It’s been 32 years since its release, and I’m still glad the Jurᴀssic Park sequels ignored the Alan Grant setup from the original film’s conclusion. Steven Spielberg’s classic has gone down in history as one of the most influential movies ever made, remaining beloved for decades. In total, there are now six Jurᴀssic Park movies, with a new installment to be released in July 2025. Beyond the chaos of dinosaurs and humans, the films feature significant character development from the original Jurᴀssic Park cast, and arguably, no character changes more across the series than Alan Grant.

Portrayed by Sam Neill, Alan serves as the main character in Jurᴀssic Park, alongside Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), though neither returned for its immediate sequel. The franchise quickly reversed this, however, bringing the pair back in Jurᴀssic Park III, with Neill in the lead role again just four years later. This also came with the surprise revelation that Ellie had started a family in Jurᴀssic Park III, though it was not with Alan. Despite the sequels diverging significantly from the original Jurᴀssic Park story, this was ultimately much better for Alan’s character for several reasons.

I’m Glad Jurᴀssic Park’s Sequels Didn’t Give Alan Grant Kids, Despite The Original Movie’s Ending

The Jurᴀssic Park Sequels Disregarded The Original 1993 Ending

Again, Alan Grant arguably undergoes the biggest character arc in Jurᴀssic Park. The movie makes a coordinated effort to explore the relationship between Alan, who doesn’t want children, and Ellie, who does. When the events of the film separate him from the others, Grant is forced to ᴀssume a parental role over the kids in Jurᴀssic Park as the island teems with dinosaurs, which alters his view on children by the end of the movie. Despite this, the Jurᴀssic Park sequels never address this again, opting to sever his relationship with Ellie, resulting in Alan being the only member of the main trio without children.

While it might be an unpopular opinion, I’m happy the Jurᴀssic Park sequels didn’t pursue the idea of Grant having children. This fundamental difference between Alan and Ellie is a realistic challenge in their relationship, and his growing sense of responsibility for Tim (Joseph Mazzello) and Lex (Ariana Richards) in a life-threatening situation does not necessarily equate to a desire for his own children. Not to mention, it keeps his character more aligned with his pᴀssion and expertise. Jeff Goldblum’s Ian Malcolm’s tepidly received parental journey in The Lost World implies that a similar storyline for Alan Grant would have been less successful.

How Alan Grant Not Having Kids Lines Up With Jurᴀssic Park’s Message

The Character Is An Important Representation Of “Life Finds A Way”

The original ending of Jurᴀssic Park seems designed to visually represent Ian Malcolm’s iconic line that “life finds a way,” in that Alan has found a means of wanting children. Alan’s aversion to kids serves as a catalyst for the larger themes of the film, and his journey with Hammond’s (Richard Attenborough) grandchildren highlights the unpredictable nature and the power of life itself. This parallels the dinosaurs on Isla Nublar, life that Malcolm warns is too volatile and needs careful consideration before the idea is acted upon.

Despite this, it’s clear the Jurᴀssic Park sequels made the right choice by not following the movie’s original ending. Movies frequently play on the societal expectation that all people have an inherent desire for children — which is certainly not the case. Hollywood makes it a point for characters to have children, but the franchise was wise to avert this trope, even if it comes at the cost of discrediting the original ending. Considering when it was released, this decision was quite ahead of its time and is just one of the reasons the original Jurᴀssic Park trilogy has aged so well.