June 15, 2015JW Breaks US Weekend Record
Yesterday it seemed like JW would come up a bit short for the domestic box office record, which had been previously held by "The Avengers". However an early morning update at Deadline.com is calling it for JW, revising the US number to be $209 million. What's a few million among friends?!
June 14, 2015JW Becomes First Film to Net $500 MM in One Weekend
On Friday we knew it would be big, but not this big. It appears JW had a gargantuan world wide opening, garnering $511.8 million in 66 countries ($204.6 million of that from US receipts alone, second behind 2002's 'The Avengers'), besting the final Harry Potter film and going down in the history books as the first movie to make half-a-billion in a single long weekend. Despite the mixed reviews this Variety article lays down just what went right for Universal, including a date with little competition, the meteoric rise of Chris Pratt, and the added ticket price of 3D and IMAX formats.
June 12, 2015JW Sets Box Office Records
It is becoming clear movie audiences have been ready to return to Jurassic Park. Per Deadline.com, the film is now projected to take in between $155M-$162M from the period of Thursday to Sunday, eclipsing expectations. "At this rate, Universal Pictures could be looking at a $70M-plus Friday, which will make it the distributor’s biggest Friday openers ever, eclipsing Furious 7‘s $67.4M first day earlier this year," the site notes.
June 10, 2015First JW Reviews Surface
The JW review embargo is slowly lifting, with several outlets posting their thoughts about JP installment #4. They are, not surprisingly for a summer popcorn movie, mixed tilting to negative. Defamer's Rich Juzwiak was the first I read, who calls JW a "b-movie" but a "great" b-movie. "Jurassic World’s dialogue is clunky, its message is muddled... its acting overall is kinda meh." he says. "But there’s a level of detail and nuance here that saves this from the mundanity of typical dumbed down blockbuster fare." Meanwhile Hollywood Reporter's Todd McCarthy says it's the second best JP, and "[G]oes down quite a bit easier than the previous two sequels," though he adds "The action only occasionally rises to rousing and the romance... between the watered-down Indiana Jones type appealingly played by Pratt and the corporate mouthpiece less engagingly embodied by Howard, never gets off the ground." Variety's Scott Foundas declares JW "bigger, faster, [and] noisier", but acknowledges, "JP doesn’t produce any memorable set pieces [like JP's kitchen scene], but it’s generally a more imaginative work than 'The Lost World' and 'JP3'". He concludes "[its] all too much and not enough." On the far end of the "bad" spectrum is The Daily Beast's Marlow Stern, who calls the film, well, a lot of things, including "not good", "agressively bad", and yes, "sexist". Finally though, I'll give Roger Ebert protige Matt Zoller Seitz the last word, awarding it 3 stars and while conceiding at times it plays like a "1960s macho adventure picture" calls it "hugely impressive." "[JW talks] about the steady escalation of scale in the blockbuster, which mandated that the latest Godzilla be twice as tall as the original," Seitz says. "[I]ts Spielbergian in the best way: it makes us think about 'Jurassic World' as yet another escalation in the blockbuster genre, without taking us entirely out of the story we're watching." You can track the score yourself throughout the day on RottenTomatoes.com.
June 9, 2015Jurassic World Approaches!
Can it possibly be happening? Despite more than 13 years since JP3 was released, numerous JP4 scripts, fits and starts, a new name, and a year long filming delay (not to mention some good ol' controversy), the situation we find ourselves in today is, yes, an actual new Jurassic Park movie is coming out in mere days! Do you have your tickets? You may be asking: why has this site been so quiet? Honestly, I haven't really been feeling the JW love, but yes, even I, your grizzled JP3 page webmaster, feels a twinge of excitement watchingallthesevideos, Universal synergies, featurettes, commercials, commercials, andmorecommercials. Indeed, the Universal Studios media assault is on in full effect and can be pretty blinding if you look directly at it. While the media has been seeing JW the past few days, they've been under a frankly insane embargo until tomorrow, 6/10, but a few impressions have slipped out. Editor in chief of Collider.com Steven Weintraub tweeted "I've never had so many people DM/email about how a movie was than JURASSIC WORLD. This includes all Marvel movies. It's crazy.". Meanwhile, the reaction of Tom, who won a pass to a screening, was a bit more subdued, writing on the DJP3P FB group it was "predictable yet entertaining". Check back here for more official reviews as they come in!
Giacchino's JW Score Released
If the media assault from all angles isn't enough, get pumped up for JW even more by streaming Michael Giacchino's Jurassic World Score, which was posted earlier today to Spotify and iTunes. As has been noted previously, composer Giacchino's first major soundtrack was for the TLW Playstation video game, which caught Steven Spielberg's ear, leading him to contribute dozens of scores to movies (and games), arguably culiminating with an Oscar for his work on "Up" in 2010. His JW score is certainly very listenable, calling back to Williams themes throughout. It's not an instant classic like the JP score, but then again, that would have been nearly impossible. Anyone catch the references to Giacchino's TLW game score?
February 1, 2015JW Super Bowl Trailer Released
Happy New Year! While a JW trailer premiered late last year, a shorter yet probably more important premier just occurred: during Super Bowl XLIX.
As you can sae, this shorter teaser combines a lot of the shots from the last one along with a few new hints at the film.
Are you ready for some JW? Following an even shorter teaser for the teaser for the teaser, the above was posted on the official JP YouTube channel earlier today, featuring a piano rendition of the familiar JP theme and a few quick looks at the fully operational Jurassic World. The real thing will come this coming Thursday, Thanksgiving in the US, at 9 pm. No word on whether it will air on TV first or be released on the internet at the same time.
JW News Bites
No hiding the fact this site has been pretty dormant recently. Truth is, others have been doing it pretty well without me, especially on the Official DJP3P Facebook Group. And, honestly, I wasn't really feelin' the whole JW thing, but I must admit the above trailer has the ol' juices going a bit again. Here's a recap of some things I've missed:
What the kids these days call a "viral site" appeared recently, Masrani Global, which apparently was fan made yet blessed by the JW production/Universal/and/or both (which is pretty cool in and of itself). It features a bit of inside baseball on the company who has, in the film, brought JW back to life. Masrani is a InGen-ish mega corporation with tendrils in lots of different industries, including genetic research. It features some stills, including our ol' bud Dr. Wu, who is said to be combining multiple dino species in an attempt to avoid the first JW's problems. (Probably not such a good idea, Henry).
A couple photos of the Marine Zone Sea World-esque area of JW have surfaced, showing a large body of water reportedly for a Mososaur feeding "show". These photos were referenced in the MasraniGlobal.com site but not displayed.
Someone posted this on-set pic of a shot from inside the visitors center. The green screens will apparently be replaced by jungle.
If you really can't wait for Thursday, people who were shown a rough, early version of the trailer have been posting impressions of it.
We got a poster with a, I must admit, memorable tag line: "The Park is Open".
Groovebricks.com, a lego fansite, has the details on an official JW lego set reportedly on the books for 2015. There had been a fan campaign last year for such a thing that was shut down with word that it'll never happen, but, as usual, capitalism has won again.
I really should have posted something that Richard Attenborough died back in August. He was 90.
