while sitting on a toilet in the middle of a rainstorm beneath Rexy herself. There are also lots of production documents and images as well for guests to gaze at and read as they make their way through, including a part that discusses Hurricane Iniki. Just before heading into the next room, guests can come face to face with another Velociraptor in the shed while they can attempt to return power to the island!

Rounding a corner, the guests are able to pass through the legendary Jurassic Park main gates and snag some unique and delicious treats before heading into the final room which illuminates the legacy and impact of the film upon its release. This, personally, had to be one of my favorite rooms in the whole store as it was just like walking into a sanctuary of classic Jurassic Park memorabilia. In display cabinets sits many different Kenner Jurassic toys, posters, magazines, buttons, bookbags, and loads more of vintage Jurassic Park merchandise. For fans of this franchise, whether you were able to experience the Jurassic craze in the 90’s or only wished you were able to, you can relive it here. If the first three-quarters of the store were the “Making of Jurassic Park” documentary come to life, this room perfectly embodies the “Dinosaur Dream Team” Marketing Video, tying the whole experience together.

The Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Tribute Store proves to be an amazingly well executed, and immersive experience that is filled with fun easter eggs and beautiful set pieces sure to awe everyone who steps through the entrance. As soon as you enter it’s impossible not to feel the love put into this experience by everyone involved, and for fans it will be even harder not to be overwhelmed by it. The exclusive merchandise and collectables lining the walls harkens back to the feeling of shopping in the 90’s and seeing endless shelves and racks dedicated to Jurassic, and a lot of the new offerings are sure to be “must haves” for many.  Some of the merch can be found throughout the entire resort at different stores (like Jurassic Outfitters and the Dino Store in the Jurassic Park section at Islands of Adventure,) the store sports of a wider variety of the 30th Anniversary merch as well as the special snacks.

The limited time JP30 Tribute Store is now open at Universal Orlando, during park hours. While there is no word on exactly how long the store will be there, in the past the “summer” tribute store typically runs until the first few weeks of August, at which time it will be closed and construction on the Halloween Horror Nights tribute store will begin. The store is just one of the few ways the Orlando resort is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the film. Guests can also get exclusive food, treats, and drinks at the Thunder Falls Terrace Restaurant at Islands of Adventure (again, no official word on how long the offerings will last,) and June 9th, 10th, and 11th the Cinemark at City Walk will have screenings of Jurassic Park (tickets are not up yet, but keep checking Cinemark/Fandango,) along with possibly some other potential surprises along the way!

Universal Parks and Resorts Announces New Theme Park

Concept art for the new park proposed for Frisco, TX

Universal Studios Parks and Resorts announced today that they are developing a new park in Frisco, Texas.


The entertainment conglomerate has purchased nearly a hundred acres of land to establish a new park and resort destination for families with children that will include rides, character interactions, and a hotel.


While there is no official word on what specific brands and characters guests will be able to encounter at the new Universal destination, based on the official concept artwork released it seems like there is a heavy emphasis on Dreamworks properties. Among them also looks to be a whole area themed to Jurassic.

Many are already speculating, especially if the park focuses on Dreamworks properties, perhaps the Jurassic section will be heavily inspired or centered around the hit Netflix show Camp Cretaceous.



At the same time, Universal also announced a year-round Horror attraction for Las Vegas.



Tell us, what do you hope to see from Universal Parks and Resorts’ newest park? What would you like to see in the existing parks? Let us know in the comments!


Universal’s VelociCoaster Awarded “Best Roller Coaster” Second Year in a Row

The popular ride VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure was awarded “Best Roller Coaster” for the second year in a row, by Theme Park Insider.

To ring in the New Year, the popular theme park information site released their list of 2023 winners of different attractions and parks across the globe, and the Jurassic World-themed thrill ride staked its claim as the apex predator of rollercoasters again.

“With outstanding coaster elements, engaging theming, and wonderful decoration from the queue through the ride itself, VelociCoaster wins raves both from devoted roller coaster enthusiasts and casual theme park fans, making a winning combination for everyone, including our readers.”

VelociCoaster brings guests closer than ever before to one of Jurassic World’s most popular dinosaurs – the Velociraptors! Be a part of the “squad” as you race through a raptor paddock alongside four cunning predators at high speed before being launched 155 ft straight up.

This follows the groundbreaking Jurassic World Adventure ride at Universal Studios Beijing being awarded the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement for an Attraction in November, as well as Universal Orlando opening up The Great Movie Escape which features a Jurassic World themed escape room in December. VelociCoaster was awarded Best Roller Coaster AND Best New Ride in Theme Park Insider’s 2022 awards.

What’s next for Jurassic at Universal Theme Parks? Be sure to check back at Jurassic Outpost for all the latest news! And comment below with what you hope to see next at Universal Parks around the world.