Jurassic Park Almost Cut Its Most Iconic Character!

It’s challenging to envision the tale of Jurassic Park without Ian Malcolm (played by Jeff Goldblum). Originally, Ian Malcolm in Michael Crichton’s novel served as an engaging character, primarily expressing Crichton’s broader views on society and mankind’s fascination with technology. However, under the guidance of director Steven Spielberg, screenwriter David Koepp, and Goldblum, Malcolm evolved into a character far richer than his literary counterpart. He became a vibrant, captivating entity that transcended the character he was in the novel.

It’s not surprising at all that Malcolm became a beloved character, given his numerous memorable moments in Jurassic Park. From delivering famous lines such as “You were so preoccupied with whether or not you could, you didn’t stop to think if you should,” to the scene where he lies on his side with his perspiring chest exposed – these instances made him unforgettable. It’s also understandable why the Jurassic Park sequels continually found ways to reintroduce Malcolm to dinosaurs, as seen in movies like The Lost World: Jurassic Park and two of the Jurassic World films. Remarkably, it’s hard to believe that at one point, Malcolm was nearly eliminated from Jurassic Park.

Why Was Malcolm Almost Cut From Jurassic Park?

In early versions of Jurassic Park, as detailed in books such as Don Shay’s The Making of Jurassic Park, the character of Dr. Ian Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum, was initially proposed to be removed from the movie entirely. Instead, characteristics linked to Malcolm were planned to be included in the character of Dr. Alan Grant. However, Goldblum himself has shared that even after Spielberg developed a fondness for Goldblum’s portrayal of Malcolm in The Fly, there was still pressure to cut the character. It wasn’t until quite late in pre-production that it was certain that Malcolm would appear in Jurassic Park.

The character was almost eliminated due to some necessary adjustments when a book is adapted for the screen. It’s common to trim parts and merge characters to make the story more suitable for film. Additionally, there might have been apprehension among executives about including a mathematician in a blockbuster movie, as such roles are not typically prominent in escapist, box-office successes that prioritize action and drama over mathematical pursuits.

Additionally, there’s a possibility that translating certain literary characters into film might have posed challenges due to their unique nature within the written world. For instance, the character Malcolm from the novel “Jurassic Park” gains significant depth in the story’s latter half as he discusses various themes close to author Michael Crichton’s heart. This extended monologue spanning multiple pages is acceptable in a book that can be put aside at one’s convenience. However, in a large-scale film like “Jurassic Park,” which must run continuously in cinemas, this could present a different set of difficulties. In fact, screenwriter Koepp has acknowledged this challenge when discussing his process of adapting “Jurassic Park” into a movie, stating that making Malcolm a compelling film character was one of the biggest hurdles he faced during the adaptation process.

The Importance of Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park Lore

In light of concerns about Ian Malcolm’s viability as a solo character outside Crichton’s writing and novel format, it’s possible that Jurassic Park could have stormed the multiplexes without Jeff Goldblum. However, Koepp’s account of his challenges in writing for Malcolm mentioned Spielberg’s determination to retain the character due to his belief that Goldblum would breathe life into him. As it turns out, Spielberg was spot on. Goldblum delivered an engrossing performance that made Malcolm a captivating figure audiences couldn’t get enough of. The rest, as they say, is film history.

Goldblum’s ability to portray a relatable everyman character made him ideal for tales involving rampaging prehistoric creatures, earning him the role of anchor. Later, his character, Ian Malcolm, became the main protagonist in 1997’s “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” and reappeared as a supporting character in two subsequent “Jurassic World” films. Throughout these roles, Goldblum managed to preserve both the unique speech pattern of his character and Malcolm’s intelligence. Essentially, he embodies on screen what novel character Ian Malcolm represented in Michael Crichton’s work – the aware audience member who understands that those unpredictable dinosaurs could and would cause trouble.

Ian Malcolm’s unique traits significantly enrich the narrative of the Jurassic Park legend, and it seems almost inconceivable that they would consider discarding him. One might wonder how the creators of Jurassic Park even contemplated parting ways with Ian Malcolm. However, transforming a novel into a blockbuster film can be a chaotic process, leading to tough decisions such as eliminating characters who ultimately become crucial to the Jurassic Park series as a whole.

Jurassic Park is now streaming on Starz.

2025-03-23 05:12

Why Was Malcolm Almost Cut From Jurassic Park?

The Importance of Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park Lore

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