While animatronics will reportedly only be used sparingly in JW, this shot surfaced back in August, which shows an animatronic raptor fitted with a muzzle-type device that will surely not work properly.
Oh yeah, there was this story on Funnyordie.com, "Review of 'Gone Girl' from a Guy Whose Favorite Movie is 'Jurassic Park'", which hit a little too close to home for comfort.
July 25, 2014Comic-Con Exclusive JW Poster Surfaces
It's not the "official" poster, but it still is pretty neat: JW director Colin Trevorrow tweeted earlier this week that this cool looking poster by artist Mark Englert will be available at this weekends San Diego Comic Con. Word on the street is the giveaways will be at random times, but you can find out more information by texting JURASSIC to 834567 (there's also some more info on Englert's website, and he will also apparently be giving some away on his Facebook group). As for the film itself, the cast, the director, or a teaser trailer, apparently none of these will be in attendence at ths show, probably owing to the fact that production is still underway. However, it's still possible we'll get a surprise, so stay tuned...
Extras on the New Orleans set were given a fun prop to carry around, a JW brochure: You can find pics of it here, here, here, here, and here. You'll notice one of the attractions hints that Jimmy Fallon will be making a cameo in the film..
An interesting interview with Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa, who you'll remember wrote a draft of the JW script before Trevorrow & Co. got their hands on it has surfaced, hinting at some of the behind-the-scenes politicking that went on.
JurassicWorld.org snatched a pic of a JW raptor animatronic from Instagram before it was pulled, showing the dino wearing some sort of metal head gear.
The JW cast was still actually being formed as of late last month: Hollywood Reporter had the news that James Dumont has joined the production.
This interview with Brian Tee talks briefly about his role as "Hamada" and adds a bit of color about Trevorrow's directing style, saying, "We’re rolling through mud and dirt and trees and bushes and swamp and all this other stuff, and he was in there getting dirty. Absolutely."
May 28, 2014Trevorrow Talks Recent Leak
JW director Colin Trevorrow took to Slashfilm.com to do a bit of damage control today, telling the site he was "discouraged" story elements he was "hoping to introduce to the audience in a darkened movie theater" were instead leaked for everyone to read online. He confirmed much of what we were reading the other day, however, saying that Nublar now features a "luxury resort" with dinosaurs where "you can get closer to them than you ever imagined possible." He suggests that he and writer Derek Connolly want to tackle "our relationship with technology [and how it] has become so woven into our daily lives we’ve become numb to the scientific miracles around us." He also confirms to an extent that there is "crossbred" animals in his park, created to "fulfill a corporate mandate—they want something bigger, louder, with more teeth," however, he says fans should not be surprised about this since in the first JP the animals were never "pure" dinosaurs, since they were completed with frog DNA. Much more at Slashfilm.com! (Thanks Edgar)
May 23, 2014JW "Map" Photos Surface, Name Dinos & Park Areas
Some illicit-yet-interesting-looking photos of some sort of "park map" have appeared on the JPLegacy.org forum, featuring what appears to be features of the "Jurassic World" park. Besides some fun sounding attractions like the "creation lab", "underwater observatory", "gondola lift", and of course, a golf course, it also hints at some of the dinos we might see in the film. "Mosasarus Feeding Show" reads one, suggesting at the oft-rumored "aquatic dino" scenes. "Pachy area", "Gallimimus Valley", "Triceratops Territory" and "T-Rex kingdom" indicates some old friends will return, and a "Botanical Gardens" and "Gentle Giants Petting Zoo" brings to mind some good ideas for scenes featuring rampaging dinosaurs. Check JPLegacy.org for the full details! (Thanks Brandon)
JW "Main Dino" is called the "D-Rex" Scified.com has the unattributed news that the "scary dinosaur" we've been hearing about for months will be a gentically modified creature called the "D-Rex" in JW, short for "Diabolus Rex". This is the mutant dino spliced together with various parts of other dinos and spare parts they had lying around by someone who apparently has never seen the previous films...
"Paddock" Warning Signs Spotted Jurassicworld.org has a picture spotted on or near the "paddock" we've seen in recent days, which they are saying is the home of the above-mentioned "D-Rex". It lists a whole series of warnings for any poor schmoe who might have the job of going in there.
May 21, 2014Apparent JW Plot Tidbits Leak Joblo.com has posted some spoilery plot tidbits, with the word that JW will feature, as we've heard, a "real running theme park" with attractions like a "dino petting zoo, a Hologram info center, [and] a 'Gyrosphere' [ride] that you can get in." The main crux of the plot, apparently, concerns our old friend genetic manipulation and why that is bad bad bad: "Business is good at the park, but the powers that be start to dream up new ways to keep customers coming back; namely by splicing Dino DNA with other dinos (and other species)," the site says. "They splice together a T-Rex, raptor, snake, and cuttlefish to create a monstrous new dino that, of course, gets loose and terrorizes the park." The "cuttlefish" reference obviously suggests these new dinosuars have spooky abilities, such as the real-life cuttlefish's ability to camouflage itself like a cameleon. Joblo.com doesn't name where it's heard this information, so feel free to salt these rumor to taste. It's also interesting to note that this story has been circulated pretty widely, even being picked up by Gawker.com and posted with the headline "The Rumored Plot Details of Jurassic World Sound Absurd". (Thanks Rui)
More Set Shots Surface Reel Tours Hawaii has posted some more shots of the structure we've seen several times that was constructed on Oahu, which they are now calling a "paddock", complete with a viewing platform.
May 12, 2014Michael Giacchino Tapped to Score JW
In 1997, an unknown composer named Michael Giacchino took on a project that would define his career. The score for the PSX version of "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" was sweeping and melodic, emulating John Williams without copying it. The score was so perfect to the action of the game (it's arguably the only "good" JP video game to date), but more importantly caught the attention of Steven Spielberg, who called Giacchino a "young John Williams", and lead him to recruit the composer for several other Dreamworks Interactive scores, including the first Metal of Honor and early Call of Duty games. Giacchino, of course, would later go on to score "The Incredibles" for Pixar, kicking off his collaboration with the animated studio which would eventually earn him an Oscar for Best Score for "Up". So it's a little more than fitting that tonight he has been named composer of Jurassic World. He commented on this fact to Variety, and suggesting this assignment means he has come "full circle".
Andy Buckley Joins JW Cast
We had thought the JW cast was complete, but word comes via Variety that Andy Buckley, probably best known for his recurring role on "The Office" as straight-faced David Wallace, has joined the cast. Buckely also has a strange path to the film, as he began his career in bit parts on TV shows in the early 90's. He than gave up acting to enter the world of investment banking, later returning to his role on "The Office" only after running into that shows creator by accident.
April 30, 2014Brian Tee Said Cast as 'Hamada'
According to his website actor Brian Tee has been cast in a supporting role in JW. It is believed he will be playing "Hamada", a character that was depected in one of the script "sides" that were leaked several months ago, as the rest of the cast has been matched with actors. Tee has recently been seen in The Wolverine and has several other supporting character work to his name. (Thanks Chris)
JW Production Moves to Ford Island, Hawaii Reel Tours Hawaii has posted a few pictures from todays filming at Ford Island, a small island in the middle of Pearl Harbor. The two pics show the real naval installations on the island apparently doubling for a military installation in a Spanish speaking area of the world (Costa Rica?) as one picture shows a sign saying "RESCATE MUNDIAL" ("Global Rescue").
