When cloning dinosaurs from leftover, fossilized DNA. At the time, cloning was a relatively new science, with real-world application still in its infancy. The timing of the film - when most average people knew very little about cloning - helped to fuel interest in the film and jump-started a franchise that is still going strong nearly three decades later. However, while the science was certainly intriguing, it was Jurassic Park's compelling and iconic characters that really helped it stand out.
Since the release of the original film, the Jurassic Park franchise has spawned six feature films, three full-length novels, multiple short stories and short films, and an animated series. However, it was the original - headed by veteran actors Sam Neill as Dr. Alan Grant and Richard Attenborough as Titanic in 1997. Many of the ing actors of the original film have gone on to have stellar careers, including Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Samuel L. Jackson, and the franchise continues to be a goldmine for both actors and studios, as audiences flock to each installment.
There is likely no reason in the near future for Universal to consider recasting and rebooting the franchise, as the newer installments continue to perform well. However, it can be fun and interesting to imagine the stars of 2022 fitting themselves into the parts of fan-favorites like Ian Malcolm and Dennis Nedry. So while there's not likely to be a film made with these casting choices, Jurassic Park lovers might enjoy picturing these actors as the characters they first got to know in 1993.
Pedro Pascal as Dr. Alan Grant
Dr. Alan Grant, a mild-mannered paleontologist, just wants to keep researching ancient history at his dig site, until millionaire John Hammond asks him to provide an expert opinion on his dinosaur-themed amusement park. While he is amazed and enthralled by what he sees at Jurassic Park, actor Sam Neill isn't convinced that the park is ethical, even before the dinosaurs start their rampage. Once the dinosaurs break free, the character goes from gruff and standoffish to a sort of surrogate-father for Lex and Tim, who are trapped on the island, too. The Mandalorian, has the ability to play a gruff, scientifically-minded character while also embracing his silly, protective and parental style, as well. His role as Din Djarin on the Disney+ series, for instance, is a perfect encapsulation of this reluctant parental quality.
The most interesting thing about the character of Alan Grant is that he isn't really an action character. He uses his knowledge about dinosaurs and their habitat for protection, far more often than muscles and guns. Pascal, while certainly capable of action-star roles, would shine as the brilliant and determined paleontologist.
Brie Larson as Dr. Ellie Sattler
Ellie Sattler, portrayed by Laura Dern, was a paleobotanist who was also in a romantic relationship with Dr. Alan Grant. Throughout the film, her advice and ideas about the plants that have been placed in the dinosaur enclosures are dismissed by park officials, and Kong: Skull Island, and would add her own brand of quirky confidence to the role.
Dan Levy as Dr. Ian Malcolm
Mathematician and Chaos Theorist creator and star, Dan Levy, perfect for the a recasting of the role. It's easy to see Levy squirming as Ellie investigates a giant pile of dinosaur dung, And there's always Levy's penchant for thick, black-framed glasses to consider.
Samuel L. Jackson as Millionaire John Hammond
John Hammond, the millionaire behind Jurassic Park and In-Gen, never meant to get people killed, and in the original film, he does seem concerned for his grandchildren, Lex and Tim, who are out in the park when the dinosaurs break loose. But his disconnect with reality - thanks to his money and privilege - along with his ego, can't help but get in the way of truly ethical decision making, a nuance that actor Richard Attenborough brings to the role with genteel, British clarity. However, a more modern version of Jurassic Park requires a new kind of boss. Attenborough's Hammond was forced to bring in experts to approve his park. But a Hammond portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson (Star Wars) wouldn't likely be forced to do anything he didn't want to do. Jackson, who has experience portraying a man who can move governments and gods to his will as the MCU's Nick Fury can make the ground shake with his voice the way a T.Rex does when it walks. It also doesn't hurt that Jackson himself appeared in the original film as the park's head engineer, giving the recast a sense of coming full circle.
Marsai Martin as Lex Murphy
Lex Murphy, the granddaughter of John Hammond, finds herself in a fight to survive when her grandfather's dinosaurs go rogue. Originally portrayed by Ariana Richards who also briefly appeared in the first Little and as Diane on Black-ish, is a little older than Lex at 17. However, Martin's confidence and comedic timing would provide the right tone for the character, whose age doesn't matter nearly as much as her personality and chemistry with the other characters.
Lonnie Chavis as Tim Murphy
Science-geek and dino-obsessed Tim Murphy is the other grandchild of This is Us, has already proven that he's capable of playing complex and intelligent characters. It could prove to be a lot of fun for viewers to watch Chavis and Martin battle velociraptors with Pedro Pascale, though, and that dynamic is what's most important.
Riz Ahmed as Donald Gennero
Venom, would bring his wit, sharpened expressions, and the ability to add subtlety to the role of Gennero, and would be a welcome change if the recast chose to make the character more like he was in Crichton's novel.
Kelly Marie Tran as Dr. Wu
Star Wars: The Last Jedi) as Dr. Wu can lend a maternal sense to the role, while also adding more female roles to a film that lacked much diversity. Tran's vulnerability and strength could give added dimension to Dr. Wu without undoing the legacy that Wong has created for the character.
Audrey Plaza as Ray Arnold
Parks and Recreation actress Audrey Plaza perfectly. And like the role of Dr. Wu, a woman could just as easily hold the head engineer position at In-Gen, while the name Ray can be gender-neutral. Plus, hearing Plaza tell the control room to "Hold onto your butts" would be a worthy reason all on its own.
Andy Samberg as Dennis Nedry
It is thanks to Dennis Nedry that a Jurassic Park franchise exists at all, due to the back-stabbing employee stealing embryos for a competitor in a move that ends in both the fall of the park on Isla Nublar and his own (presumed) death. Originally Brooklyn 99. And while Samberg is known for playing goofy good guys, it would be a fun change of pace to see the talented comedian take on the role of mediocre villain, Nedry.
1993's Jurassic Park was a blockbuster when the few films earned that distinction. While the franchise lives on with many of the original stars returning for 2022's hybrid Indominus Rex to their screens, at least there's recasting to be done, and a reimagined Jurassic Park to think about.
