In an age where reviving the past in order to make something entertaining in the present has become the norm, it’s little wonder we’re seeing movies become TV shows and vice versa. Indeed, with shows such as Supergirl bringing back the eponymous hero from a 1984 movie, there’s no reason we won’t see many more crossovers in the coming years. One franchise that’s set for a revival in 2018 and could fit into this narrative is Jurassic World. Born out of the 1993 original Jurassic Park, the 2015 movie grossed $1.6 billion worldwide and has since spawned a slew of spinoffs.
With the success of the movie in no doubt, it’s easy to see why Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard have been brought back for a sequel. Naturally, with production underway on the next installment of the dino-centric franchise underway, there’s little chance of a TV adaptation just yet. However, if we take a look at the evidence, there are plenty of reasons it could be a success. Indeed, back in 2016 we learned that a show was actually a dinosaur’s claw away from being made. Set to be known as Escape from Jurassic Park, the animated series was going to use state-of-the-art to create a show that was thematically and stylistically consistent with the 1993 movie.
Although the show was cancelled before it was completed, Universal Cartoon Studios did have the show’s arc all planned out. According to Jurassic Outpost, the development script shares “many similarities with Michael Crichton’s The Lost World.” Although we’ll never really know how that show would have turned out, it’s interesting to note that the animation would have been created using the latest technology. Much like every Jurassic movie has used the latest technology to ensure the dinosaurs are as lifelike as possible, the animators wanted to achieve a similar level of authenticity.
The Quest for Realism: VR and Slots
This quest for realism seems to be a common theme across the franchise. If you look at any Jurassic-themed games, authenticity is an integral part of the design. An obvious example in today’s world is the Jurassic World virtual reality game. Developed by VRSE, the first-person shooter comes complete with its own custom headset and gun. Although the graphics are somewhat basic, the action feels real. Moreover, the fact Jurassic World brand has enough power to command its own VR game and hardware is a testament to the franchise.
Beyond the immersive realm, technology has also allowed Jurassic World to become a more realistic casino game. According to this Jurassic World slot review, the five-reel game not only offers jackpots topping $100,000, but 3D action. Unlike traditional slot machines that simply have reels marked with static symbols, Jurassic World fits in the genre of modern movie slots that feature video clips and animations. By showing scenes from the movie and having Indominus Rex walk across the screen, this game not only offers entertainment beyond the action of playing for cash, but a level of reality that’s helped make the franchise a hit.
Modern Ways to Engage with the Extinct: AR
Moving even closer to the cutting-edge of modern technology, an augmented reality book is set to accompany the release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Currently listed on Amazon and offering 32 pages of action, the eBook essentially combines onscreen print with virtual overlay to create a more immersive experience. Put simply, as you read the book, the software will make it look as though you’re surrounded by dinosaurs. Much like Pokémon Go, new creatures will appear as you move into new locations. Again, as with our other examples, modern technology is being used to create an experience that’s lifelike and not a parody.
This ethos is something that would almost certainly define any TV spinoffs the franchise might produce. Moreover, it’s a major reason why we could still get a small screen adaptation. The general public clearly loves the franchise and the people behind the franchise clearly love coming up with new ways to engage fans. With this being the case, we may well see some dinosaurs on our TVs in the coming years.