April 24, 20143 Set Pictures, New Details Teased
In an posting that was actually hyped up hours ahead of time by producer Frank Marshall, EW.com has posted the "first exclusive images from the set" of JW, featuring Bryce Dallas Howard in full costume, a battered JP "Construction" vehicle, and, uh, a chair. It also includes a quote from director Colin Trevorrow: "Yesterday I was under a construction crane with Chris Pratt, covered with dirt, eyeballing the exact height of the dinosaur trying to kill him," he says. “We both cracked up laughing. Sometimes you just have to stop and let the joy take over.” UPDATE: Matt at the Dan's FB Group has posted the entire article from Empire magazine, which features a Q&A with Trevorrow. He reiterates that the film will have a "big, bad new dinosaur", but also adds, "That dinosaur is the result of not just man's hubris but man's curiosity and desire to entertain. That's all I can tell you." Asked if that means dinosaurs in JW have been genetically modified, he says, "I tell you nothing, sir.". Additionally, he talks more broadly about the JP series and how people never really realize that JP1 was a funny film. "I think that's why you get so scared," he says. "Ten, 15 minutes ago we were all laughing and having a nice piece of fish...and now suddenly we're going to die." He is coy about other questions, such as whether JW will take place at a "fully operational dinosaur park" (saying he "doesn't want to lie" if he answered). He also talks characters, saying Dr. Wu's role is "pretty crucial" and Pratt/Howard's characters are "both very vulnerable, honest...and very funny." He also says that Omar Sy plays Chris Pratt's "best friend" who "have some pretty cool action scenes together". check out the full thing here.
JW to Feature Monorail?
The "park" reportedly in JW appears to have spared even fewer expenses than John Hammond spared in the first movie: According to some pics just posted from Reel Tours Hawaii, some interesting looking "Monorail Stop #3" signs were seen this afternoon at the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu where extras were reported milling about and "some sort of Prehistoric/Dinosaur Mural" was spotted inside.
April 23, 2014Trevorrow Suggests JW Sequels In the Cards
As Joe Johnston suggested several years ago, JW director Colin Trevorrow has gone on record in this month's Empire Magazine that Universal is keen to not only create JW, but potentially several sequels as well. “We definitely talked about [sequels] a lot," he tells the magazine. "[With JW] we wanted to create something that would be a little bit less arbitrary and episodic, and something that could potentially arc into a series that would feel like a complete story.” He added that the characters in JW could carry over to future films.
Trevorrow Says JW Will Use Animatronics, Hints of Themes
In the same Empire story, Trevorrow also hints about the current project he's working on, saying JW is about "alpha dominance." He adds: "[H]umans have been the alpha species for a very long time and so now we’ve brought back another that happened to be the alpha species during its time, and we have to co-exist, so what is that relationship?” As for SFX, Trevorrow apparently divulged that at least some SFX work will be handled by animatronics, continuing the series long legacy using physical effects work. (Thanks Matthew)
April 11, 2014JW Begins Filming in Hawaii
With an official tweet from producer Frank Marshall last night, JW has begun filming, with the note that the first shot was at 8:20am. Frank adds "all is good", which, I suppose, is good. Since the first days of filming are occurring at the Honolulu Zoo, we're getting all sorts of behind the scenes pics, including these from The Daily Mail which include Irrfan Kahn and some beefed up golf carts (I'd pay to see a "dino vs golf cart" scene), as well as some pics of "electrified" fences. Here's a telephoto shot of the good ol JP logo on the scene at the Zoo. Meanwhile some old friends are showing up headed to set, including this Jeep that has seen better days, and this large behemoth.
Judy Greer to Play Bryce Dallas Howard's Sister
According to a discussion on her facebook page, Judy Greer has confirmed she will be playing Bryce Dallas Howard's characters sister, for those of you keeping score at home. (Thanks Matthew)
April 3, 2014Three Actresses Join JW Cast The Hollywood Reporter is naming the 3 female actors JW director Colin Trevorrow suggested the other week had yet to be announced. They are Judy Greer (Arrested Development, 13 Going on 30), Katie McGrath (Merlin), and Lauren Lapkus (Orange is the New Black). The THR article gives a few new details on Bryce Dallas Howard's character, called a "corporate scientist", and Chris Pratt's, a "dino wrangler with a cowboy attitude." With this announcement it would appear the cast is complete, and includes (other than those mentioned) Jake Johnson, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Irrfan Khan, B.D. Wong, and Omar Sy.
JW Vehicle Spotted on Instagram
Earlier today this picture surfaced on Instagram, posted by someone who apparently works at an Hawaiian airport and/or handles cargo. He suggests it is headed to the JW production. According to knower-of-all-things Joshua on the Dan's Facebook page, it shows a "Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6", a 536 horsepower behemoth modeled after an Australian army transport. Per an Autoweek.com article on the thing, there are only a limited number of these, and go for a cool $457,000 each.
April 1, 2014Trevorrow Announces JW Will Use Only Stop Motion Effects
In a surprising tweet this morning, JW director Colin Trevorrow suggested that making movies might be trickier than he first thought. Saying "CG is hard", he provided an "in production" shot of a "dinosaur encounter" with an angry looking Triceratops. "Obviously this is not final, but it is near-final," he added. "We have yet to composite in the scared people, which we filmed separately in my backyard yesterday."
March 31, 2014New JW Set Pics Show Completed Platform ReelToursHawaii's Facebook page posted some nice pictures of what appears to be the helicopter landing pad that we've seen under construction for the last few weeks. (Thanks Leandro)
JW Shooting Details from Hawaii Magazine
A recent issue of Hawaii Film & Video magazine adds some details on JW's shooting schedule, saying filming will begin in April on Oahu's Kualoa Ranch and at the Honolulu Zoo (where the first day of filming is scheduled). It also adds some info on the Louisiana shoot, suggesting the production will use 11 weeks at Celtic Media Centre in Baton Rouge and other tidbits like how exterior shots are scheduled in San Diego. There's a few other little details as well, like how the JW production offices are on the "18th floor of the Waikiki Trade Center", for anyone who wants to pay a visit. (Kidding on that last part, mostly).
Jake Johnson Confirmed in JW Cast
While his name has been mentioned since October, Jake Johnson (New Girl/The Lego Movie) has only recently confirmed he is actually in the production in this Huffington Post article. Johnson was in JW director Colin Trevorrow's last/first movie Safety Not Guaranteed which he suggests is one of the reasons is he involved in JW. In another talk with the actor he mentions he won't be near the dinos, saying he's the "tech guy". "I’m the guy in the booth, so I don’t get to wrestle around with the dinos," he says. "That’s Chris Pratt and Bryce Howard. They get to do all that."
March 25, 2014JW Teaser Said Shown at CinemaCon
According to Collider.com editor Steven Weintraub, a brief JW teaser trailer was shown today at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, a conference for movie theater owners and exhibitors. "JURASSIC WORLD tease was a lot of CGI and voice over. No real footage," he tweeted. "Just reminding people of the world and what's coming." (Thanks Assess, via JurassicWorld.org) UPDATE: IGN has a bit of a description about what was shown, though it sounds like it was meant for the movie-theater owner audience and won't actually be released:
The studio showed a very basic CG-animated title teaser for Jurassic World that was simply a camera moving through the jungle with words over the screen as soundbites of John Hammond's dialogue from the earlier Jurassic Park movies is played. The teaser was just meant for the exhibition execs in attendance to let them know the movie is coming out summer 2015.
