Jurᴀssic World Rebirth writer David Koepp explains how one scene took a more explicit turn in the original script. Rebirth is the latest attempt at rebooting the Jurᴀssic series, launching a new set of movies after Jurᴀssic World Dominion in 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 the lead this time is Scarlett Johansson, starring alongside a 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 original Jurᴀssic Park writer.
Speaking with IndieWire, 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 “Jurᴀssic Pork” 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 Jurᴀssic 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 grᴀssy 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 have run the risk of undermining what is ultimately a very sweet, and, as Koepp says, “lovely,” moment.
Our Take On The Jurᴀssic 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 for Jurᴀssic World Rebirth‘s special effects, which provides a balance I appreciated.
Source: IndieWire
