The Jurassic Park franchise is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, combined with the occasional humorous slip-up. This blend of seriousness and levity contributes to the charm that has captivated audiences since the original Jurassic Park film debuted in 1993, through to the latest installment, Jurassic World Dominion, released in 2022. As one of the most successful movie franchises globally, fans and critics alike have dissected its films, uncovering an array of hidden Easter eggs and clever references that pay homage to the franchise’s cinematic lineage and advancements in filmmaking.
With the release of the original Jurassic Park, a fascination with dinosaurs surged, inspiring millions and prompting an increased interest in paleontology and biology. The franchise not only achieved immense box office success but also established a cultural phenomenon that continues to thrive. Anticipation is already building for Jurassic World Rebirth, set to hit theaters in 2025, promising a plethora of Easter eggs that will keep the tradition alive.
10 Universal’s New Logo Debut
The Lost World: Jurassic Park
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtfwgaHD5_w
The introduction of Universal Pictures’ redesigned logo during the opening sequence of The Lost World: Jurassic Park marked a notable shift in cinematic aesthetics of the 1990s. Fans of the original Jurassic Park film fondly recall the earlier logo that graced its opening credits. While both logos featured the iconic globe, the newer design appeared more contemporary, making its debut in 1997 and remaining in use until 2012.
These logo modifications may go unnoticed during initial viewings, yet upon revisiting the series, they become a memorable aspect of the viewing experience, complementing the scientific and natural themes that define the franchise.
9 Seat Belts as an Evolutionary Metaphor
Jurassic Park
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc0UehYemQA
In a cleverly crafted scene from Jurassic Park, the use of seat belts serves as a potent metaphor for the film’s themes of genetics and adaptation. Jeff Goldblum’s character, Dr. Ian Malcolm, famously states that “Life will not be contained,” which alludes to the idea that female dinosaurs could reproduce without male counterparts—a phenomenon observed in today’s reptiles.
As Grant finds himself with two incompatible seat belt ends while in a helicopter, his instinct to tie them together visually represents nature’s incredible ability to adapt, showcasing the film’s deeper narrative threads.
8 Misspelled Dinosaur Names
Jurassic Park
Notably, some dinosaur names in the franchise feature amusing misspellings. In one scene set in the cold storage room, dinosaur embryos are labeled incorrectly as Stegasaurus instead of Stegosaurus and Tyranosaurus is misspelled as Tyranosaurus. This inconsistency raises questions—was it a genuine oversight, or a nod to Dr. Wu’s admission of struggle to keep track of the complex names in the source material?
7 The Sounds of Baby Camel
The Lost World: Jurassic Park
One charming detail of the franchise involves the sound design of the dinosaurs. In The Lost World: Jurassic Park, the baby T-Rex makes cries that unmistakably resemble the sounds of a baby camel. This creative sound choice highlights the filmmakers’ innovative approach to crafting a believable prehistoric world.
6 John Hammond’s Iconic Jeep 29
Jurassic World
Jurassic World beautifully leans into nostalgia by revisiting a classic symbol from Jurassic Park: John Hammond’s Jeep 29. This vehicle, which played a pivotal role during the original film’s dinosaur encounters, appears again in a sequence featuring characters Zach and Gray Mitchell, reinforcing a sense of continuity that ties the new narratives to the beloved original.
By weaving in this iconic vehicle, Jurassic World signals a recognition of its roots, while simultaneously reminding audiences that the danger posed by dinosaurs is ever-present, despite human attempts to manage it.
5 The U.S.S. Venture: A Spielberg Tribute
The Lost World: Jurassic Park
In a clever homage to his cinematic influences, Steven Spielberg named the ship that transported the T-rex to San Diego the U.S.S. Venture, a nod to the vessel featured in the original King Kong film. This delightful reference acknowledges the wider genre—kaiju films—that Spielberg adores, enriching the movie’s lore while connecting it to the giants of Hollywood history.
4 Malcolm’s Significant Book
Jurassic World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFinNxS5KN4
Jeff Goldblum’s character Dr. Ian Malcolm is further immortalized in Jurassic World with a subtle but poignant Easter egg: a book titled God Creates Dinosaurs. This reference ties back to one of the most impactful quotes from the franchise:
God creates dinosaurs. God destroys dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs.
This quote encapsulates the ongoing theme of humanity’s conflict with nature, emphasizing the moral quandaries woven throughout the series.
3 Ellie’s Iconic Sunglasses Moment
Jurassic World Dominion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb5ELWi-ekk
Jurassic World Dominion echoes one of the most unforgettable scenes from the original film when Ellie Sattler marvels at a spectacle by removing her sunglasses—an homage to her awe-inspiring encounter with the Brachiosaurus in 1993. This moment is a testament to the power of storytelling that engages both characters and audiences alike, celebrating the journey the franchise has undertaken.
2 The Brachiosaurus: A Symbol of New Beginnings
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn9mMeWcgoM
The Brachiosaurus holds a special place as an emblem of admiration for dinosaurs in the franchise. Its gentle nature helped redefine how audiences view these magnificent creatures. In Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the return of the Brachiosaurus serves as a reminder that these magnificent beings are deserving of wonder and respect, not merely fear.
1 A T-Rex to the Rescue
Jurassic World Dominion
In a nod to the franchise’s history, Jurassic World Dominion features a T-rex in a heroic role, recalling the creature’s evolution from a feared antagonist in the first film to a savior in later installments. This pivotal moment serves to reinforce the narrative’s central theme: while dinosaurs can be dangerous, they also possess a sense of grandeur that transcends their predatory instincts.
As audiences eagerly await Jurassic World Rebirth, set for release in summer 2025, these themes of reverence for nature and the breathtaking beauty of dinosaurs will undoubtedly continue to resonate.
Leave a Reply