UPDATE2: Collider.com has posted a video recap of stuff they've been seeing at CinemaCon, where Steve and Devin Faraci call the JW trailer "a waste of time", saying that it felt "real rushed" with "unfinished CGI." "It felt like someone took a video game from 1997 and used those graphics." (Thanks Christian)
JW Apparently Needs "Thousands" of Background Extras for Louisiana Shoot
In a note on the Central Casting Louisiana Facebook page, word comes that the JW production is still looking for "thousands of background actors", suggesting the film will feature (presumably) major scenes of mayhem and destruction in giant crowds of people. The most recent casting call will occur this weekend at Grace King High School in Metairie, LA from 12 noon to 6pm each day. More info here.
March 18, 2014B.D. Wong Set to Reprise "Dr. Wu" Role, No Grant, Sattler Or Malcolm
We had a feeling this was coming, as back in November B.D. Wong mysteriously tweeted, then removed, a message saying he was signing up for the next JP. However, this IGN video confirms the news that is is indeed on board. Reading a quote from an upcoming (still to be posted) interview, JW director Colin Trevorrow tells IGN, "Dr. Wu spent two decades living in Hammonds shadow, underappreciated. We think there's more to his story." In addition, Trevorrow confirms once and for all that Dr. Grant, Sattler & Malcolm will not be in the film. "I know a lot of fans want to see the original characters back," he tells IGN. "But I respect those actors too much to shoehorn them into this story for my own sentimental reasons." He adds, "The only reason they'd go back to that island is if the screenwriters contrived a reason for them to go." (Thanks Christian)
Trevorrow Talks Aspect Ratio, Chris Pratt's Character
The IGN interview they teased earlier this morning has been posted, talking with JW director Colin Trevorrow a few subjects. Maybe most interestingly, Trevorrow talked about the "2 to 1" aspect ratio he has chosen for the film. "It allows us enough height to fit humans and dinosaurs into a single frame, without giving up that sense of scope," he tells IGN. Christian at the DJWP Facebook page has whipped up a nice guide to the format, which you can see at the right. Besides the technical stuff, Trevorrow talked a bit about Chris Pratt's character, calling him a "Classic hero in a very modern context." He adds: "He’s the guy who will get you through the jungle alive – but like Malcolm, Grant and Sattler, he’s an expert in a scientific field that’s connected to our story." For more info, check out the full IGN interview!
Few More Set Pictures Appear
Sean over at the Dan's JW Facebook Group (you are a member, aren't you?) posted a few pictures of the JW set construction going on in Kauai's Kualoa Ranch this weekend. There's one of the so-called "helipad" and another of a different structure that appears to be either a building under construction or some sort of outdoor viewing area or platform.
March 6, 2014JW's Budget Pegged at $150 Million
According to a scan from Empire magazine posted by Christian to the DJWP group, JW's budget is a pretty cool chunk of change: $150 million. Though they do not give a source, this would certainly trump JP3's budget of (an estimated) $93 million in 2001 (about $122 million adjusted for inflation) and TLW's $73 million ($105 million in today's dollars). Considering the budget for JW director's last film was an estimated $750,000, this is, uh, a bit more.
March 3, 2014Irrfan Khan Says He is Not A Villan
Despite being cast as a "billionare CEO", Irrfan Kahn wants to set the record straight that he is not going to be an evil CEO. "Yes I've been offered Jurassic Park 4", he tells website BollywoodHungama (via IMDB). He adds: "[But] it's not a villain's role, as has been reported in the international press... [A]t the moment I cannot reveal any more details." (Thanks Joshua)
JW Looking For More Hawaiian Extras, This Time on Kauai
After what seems like a successful casting call in Honolulu this past weekend, JW's production company turns its attention to the smaller Hawaiian island of Kauai this weekend, according to this article at KHON2.com. "The call is asking for men, women and children ages 10-15 who are comfortable on the water and military," the article states. "All ethnicities are welcome as the company is casting for international scenes." Interested parties should report to the performance arts center at Kauai Community College at 10:30am, Sunday, 3/16.
February 28, 2014Vincent D’Onofrio Cast as JW Villan
According to TheWrap.com, Vincent D'Onofrio has been cast as JW's "villan CFO", an obviously evil character who will be villian-ing it up alongside fellow badguy "Patel" (Irrfan Kahn), the billionare CEO of "Patel Corporation... [and the] owner of a new Jurassic Park". D'Onofrio's character "projects the image of a normal family man to mask a hidden edge," says TheWrap. D'Onofrio, of course, is well known in Hollywood from his role in 1971's "Full Metal Jacket" to his more recent TV turn on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent". (Thanks Joshua)
February 28, 2014JW Begins Casting Extras In Hawaii
Live in Hawaii and have nothing to do this weekend? Twitter user LisaLisa98 posted an advertisement for a open casting call at the Olelo Community Media Center in Honolulu this weekend, seeking "families (children 6 to 17), men, women, children, twin children, and military!!!". Don't get too crazy with your dress, however, as "no tank tops of cut-offs" are allowed. (Thanks Ashton).
Potential JW Sides Posted Online
A Jurassicworld-movie.com forum member has posted 2 pages of potential JW "sides" (small snippets of the movie used by actors when auditioning). The two scenes feature a smart-alecked kid-character named "Zach" talking to a "Concierge" after arriving at some sort of hotel or, uh, theme park... The other takes place in an "observation tower" where two characters named "Dr. Sourian" and "Hamada" watch dinos grazing and ruminate on keeping animals for show. (Thanks Ashton)
Irrfan Kahn Casting Confirmed
According to this page on Backstage.com, Irrfan Kahn, who you'll remember from 2012's Life of Pi, has been confirmed to join JWs growing cast, which also includes Omar Sy, a character actor with mainly French films to his name. The same page also pins down a shooting date, saying it will film June 2-Aug 18 in "Hawaii and Louisiana". (Thanks 'dilodude')
JW Set Construction Pics Posted
Catching up on some older news, earlier this month On Location Vacations posted a few misty shots of a JW set under construction in Hawaii. (There's some more here of the same structure). (Thanks Joshua)
JW to be Shot Partially in 65mm
In a tweet earlier this month, JW director Colin Trevorow confirmed JW will be shot in both 35mm and 65mm film, a somewhat unique choice these days with many directors turning entirely to digital. Slashfilm.com postulates the 65mm film will be used for effects-heavy shots, as "footage meant to be enhanced by effects could be more useful with the extra detail captured on the larger negative, and retain clarity through the optical processes required to layer in effects." As the site also notes, this does not necessarily mean the film will be released in 70mm, a rare wide-screen format popular in the past but now pretty rare. Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master was filmed and released in the format in 2012.
