Why Jurassic World Rebirth changed its original ending: “It’s not a cop-out”

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Jurassic World Rebirth spoilers follow.

Director Gareth Edwards of “Jurassic World Rebirth” has disclosed the reason behind altering the movie’s initial finale, emphasizing that it wasn’t simply a last-minute decision.

In the seventh installment of the dinosaur series, the roles previously played by Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and others are taken over by a fresh group of actors. This new cast includes Jonathan Bailey from “Bridgerton” and “Wicked”, Scarlett Johansson who was Black Widow, and Mahershala Ali famous for his work in “True Detective”.

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Towards the end of the movie, it appears that the character Duncan, played by Ali, has died. However, just a short while later, we discover that Duncan wasn’t killed by the latest, largest monster in the show.

During an interview with Variety, Edwards disclosed that there was much debate over Duncan’s destiny, along with which camp they and Ali found themselves in.

He said it changed a few times, “In the original version I read, he passed away, and I was quite pleased with that.

Initially, we aimed at securing Mahershala’s participation. It seemed that if we wanted Mahershala on board, ensuring his safety was essential, didn’t it?

When Ali went through the script, he responded with a message requesting it to be ended, thereby aligning their thoughts with each other.

Yet, during the filming phase, Universal Studio requested him to shoot a backup version, simply for precautionary measures, since there would be no chance for retakes or additional shots later on.

He explained, “I understand the mechanics behind it all; whatever we decide to capture on camera will undoubtedly end up in the final cut, so caution is key. My thought was, ‘If we’re able to pull this off, I want it to be a polished, high-quality version that I can proudly associate with.’

In the editing phase, he submitted his first draft featuring Duncan’s demise. The studio requested a revised version showing him alive instead. Universal favored this version, and audience tests of both revealed they preferred the less sorrowful conclusion.

However, it wasn’t until a screening in New York that the concept fully resonated with Edwards – this was when he became certain about it.

In that instant when the flare emerged, showcasing his past, there was a thunderous applause, and it felt like a tiny tear was about to fall from his eye, he remarked. Kudos to the studio. I’m grateful they made me include an additional piece because I believe it’s the most powerful segment in the movie.

I didn’t want to give the impression that I was betraying my principles by taking him back. Instead, I tried to convince myself of something. Remember that movie ‘E.T.’ where E.T. died and then came back? Well, I kept telling myself that it wasn’t a sellout for a beloved film to do that. So, I reminded myself of that movie and its narrative as a way of justifying my decision.

Jurassic World Rebirth is out in cinemas now.

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2025-07-05 15:49