As the much-anticipated Jurassic World Rebirth prepares to hit theaters, excitement is palpable among fans eager to revisit the world of dinosaurs on the big screen. Scarlett Johansson takes center stage as Zora, a leader of a skilled team sent to secure genetic materials from the iconic Jurassic Park site, reigniting the franchise’s love affair with science and adventure.
Colossal Biosciences, co-founded by renowned geneticist George Church and entrepreneur Ben Lamm, has played a pivotal role in the conversation surrounding de-extinction technology. Recently, they celebrated a monumental achievement: reviving the dire wolf, a species that vanished 10,000 years ago, using preserved ancient DNA. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lamm provided insight into the movie’s depiction of genetic science, clarifying that while much of the science portrayed in Rebirth is credible, the resurrection of dinosaurs remains firmly in the realm of fiction.
“I believe that we are at this interesting junction where a combination of AI compute and genome engineering allows us to bring back extinct species. Now, there’s not any dino DNA, because DNA degrades very quickly,” Lamm explained. “The oldest DNA that we work with is about 1.2 million years old from a steppe mammoth. It’s pretty old, but dinosaurs died off 65 million years ago. I don’t want to say ‘never,’ but I don’t see a world where we will find intact dino DNA.”
He added, “A lot of the things that they were doing on the island that was a little bit more nefarious is they were gene splicing. They were looking at all these different ways to engineer species. A lot of those animals that we saw weren’t real dinosaurs. They were engineered versions of super dinosaurs.” Lamm’s comments highlight the intricate blend of genetic engineering and imagination that fuels the franchise.
Understanding the Science Behind Jurassic World Rebirth
The storyline of Jurassic World Rebirth draws from a rich tapestry of scientific inquiries dating back to the original Jurassic Park film, where a billionaire named John Hammond used degraded prehistoric dinosaur DNA extracted from a fossilized mosquito complemented by genetic material from frogs to pave the way for creating new species. The leap from past to present sheds light on how far the field has come since its inception two decades ago.
As Zora and her team embark on their mission to retrieve DNA materials essential for saving mankind, audiences will be captivated by the promise of cutting-edge science intertwined with thrilling cinematic escapades. Lamm’s comments resonate with a broader narrative, clarifying misconceptions around de-extinction technology: the creatures in the trailer aren’t actual dinosaurs but rather engineered adaptations.
Since the release of Jurassic Park, the series has faced scrutiny over its scientific inaccuracies, and Rebirth is no exception. Lamm’s insights provide a crucial lens through which viewers can evaluate the film’s portrayal of its prehistoric cast, helping to contextualize the blend of fact and fiction.
A New Era for Science Fiction
What was once thought to be confined to the realms of science fiction is inching closer to reality. Yet, despite significant advancements, the hope of de-extincting dinosaurs remains out of reach. The scientific community is working diligently to understand ancient DNA and why certain species can be revived while others, like dinosaurs, remain elusive.
As we move towards the release of Jurassic World Rebirth, set for July 2, 2025, the film promises to deliver a science-heavy adventure that intertwines thrilling action and a quest for knowledge. This latest iteration invites audiences to question the implications of genetic technology while enjoying a suspenseful narrative filled with innovative twists.
Prepare for a cinematic journey that not only entertains but sparks discussions about science, ethics, and the potential future of genetic engineering. This film is set to leave an indelible mark on the franchise, pushing boundaries while rooting itself in familiar yet evolving scientific landscapes.