Jurassic World will hit theaters in just a couple weeks. The press tour to promote the film is just getting under way. Therefore it’s time to ask the obvious question. What about the sequel? Director Colin Trevorrow has already been asked if he would direct a follow up, and, interestingly, he’s already said no.
Badtaste.it got to ask the question (ComingSoon.net has the English translation) at the Paris World Premiere of the film and Trevorrow was surprisingly candid in his answer:
Jurassic Park is like Star Wars. Different directors can give a different taste to each movie. I would be involved in some way, but not as director.
This film will be Trevorrow’s coming out party of sorts, as his previous endeavor, Safety Not Guaranteed, was not widely seen. It’s probably the best move on his part not to get tied down to the Jurassic Park franchise at this point. If the new film is a hit he will likely be showered with offers and who doesn’t like choices? At the same time there’s a good chance that he’ll be asked back to do the sequel, if he hasn’t already, and he can always "change his mind" if he doesn’t get a better offer or somebody backs up a dump truck full of money to his doorstep.
Jurassic World is expected to open strong given the hype around the return of the franchise, and the distance we’ve obtained from The Lost World, so talk of a sequel was all but inevitable. It feels a little odd to bemoan the need to consider a sequel this soon for a film’s that’s already the fourth in a series, but part of what looks exciting about the film is that they’ve actually made it feel fresh. Also a platoon of trained velociraptors.
The Star Wars comparison is an interesting one though. That franchise appears to be heading into its own "cinematic universe" with multiple films spinning off in different directions. Is there a feeling that the same might be possible with Jurassic Park? It doesn’t seem to have nearly the mythology that Marvel or Star Wars have. While more movies about dinosaurs eating people will always be appreciated by theatergoers it’s hard to say that there’s anything more than that here.
If and when the "Jurassic Universe," or whatever it’s called, swings into gear some new director will have a chance to put their own spin on the story. Is there another up-and-coming director who deserves a chance? We'll see what kind of stamp Trevorrow has put on the franchise when Jurassic World opens June 12.
