3 Jurassic Park Characters Made Worse by the Jurassic World Movies

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If you’re a fan of Jurassic Park, you’re well-aware that one of the franchise’s enduring appeals lies in its intriguing characters – ambitious scientists, thought-provoking theories, and decisions that often lead to disastrous consequences. However, when the series progressed into Jurassic World, not all of the returns lived up to expectations. Reviving characters crucial to the original’s success seemed like a smart move, but some ended up less impactful or simply out of place. It’s odd and aggravating to see once-memorable characters, known for adding suspense, humor, and intellect to the narrative, diminished to brief appearances or transformed into roles they weren’t originally intended for.

In these three Jurassic Park films, certain characters appeared that received significant changes, and unfortunately, their portrayals were disappointing to such an extent that it might be more satisfying to imagine they didn’t return in the subsequent Jurassic World movies.

3) Dr. Ellie Sattler

In the movie Jurassic World: Dominion, the return of Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) alongside Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) is a delightful surprise for long-time fans. However, her character in this new film appears to have undergone a slight transformation compared to her original portrayal in Jurassic Park. In the first film, Ellie was admired for her intelligence, pragmatism, and bravery – traits that made her stand out among other characters. She didn’t need to take center stage to make an impact; whenever she got involved, her actions carried significant weight. Her quick thinking, decisive action, and expertise in paleontology made her a crucial element of the story rather than merely a love interest or Grant’s sidekick. This is the Ellie that fans were eager to see again in Jurassic World, but instead, she seemed to take a step back into the background.

In the movie Dominion, while Ellie remains significant as a scientist, her character development takes a backseat and becomes more of a representation for environmental consciousness. She’s not designed to stand out, given that reintroducing classic characters was primarily an added bonus. However, it’s evident that Ellie is less central compared to her initial role. Despite suffering minimal harm to her character, her presence in the story feels somewhat contrived – almost as if she were included solely to satisfy fans and attract viewers. Alan Farnes (Grant) enjoys a slightly larger role due to his prominence in Jurassic Park, but Ellie appears to be tagging along, like “if Grant’s here, she has to be too.

2) Dr. Henry Wu

As a die-hard Jurassic Park fan, I’ve always noticed that Dr. Henry Wu (BD Wong) wasn’t heavily featured in the original films. Yet, his minimal screen presence perfectly suited his role. He was the brain behind the dinosaurs, but the intrigue and peril didn’t stem from him; it was the prehistoric beasts that held our fascination. Wu functioned more as a knowledge disseminator, enlightening us on the science (an integral part of keeping us in the loop about the story). He came, he explained, and then he left, allowing the plot to unfold without his dominance. His understated presence conveyed scientific fervor without overshadowing the narrative.

As a cinephile, I must admit my excitement when Dr. Henry Wu reappeared in the Jurassic World series, taking on a more significant role than before. However, I found the execution left much to be desired. It seemed like they elevated a peripheral character to a pivotal position, but unfortunately, they overplayed it, creating an unconvincing portrayal. Wu transforms into the scientist behind the Indominus Rex and later the Indoraptor, even attempting redemption in Jurassic World: Dominion. This could have been intriguing, but the issue lies in his fluctuation between a brilliant mind and a manipulative villain – it feels more like he’s just a plot device rather than a genuine character. In the newer films, Wu becomes central to the conflict, but sadly, the subtle charm that initially drew us in is noticeably absent. Instead of enhancing the character, these changes appear to have diminished him.

1) Dr. Ian Malcolm

As a cinematic enthusiast, I can’t help but admire Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) in the original trilogy. He wasn’t just a source of humor; he was the intellect of the story, always warning about potential dangers before they became disasters. Despite his charismatic charm, which he believed made him a heartthrob, each of his witty remarks carried a profound insight and intelligence. The audience could sense that he wasn’t just providing comic relief but genuinely contemplating the events unfolding. There was a perfect blend of humor and wisdom, making Malcolm stand out without needing to be the protagonist. Instead, he served as our guide, helping us comprehend the full magnitude of the chaos on screen.

In the Jurassic World movies, Dr. Malcolm, a character who once played a significant role due to his critiques and reason, has evolved into more of a nostalgic appearance than a relevant figure. He delivers a few humorous lines but doesn’t contribute much to the story, making one wonder if the movies would be significantly different without him. It seems that he could have been developed better after appearing in Fallen Kingdom and Dominion. Among the characters, Malcolm has arguably suffered the most from the sequels.

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2025-09-05 22:10