Jurassic World Rebirthwriter David Koepp explains how one scene took a more explicit turn in the original script.Rebirthis the latest attempt at rebooting theJurassicseries, launching a new set of movies afterJurassic World Dominionin 2022. This time, a group of scientists travels to a remote island filled with dinosaurs in an attempt to get DNA for potential medical purposes.
Taking thelead this time is Scarlett Johansson, starring alongsidea cast that also includes Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo.It has a new director in Gareth Edwards, but sees the return of Koepp, the originalJurassic Parkwriter.
Speaking withIndieWire, Koepp explains how the scene of two dinosaurs mating was far more graphic in the original script. After the interviewer complimented the scene, Koepp explained that it was “tricky to write” because he had to consider how specific this mating scene would be.
The writer revealed how it was written in an early draft of the script. While this was eventually scrapped, he had originally written,“They approach the dinosaurs in the field. Let’s just put it this way, they have eight legs between them, but only six are on the ground.“Check out the full quote from Koepp below:
IndieWire: I love the scene of the two dinosaurs making out.
Koepp: It’s lovely!
IndieWire: It is.
Koepp: It was tricky to write because, you know, how much of a mating scene are we talking about? How “JurassicPork” are we going to go with this?
IndieWire: Yes, there’s a world where that goes too far.
Koepp: There certainly is. In one draft of the script I wrote, “They approach the dinosaurs in the field. Let’s just put it this way, they have eight legs between them but only six are on the ground.”
IndieWire: You actually wrote that?
Koepp: I did.
IndieWire: And you turned it in?
Koepp: Yeah, I turned it in. I thought it was funny!
What This Means For Jurassic World Rebirth
The Original Idea Would Have Changed The Tone
The mating scene in question occurs when Zora and her team explore the inner depths of the island. They end up in a grassy valley, where giant dinosaurs emerge from the flora. Then,they begin nuzzling heads and seemingly start kissing, indicating mating.
In order for Koepp’s version to avoid graphic implications that push the movie’s PG-13 boundaries, it would have had to be played for comedy.
As it is, the scene makes it clear what is going on. For any adult watching,this is a clear signal that these dinosaurs are engaging in a mating ritual.The way it ended up in the final version, accompanied by a sweeping musical score, plays more tenderly.
As Koepp notes, the original script version “was funny.” In order for Koepp’s version to avoid graphic implications that push the movie’s PG-13 boundaries, it would have had to be played for comedy. This could haverun the risk of undermining what is ultimately a very sweet, and, as Koepp says, “lovely,” moment.
Our Take On The Jurassic World Rebirth Mating Scene
The Version We Got Works Well
While it is interesting to imagine how things might have turned out if Koepp had things how he originally imagined them,I’m partial to the version that ended up in the film.In addition to its narrative softness, it also creates a moment for viewers to really slow down and appreciate the film’s visual effects.
Most of the time, the CGI in this film is admired when dinosaurs are the source of fear. Teeth creep up to maul terrified humans, making these creatures fear-inducing. In this case,these herbivorous dinosaurs are more so a source of marvel. This creates a more holistic sense of spectacle forJurassic World Rebirth’s special effects, which provides a balance I appreciated.
Jurassic World Rebirth
Cast
Jurassic World Rebirth, set five years after Jurassic World Dominion, sees covert operations expert Zora Bennett guiding a team to obtain dinosaur genetic material. Their mission collides with a stranded family on a perilous island, uncovering a long-buried secret.