Chris Pratt Says JW Answers the "Why" Question
In an interview with MTV a few weeks back JW star Chris Pratt says the JW script finds a unique reason why people would continue to mess with genetically modified dinos after it going so wrong 3 other times. "[Trevorrow] answers the question really well through the script," he says. "Colin did a great job of writing it and justifying it, in his own way having fun with. Anybody who goes in with that question will be really amused, the way I was, about how they answer that." (Thanks Josh)
November 25, 2013Trevorrow Says JW Set 22 Years After JP
In a tweet on Saturday in response to someone who asked him to confirm whether or not JW was a "reboot", director Colin Trevorrow replied that this film is a "new sci-fi terror adventure set 22 years after the horrific events of Jurassic Park." So, in the JW world JP did happen, but it happened long enough ago to essentially separate itself from the originals. Noted!
Jack Horner Says JW Script is "Pretty Cool"
Dino expert Jack Horner, who was one of the first to go on record back in May to say script problems were to blame for the delay of the next JP movie, now says the new script is back in order and ready to go. "It's got a really scary dinosaur in it," he tells KBZK TV in a Youtube video. "They gave me the script, I've read it, It's pretty cool, I think everyone will like it." (Thanks Josh)
Ed Carter Confirms He Worked on JW, Contract Has Ended
Back in March, we weren't sure Rick Carter, JP and TLW's production designer, would be returning to work on JW, however, in this ComingSoon.net article he speaks about working on the project as a visual consultant for 4 months. He says there was a "real hand-off" between him and Ed Verreaux, who worked on JP3 as Production Designer, and has that credit as well this time around. (Thanks Josh)
November 14, 2013B.D. Wong Set to Reprise "Dr. Wu" Role in JW?
A bit of a mystery on Twitter yesterday evening, as B.D. Wong, who of course played "Dr. Wu" in the first JP, tweeted "Who knows? Stay tuned.." to a fans question to him asking "What happened to Henry Wu after Jurassic Park?". He included JW director Colin Trevorrow on the tweet, along with producer Frank Marshall. However, he later deleted the tweet, almost as if he disclosed something he shouldn't have... (Or, depending on your interpretation, he was simply looking for work and reconsidered the Twitter approach..) (Thanks Timothy)
November 13, 2013Chris Pratt and Irrfan Khan Considered for JW Chris Pratt, known to many as "Andy" from TV's "Parks & Recreation", and Irrfan Khan, of "Slumdog Millionare" and "Life of Pi" fame, are both in talks for roles in the rapidly expanding cast of JW, according to The Wrap. The site, which says the information comes from "multiple individuals familiar with the project", also says the talks are in the "very early" stages.
November 7, 2013Josh Brolin Apparently Out of JW
According to Schmoesknow, Josh Brolin, who had previously been "in talks" to join the JW cast, is now no longer in consideration. The site reports the info comes "from a pretty legit place", so make of that what you will. (Thanks James)
November 6, 2013Jason Schwartzman Rumored to Join JW Cast
Accoring to all-things-fandom site Hypable.com, "Rushmore" and "Slackers" star Jason Schwartzman has joined the cast, according to what the site says is a reliable source. Schwartzman is better known for his roles in indies and Wes Anderson films, so its a bit difficult to picture him running from dinos. But since JW director Colin Trevorrow has roots in the indie scene, I suppose anything is possible! (Thanks Joshua)
October 18, 2013Josh Brolin Said To Be In JW Talks
Now we're talking! According to The Wrap, the "No Country For Old Men" star is rumored to be in talks to star in the next JP movie. If true it could be argued Brolin has one of the highest star level of any of JPs principals. (Thanks Cameron)
October 15, 2013JW Is a Tale Of Bros: Nick Robinson Rumored Cast Variety has the news that 18-year-old Nick Robinson has been rumored to have joined the JW cast. He'll play Ty Simpkin's older brother. Robinson is probably best known for his role in the Melissa Joan Heart ABC Family show "Melissa & Joey", and is currently starring in the coming-of-age tale The Kings of Summer. (Thanks Josh)
October 14, 2013JW Gets Its Kid: Ty Simpkins
Jurassic Park writing guide rule #1 says all JP films must contain lovable kids, and JW is apparently no exception. According to Deadline 12-year-old actor Ty Simpkins has been cast in a lead role. Ty a few credits to his name including Iron Man 3 and Revolutionary Road. Deadline also mentions Jake Johnson (New Girl, 21 Jump Street) as being rumored, but is not being confirmed by the studio at this time.
Help Support DJP3Pers Kickstarter
Long long time DJP3Per and real-life dino-dude Stacy Trenary has launched a Kickstarter to produce a cute "Lucky Raptor Foot" keychain -- you can have one of your very own by pledging to his campaign. Stacy is also offering some one-of-a-kind dino fossils as rewards, so if that is your thing be sure to check it out.
September 27, 2013Bryce Dallas Again Said to Join JW Cast
As we heard back in May, Bryce Dallas Howard, probably best known for her recent role in Spider-Man 3, is again being metioned as being in "early talks" to star in JW (man that feels really odd to type). Considering the actress, who is director Ron Howard's daughter, has been bandied about as a possibility before the recent script drama, these "talks" sure are taking awhile... (Thanks Bary Onyx and Cameron)
September 10, 2013Goodbye JP4, Hello "Jurassic World"
Breaking just a few minutes ago on Universal's Jurassic Park Facebook Page, news that JP4 has been renamed "Jurassic World" with a new release date: June 12, 2015. No additional details are provided, though we do have this nice looking new logo:
August 30, 2013"Pacific Rim" Production Company Legendary Pictures May Co-Finance JP4 Cinemablend is reporting Hollywood production company Legendary Pictures, who have helped finance many recent blockbusters including "Man of Steel", "The Dark Knight", and "Inception", may be interested in co-financing JP4 with Universal once their distribution contract with Warner Bros. expires next year. As the site notes, while "paperwork has yet to be signed", JP4 would fit well with Legendary, as they have already been confirmed to be working on the "Godzilla" reboot. Of course, its not known what impact (if any) this would have on production, though it's not hard to see how a new production company could come with a whole new round of script reviews and notes. (Thanks Josh and Ashton)
DJP3P Alumn Gains Mini-Fame With Kinect Hack Music Video Andrew Gant, who some DJP3Pers will remember as 'AGant' and/or 'compy' from back in the early days of DJP3P will be pleased to learn he has achieved a bit of coveted Internet fame in recent weeks directing a really awesome music video for the band "Exist Elsewhere" that features some cool Kinect hacking to create interesting visuals. Since the video release he's been featured on Kotaku.com and Nofilmschool.com, among others. Check out this video where Mr. Gant explains the process while sportin' an InGen shirt. Congrats AGant! Are you a DJP3P alumni who has gone on to do great things in the "real world"? Drop me a line and be featured here!
August 28, 2013JP:3D Helps Franchise Join Billion Dollar Club
As Empire Online notes, the JP franchise recently joined the ranks of Avatar and Titanic as a property to reach the $1 billion in box office sales number, thanks to a impressive showing of JP:3D in China (where it opened last week at #1 with a take of $6.3 million the first day). Of course, Titanic and Avatar are in the $2 billion club, but, still, money! (Thanks 'Dac' + 'Mr. Chaos')
Vote for JP LEGO's
Fans of LEGO and JP have long awaited the seemingly perfect combination of minifigs and T-Rexes, yet despite nearly every other JP branded product appearing over the years, LEGO's have been conspicuously absent. A user of LEGO's CUUSOO website, which allows people to vote on which projects LEGO should take on next, however, aims to change that, with a pretty impressive looking proposal of what a JP set might look like. Before you say this will all be for naught, consider the case of these Ghostbusters LEGOs, which actually became reality after starting life on the same CUUSOO site. Go vote!
