The following contains spoilers for Jurᴀssic World Rebirth, now playing in theatersJurᴀssic World Rebirth‘s main characters have a specific connection to the previous heroes of the franchise, even if they don’t appear in the film themselves. Jurᴀssic World Rebirth takes place years after the events of Jurᴀssic World: Dominion, on a previously unrevealed island that was dedicated to extreme dinosaur experimentation. Jurᴀssic World Rebirth‘s characters are all new faces to the franchise, a mix of civilians and mercenaries who both end up on the run from the film’s mutant dinosaurs.

Jurᴀssic World Rebirth is an action-packed return to the former heights of the franchise that brings a fresh energy to the series. However, that doesn’t mean all the connections to the past have been erased. In fact, one of the main characters of Jurᴀssic World Rebirth has a direct connection to the previous heroes of the series, which underscores the franchise’s history while still allowing it to move forward. Here’s how Jurᴀssic World Rebirth directly connects to the heroes of the original film.

Dr. Henry Loomis Was A Student Of Alan Grant

Dr. Loomis Mentions Learning From Alan Grant Off-Screen

Dr. Henry Loomis, one of Jurᴀssic World Rebirth‘s main characters, is confirmed to be a student of Dr. Alan Grant. During his introductory scene, Loomis reveals he’s been a long-time student of Dr. Grant, acquiring the doctor’s awe, respect, and fear for Jurᴀssic World Rebirth‘s mᴀssive dinosaurs.

It’s actually this connection that pushes Loomis to join the mission. Although he’d been hired as an advisor, Loomis was initially hesitant to go into the field. However, after Krebs notes that Loomis has never seen dinosaurs in a natural environment, he might never get another chance like this to see the creatures as Grant has.

There Are No Returning Characters In Jurᴀssic World Rebirth

Jurᴀssic World Rebirth Is Focused On An Entirely New Cast Of Characters

Despite this overt reference to Dr. Grant, Alan doesn’t actually appear in the film. In fact, none of the established characters from either the Jurᴀssic Park or Jurᴀssic World films play any important role in the new film. Instead, the focus is on an entirely new group of characters.

As a result, the explicit but minor connection between Loomis and Grant is a clever touch. It ensures that Grant’s influence on the franchise remains present, even if the character isn’t there. It also suggests a calmer life for the Jurᴀssic Park protagonist, having seemingly settled into teaching.

It’s a clever way to confirm the character is still alive — which could allow the character to return in a future iteration of the series — while also ensuring that he doesn’t risk overtaking the focus of the story. Loomis may be a modern successor to Grant, but the film recognizes that without the latter, there wouldn’t be the former.

Loomis Proves Jurᴀssic World Is Ready For A New Chapter

Jurᴀssic World Rebirth’s Focus On New Characters Highlights How The Fresh Future Of The Series

Jurᴀssic World: Rebirth is poised to be a fresh start for the Jurᴀssic franchise as a whole. The film focuses on an entirely new cast of characters, a major departure from the deep bench of returning protagonists in Jurᴀssic World: Dominion. Instead, Rebirth embraces a different tone, a new batch of characters, and new kinds of dangers.

The Loomis and Grant connection ensures that the film still feels bonded, even if they’re removed from each other by plot and setting. While it may not be perfect, Jurᴀssic World Rebirth does feel like a breath of fresh air after the poorly received Jurᴀssic World: Dominion.

Moving to a new group of characters, who can experience the key Jurᴀssic franchise moments but from a new perspective, is one of the most enjoyable elements of the film. However, it’s nice that Jurᴀssic World Rebirth doesn’t forget the past even as it charges towards a new future for the series.