Nublar tease
For fans of all things Jurassic, a connection to the location of the first Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar, had been forged. Did this mean it would be a remake, or simply pay homage to its pioneering predecessor?
Production pause
After delivering their initial script to Universal at the beginning of May 2013, the scale of Trevorrow and Connollys vision made one thing abundantly clear - there was no way production would be able to start on June 24th.
In another setback, the studio put the project on an indefinite hiatus so that the two scribes could dedicate more resources to their vision. Their official statement at the time:
In coordination with filmmakers, Universal has decided to releaseJurassic Park 4 at a later dategiving the studio and filmmakers adequate time to bring audiences the best possible version of the fourth installment in Universals beloved franchise. We could not be more excited about the vision that Colin Trevorrow has created for this film, and we look forward to watching as he and the producers create another great chapter in this franchises storied history.
What that press release didnt mention were two actors reportedly in the running for leading roles; The Village star Bryce Dallas Howard and David Oyelowo.
Sam Neill wont be back
A highlight from Jurassic Park comes when paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant explains to a young lad - with visceral glee - how a raptor would hypothetically kill a person. Sam Neills relish in the role, and that scene, saw him reprise his role for the third movie.
While hed been on-again, off-again about the fourth, in an interview with New Zealand paper, The Dominion Post, he pretty much confirmed he wouldnt be appearing. "I'm told it's a big reboot, he said, a total re-jig.
Expo date reveal?
At the 2013 Licensing Expo, eagle eyed fans caught sight of a familiar logo bearing a brand new date. A huge banner brandishing the original Jurassic Park insignia was unveiled at the event.
In addition to the new date of 2015 taking centre stage, the accompanying literature for event visitors indicated that the forthcoming sequel would be shot in 3D...
Trevorrow addresses rumours
The project now on hold, the Internet became awash with rumours of casting, stories and supposed plot twists that were apparently culled from genuine sources. Trevorrow himself debunked most of the speculation, shooting down one rumour in particular:
I saw some of the rumours on the internet and I would have all kinds of red flags going off if I heard they were going to muzzle a T-Rex, he told folks during an interview on the Jurassic Park Podcast. So I would say dont believe everything you read, there are way more insiders on the internet than there are in real life.
John Krasinski
In August 2013, news of a fresh face joining the franchise hit the web. John Krasinski, known for his stint on the US version of The Office, was mentioned with regards to an important role, that divulged a tidbit of info about the direction of the new movie.
As reported by Movieweb, the actor was strongly linked to take on the role of a theme park worker in charge of 'taming' some of the dinosaurs. Whether Krasinski would suit up to become the dino whisperer was still speculation at that point, but it did offer the first hint at a new character.
The scant description alone conjured up images of Bob Pecks Raptor enthusiast, Robert Muldoon from Jurassic Park. Oh, Muldoon...
From park to world
The first movie focused its attention on the confines of a park; the sequel on what happens when that park unexpectedly transitions to San Diego; and the third explored the goings-on at a test site. With confirmation of the fourth movies title it looked as if the stakes were being raised once more.
Jurassic World was revealed by Universal as the next installment in the series. Along with the bigger, bolder name it was granted a summer 2015 release date of June 12th, 2015.
Bryce Dallas Howard
Before production went on an indefinite pause, the studio had been eyeing a couple of actors to nab key roles in the sequel; David Oleyowo and Bryce Dallas Howard.
Now that the movie was up and running again, Universal was keen to ensure they didnt cut loose. In late September 2013, Howard entered serious talks for what The Wrap described as a leading role.
With no additional details offered up it was hard to guess exactly who she might be playing. Howards impressive resume - which covers a slew of different portrayals - couldnt be picked over for hints, either. Still... it was a step towards a full-blown cast.
Young duo
Part of the original films winning formula lay in its perfect blend of tense action and well-drawn, likeable characters. Out of the latter element came two cheeky little devils, Tim and Lex, John Hammonds grandchildren.
Judging by the announcement of two new additions to the casting roster, part of Jurassic World would be to revive that child-like wonder.
In mid-October, Iron Man 3s Ty Simpkins landed the major role of the ensembles lead youngster, along with The Kings Of Summer star Nick Robinson as his older brother.
Josh and Jake
October 2013 was shaping up to be the month of casting news! With three names in the final stages of locking down contracts, a couple of new actors were being tossed about the rumour mill.
New Girl star Jake Johnson was strongly believed to be in line for a part along with No Country For Old Mens Josh Brolin. The formers involvement was expected to be a supporting role, while Brolin was at the time thought to be up for a leading part.
During this spate of reports it was revealed that the studio had previously had Brolin in the crosshairs prior to the production hiatus.