Universal Studios' JP Expansion Set for 2015?
The theme park sleuths over at Parkrumors.com have dug into Orlando city permits, and uncovered a filing for a "construction office trailer" which they suggest might be the start of the rumored JP expansion. (Thanks Jonathan)
August 16, 2013John Krasinski Considered for JP4 Role? Movieweb.com is reporting "they're hearing" that "The Office" star John Krasinski has been approached to play a "theme park worker" in charge of "taming" the dinosaurs in JP4, suggesting the new script might contain elements of the infamous John Sayles script from 2004, if indeed true. Of course, Movieweb's rumor batting average is certainly not the best, so you may wish to salt this one to taste.
August 13, 2013Trevorrow Talks to Fans, Says "No One's Going to be Able to Say We Phoned it in"
In a pretty cool interview with some hard-core fans from JPForever.com, the JP4 director fielded a pretty wide ranging set of interesting questions, including his favorite dinosaur, who he'd be if he was a character on JP, and shared some personal stories about seeing JP for the first time as a teenager. Trevorrow obviously made it clear he didn't want to answer anything that might tip his hand about the state of production or what the plot of the film might be ("We're two years out and I just want to cherish this time when no one knows what we're doing.. I just want you to give us that"). Nevertheless he somewhat addresses some fans concerns over the recent delay of the film by saying he, Spielberg, and Marshall all agreed "[We] don't want the movie to happen unless there's a script that deserves to be shot, and that's what we're doing here." Take a listen here. (Thanks Timothy)
July 5, 2013Horner Says Newest JP4 Script "Didn't Pass Muster"
Talking to long-time Trespasser:Jurassic Park fansite Trescom.org, JP dino consultant Jack Horner confirms once again that the script was the problem behind the recent delays. "I have our original JP4 script from 2004, and it was actually a pretty good story, but then a series of unrelated events took place that put the whole process on hold." He adds: "More recently new writers were brought in to create a different story, but it simply didn't pass muster with Steven (or, quite frankly, anyone else) so it has once again been tabled as far as I know." For more on Horner and his answers to questions submitted by the community, click here.
Trevorrow Promises to "Honor What Came Before Us"
Talking to an interviewer from YouTube channel Schmoes Knows at this years Saturn Awards, JP4 director Colin Trevorrow spoke a bit about what he's up against with this gig, saying, "It’s not about us, it’s not about our careers, it’s – how do we make something that can stand up [against the original]". He suggested it's not too different from his last movie, the no-budget "Safety Not Guaranteed", as he's currently working with a very small team which seems to include Spielberg himself, as he adds, "It's incredible to have Steven, who has done this for decades and has such an incredible filmic knowledge and this understanding of the language of story".
JP4 Teaser Poster Surfaces? [Update: Nope] Movieweb.com is reporting this evening of a potential JP4 teaser poster that was sent to them, a simple image of an insect in amber, "Summer 2015", and the tag line "Life Found a Way". While the story behind the image is a bit dubious, it does look pretty legit to me! (Thanks Brent, Josh, & among others). UPDATE: Justin on the DJP3P Facebook page noticed the same image posted on deviantart.com, credited to an artist from Hungary named Milan Zavatzski.
June 22, 2013Potential Script Details Surface
A source Joblo.com says is "trusted and reliable" has spilled a few beans about some plot points in a JP4 script that may or may not be current. According to this source, JP4 will take place on Nublar on a active, "actual theme park". This park "garners 10 million visitors a year and is completely safe - until it's not." The park has a aquatic area and show with "dinos jumping out of the lagoon and eating a strung up great white shark." More info can be found here. It should be noted later in the day the Twitter account of The Film Stage reported another source has corroborated the above, but said the info is from an "old script" (potentially the Jaffa/Silver one) and doesn't include Trevorrow's changes (or Spielberg's potential changes).
June 19, 2013Spielberg Reportedly Working on JP4 Script
Are JP4 producers calling in the big guns to get the JP4 script under control? A tiny tid-bit from Variety suggests Spielberg is "in town working with producers and director Colin Trevorrow on the script". This is while he has some down-time before starting his next project. I dunno, has anyone checked if David Koepp is available?
June 18, 2013New JP Logo Spotted, Without the "4", Confirms 2015? Comingsoon.net, attending the Licensing Expo in Vegas today, spotted this intruging new JP logo, complete with a "2015" tag, which would confirm what we've been hearing that the film has been officially pushed back to 2015. The lack of a "IV", as one might expect, does strike me as interesting -- did a designer just get lazy and decide not to depict it, is a final design still forthcoming, or will the new movie actually be called simply "Jurassic Park"?? This would echo the "reboot" mentality we've been hearing about, but it's hard to believe the world needs (or wants) a new JP movie that rehashes the first film (even if its done in a new way)..
June 14, 2013JP4 Said to Move to Summer 2015
UK-based fansite 'Den of Geek' is reporting a "solid source" has told them JP4 has been "formally put back to 2015". No official word from Universal yet, obviously, but I've also heard this would likely be the new target as well following last months high drama. T-minus, uh, -3425 days? (Thanks Steven)
May 22, 2013Sam Neill: Told JP4 is a "Reboot"
In an interview with New Zealand paper The Dominion Post, JP (and JP3) star Sam Neill mentions he's been told JP4 is "a big reboot, a total re-jig" and that he likely will not be involved. Neill also talks about his current projects and his winery (which I still claim is named after JP), so do check out the article if you are interested in what Mr. Grant is up to these days. (Thanks Kristin)
May 10, 2013Spielberg Told JP4 Filmmakers Script Was "Crap" Last Week?
According to HollyScoopTV, a source "very close to the production" claims Spielberg never liked the script to begin with (assuming he's talking about the Jaffa/Silver one) but called the newly delivered re-worked script by Colin Trevorrow "crap" just last week. HollyScoop adds, "[Spielberg said] if they wanted him to be involved with it, it must be re-written." This comment apparently caused the chain of events leading to where we are now. Elsewhere, I've leared the Baton Rouge production office, which had opened last week, will be shutting down today. Work there was ramping up for filming at Raleigh Studios next month. UPDATE: Frank Marshall has gone on record on Twitter, saying the Spielberg "crap" quote is "completely untrue". UPDATE2: HollyScoopTV has deleted their original story (Thanks Timothy).
May 9, 2013Trevorrow Tweets "There is No Friction", Says "We're All Directing JP4"
In a tweet just now, JP4 director Colin Trevorrow semi-addresses the recent news, suggesting there is "no friction" between him and Universal, and that they are "giving us time to make the movie you deserve." He adds, a bit cryptically: "We're all directing JP4".
May 8, 2013Trevorrow Rewriting JP4's Script
Some additional surprising details on the situation this afternoon from Variety. They seem to suggest the problem is just a too-tight production timeline, however, it has been complicated by the added detail that as part of Trevorrow's contract, he is "re-work[ing] the script with writing partner Derek Connolly" (Connolly worked with him on "Safety Not Guaranteed". The earlier script was by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, who are best known for their work on "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"). Meanwhile, the studio began working on casting, and had "focused on" Bryce Dallas Howard ("The Help") and David Oyelowo ("Jack Reacher"), who had been front-runners to join the production. It's unclear if re-casting will need to take place following the delay. UPDATE:The Hollywood Reporter adds some more details, with word that Trevorrow's script was delivered to the studio from where he's been working on Hawaii "only" two days ago (shooting was to start 6/24). This caused "a new round of budgeting" to take place. Based on that, it was determined the release date could not be met.
"In coordination with filmmakers, Universal has decided to release Jurassic Park 4 at a later date giving the studio and filmmakers adequate time to bring audiences the best possible version of the fourth installment in Universal’s beloved franchise. We could not be more excited about the vision that Colin Trevorrow has created for this film, and we look forward to watching as he and the producers create another great chapter in this franchise’s storied history."
JP4 Fans Told Not to Panic
More rapidly developing news this morning on last night's disappointing news that JP4 is apparently on hold. Following his late night messages about JP4, "digital asset manager" Todd Smoyer deleted his tweet saying "we were all let go today", replying to others that JP4 "is still gonna happen" and he has "complete faith in the project." According to fansite Jurassicpark4-movie.com, who received some info from a "reliable source", JP4 fans shouldn't panic. "Simply put," the site says. "The studio doesn't necessarily see eye-to-eye with some of those involved in the film's development and this has lead to some conflict." The source claims Colin Trevorrow is still helming the picture and the employees let go today were "about 80% of JP4's Art Department". Despite JP dino consultant Jack Horner's comment below that the script was the issue, apparently "the script is fine". The original thread at Neogaf, where this all originated, has been modified, removing the original tweets and adding that "Colin was crushed by this tonight, apparently."
Horner Claims Universal Working on TLW:3D and JP3:3D
With all the excitement last night, a bit of actual good news may have accidentally been divulged. Jack Horner, who you'll remember met with Frank Marshall a few weeks ago, speculates one of the reasons for a delay in JP4 may be that Universal, "doesn't want to compete with the 3D versions of the first three" in an email to site regular Asees, which seems to suggest after the success of JP:3D Universal has decided to do the 3D "up-conversion" of the rest of the trilogy, possibly for release around the same timeframe as JP4 was originally slated (June 2014). I have reason to believe this is the actual Jack Horner, so this is certainly interesting news if indeed true...
May 7, 2013JP4 on Hold?
According to a tweet from someone credited as being on the crew of JP4, the film may already be running into trouble. "JP4 on hold" said the message (it was quickly deleted) from Dean Sherriff, who is listed on IMDB as a concept artist on the project. A screenshot of the tweet can be seen at this Neogaf thread. (Thanks 'Trillian') UPDATE:This tweet from digital assett manager Todd Smoyer suggests the issue may be a bit more dire. More as I get it... UPDATE2: Apparently script problems are to blame, according to Asees, who emailed Jack Horner for comment. Still unclear if this means a delay or something worse... UPDATE3: Todd Smoyer has clarified things, saying the project is on hold but the entire production staff was let go today (unclear if this includes the director).
May 2, 2013JP4 to Return to Isla Nublar
According to a a tweet just a few moments ago from JP4 director Colin Trevorrow, the next JP movie will return to Isla Nublar, the location of the first film. Trevorrow also attached a picture of a lovely Hawaiian scene where CG dinosaurs may soon roam. With the 2nd JP movie, Spielberg kept everyone guessing where the film would be set, eventually revealing it would take place on a mysterious "2nd island" called Sorna. JP3 returned to this same island.
April 22, 2013Jack Horner Meets with Marshall, Trevorrow
In a tweet and subsequent retweet by JP4 director Colin Trevorrow, JP4 producer Frank Marshall suggests the trio met this weekend to discuss all things JP. You think they'll spent any time talking about feathers?
JP4 Scheduled to Shoot in July
According to this tweet from production watcher USA Productions (and later confirmed by JPLegacy.org forum poster 'Sandhu'), JP4 has been confirmed to be looking to ramp up production in just a few months in both Kauai, Hawaii (where at least some of the first 3 movies were shot), as well as Baton Rouge, LA. The latter had been rumored a few weeks back but makes sense as Raleigh Studios is located there, a facility with more than 150,000 square foot of studio space and where Universal shot last year's "Battleship" and parts of "Oblivion". (Thanks Carnotaur3 and Asees)
JP:3D BluRay Reviewed Big Picture Big Sound is the first to take a look at the imminent release of the JP:3D BluRay, which drops tomorrow. Interesting to note that while originally we thought there were no extra bonus features with this release, it seems one called "The World of Jurassic Park 3D" has been added, a 8 minute look at the 3D process with interviews with Spielberg and Kennedy, among others. Otherwise, the site notes the 3D changes the JP experience "for the better" while also seeming to clean up a good amount of the grain and noise present on the original BluRay release.
April 7, 2013JP:3D Finishes Weekend in 4th
Word comes from Hitflix that the re-release of JP in 3D came in a close 4th behind "Evil Dead" ($26 million) and "The Croods" and "G.I. Joe" (tied with $21.1 million each). It had a total 3 day take of $18.2 million. Hitflix notes "[JP] opened in a similar range of other recent blockbuster 3-D releases such as 'Titanic' ($17.3 million) and 'Star Wars: Episode I' ($22.4 million)".
Koepp Says He Passed on Writing JP4
In a conversation with the Portland (Maine) Press Herald, JP and TLW scribe David Koepp reveals he was offered the JP4 writing gig but declined just because he couldn't figure out what it would be about. "One movie takes a lot of thinking on a subject, " he said. "Two movies takes an enormous amount, and I just didn't feel like I had enough fresh thinking." (Thanks Kristin).
More Angry Scientist Comments on JP4's Non-feathered Dinos
You've got to guess that new JP4 director Colin Trevorrow certainly didn't think the first thing he said about his new directing gig would cause so much controversey. Obviously he did not factor in the nerd anger possible when you combine JP fans, dinosaur fans, palaeontologists, and the Internet. This article from the New Zealand Herald has rangled up a few more choice quotes on the subject, including one from palaeontologist Darren Naish, who says he is "pissed off" about Feathergate 2013 and hopes Trevorrow will reconsider. "It helps perpetuate the notion that dinosaurs were all scaly dragons, alien and unlike modern animals," he said.
April 6, 2013JP:3D Takes in $7 Million Friday, More Than Anticipated Hitflix is reporting the 'Evil Dead' remake edged out JP:3D Friday with a take of $11.9 million, however JP:3D's performance of $7 million was more than expected by box office watchers. This suggests JP's re-release will take in a total of $22 million this weekend, better than the "mid-teens" figure that was talked about earlier this week.
April 4, 2013Could JP:3D be #1 at the Box Office This Weekend?
Could we be seeing Jurassic Park back up on top of the box office charts this weekend just like in the olden days? According to this article from The Wrap, JP:3D will be opening on about 2,600 screens (300 of which in IMAX) this weekend, "Enough so that it will be a factor in this weekend’s box office chase." The article adds, "Analysts are projecting a three-day total in the mid-teen millions and then it will eventually take in around $40 million domestically." The only real competition this weekend is the "Evil Dead" remake, opening Friday, and "GI Joe", which took in $40.50M last week.
Jack Horner Confirmed For JP4
Not really a huge surprise as Horner has talked about being involved in JP4 since at least 2011, but in this USA Today piece on the imminent release of JP:3D, everyone's favorite "Dino Consultant" Jack Horner confirms once again he will be on this project. He also suggests we'll see a new dinosaur making an appearance: "[Though] I can't actually tell you who that will be." (Thanks Jeff)
Spielberg Talks JP:3D
In a video at the top of the same USA Today story, JP director Steven Spielberg talks about the conversion of the film to 3D, admitting he originally shot it in 3D "in my mind", saying he used a "trombone effect", where "creatures and people are running towards the camera", making it perfectly suited to the 3D format. He also names a few of his favorite scenes that work in 3D, including the kitchen sequence where he says the 3D adds a new sense of perspective.
April 2, 2013JP Soundtrack Gets Remastered With 4 Previously Unreleased Tracks
A bit of a treat for JP and John Williams fans today, as Universal Music has re-issued the iconic score on iTunes for $10 (it'll come to Amazon MP3 next Tuesday), including four previously unreleased tracks in the process. According to the press release, Williams and his editor went back through the original recordings to not only digitally re-master the tracks, but also find cues from the film that have never been released. They are "The History Lesson", "Stalling Around" (the much asked-for music to the "Mr. DNA" sequence), "The Coming Storm", and "Hungry Raptor". (Thanks John!)
Neill, Dern Talk JP:3D
In this clip from this morning's Today Show, our ol' buds Sam Neill and Laura Dern talk about the "awe inspiring" JP:3D and reminisce a bit about the film, how they almost died in Hurricane Iniki, and probably most interestingly, show "Ellie Sattler" screen tests featuring Helen Hunt and Gwyneth Paltrow. The latter footage I've never seen before and is pretty amusing. (Thanks Yvonne)
March 28, 2013JP3 Production Designer Slated to Return for JP4
According to this resume from his agent's website, JP3 production designer Ed Verreaux has been signed to return for JP4. Verreaux took over that project from JP and TLW's designer, Spielberg favorite Rick Carter, and since JP3 has gone on to do production design on "X-Men: The Last Stand", "Looper", and "Rush Hour 3", among others. Back in 2001 Verreaux told Fangoria magazine that while he was happy with his work on JP3, he wasn't certain the franchise had to continue. "Hopefully, there won't be 10 of these things," he said at the time. "At least, I hope I won't be doing them." (Thanks Bert and Oviraptor)
'No Feathers' Comment Ignites Mini-Firestorm
JP4 director Colin Trevorrow's first real comment about JP4 last week was the simple "no feathers" tweet, referring to the decision of JP3's filmmakers to follow scientific findings and portray some dinos as having feathers. Like all things on the internet, however, Trevorrow has managed to upset some dino fanatics. This post at Neogaf summarizes a few of the stories published about it, including this one at Nationalgeographic.com where the author says that, "If Velociraptor and Tyrannosaurus are reprising their roles [in JP4], these dinosaurs should certainly have some kind of plumage." He adds, "That comes right from fossil evidence and evolutionary logic."
March 22, 2013More JP:3D Screenings Announced
Check out this page at UniversalScreenings.com to see if your city has been selected for a screening next Saturday, March 30th. (Thanks Kevin)
March 20, 2013Trevorrow Tweets JP4 Dinos Will Have "No Feathers"
In a message that was shorter than that headline and much shorter than this post, newly named JP4 director Colin Trevorrowtweeted this morning that JP4's dinos will be featherless, setting himself apart from the much debated look of the dinos in JP3.
March 17, 2013JP:3D First Impressions Come in
As noted last week, a special screening of JP:3D was held in several cities this past weekend, and a few people took to Twitter to give their first impressions. "I wasn't expecting much from the 3D re-release [but] I was blown away." says 'StrakAttack', who noted he saw it in an IMAX theater. "I was impressed by how good it looked in IMAX... The picture was amazingly clear [and] the sound design was brilliant." 'DavidBFox' said the film has "Never looked better" and "the 3D conversion was great", but "1-2 scenes looked off," a potential issue that was noted by the first reviewer as well, who added that "there were a few instances where depth issues occurred."
March 13, 2013JP4 Director Named
BREAKING! Per Deadline.com, Colin Trevorrow (pronounced "tre-VAR-o"), indie director of last year's romantic comedy Safety Not Guaranteed has been placed in charge of the latest JP movie. According to Deadline, the director, who made his last movie for almost nothing and which grossed $4 million, met with "the studio and filmmakers, [who] felt he was a good match for the material, having grown up a huge fan of the trilogy and part of a new generation of directors steeped in all things dinosaur." Frank Marshall, JP4's producer, said he's "thrilled" Trevorrow was signed, calling him a young director "who understands and respects the world that is Jurassic Park." Deadline added, "[The producers] felt he would preserve and protect the characters in the story they created." Safety Not Guaranteed, which has an impressive 91% on the Tomatometer, was billed as "from the producers of 'Little Miss Sunshine'", and given a 3 1/2 star rating from Roger Ebert, who called it "ambitious and touching", with "dialogue that's about something [and] characters who have depth and dimension." You can send your congratulations to Mr. Trevorrow (who is 36) via his Twitter.
Trevorrow Hinted at JP Connection in June, Promises Not to Make it Suck
As noted on Collider.com, it's possible Colin Trevorrow, announced today to be helming JP4, was involved in pre-production of the film as far back as June, when his name had been cicling as possibly directing the first of the new Star Wars films. During an interview for a podcast, Trevorrow notes his previous film created "amazing opportunities" for him, including a potential project with a large fanbase. "I just want to say in advance that I promise you, for all of those who love the mythology that I will be tackling, trust that I love it as much as you do," he said. "And I will respect it, and hopefully make it not suck.”
'Bourne' Producer Joins JP4
Along with the news of JP4's director was the tid-bit that Patrick Crowley has signed on as producer of the film, along with Frank Marshall. Spielberg will still executive produce. Crowley and Marshall have worked together on all the "Bourne" films as well as on Eight Below, which Marshall directed.
March 12, 2013Free JP:3D Screenings Announced For Select Cities
You can visit this page at Fandango.com to see if your city has been selected for a free screening of JP:3D this coming Saturday, March 16, several weeks before it opens wider, on April 5th. If you see it early, make sure you send in a report!
February 25, 2013Laura Dern Not Sure She'd Join JP4 Cast
After bowing out of TLW but shooting a short cameo for JP3, Laura Dern isn't sure about her status in JP4. "Oh, I don’t know. We’ll see what they do," she told IFC at the Oscars last night. "I know a little and it’s been ever-changing. It’s been evolving for many years as Steven has been considering it."
DISCLAIMER: The author of this page is not responsible for the validility (or lack thereof) of the information provided on this webpage.
While every effort is made to verify informa tion before it is published, as usual: Don't believe everything you see on televis...er, the Internet.