2025’s Dino Delights: 3 Must-See Movies & Shows!

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For tens of millions of years, dinosaurs dominated our planet. Yet, their influence on cinema and television remains potent today. Ranging from the beloved Land Before Time series to the amusing yet eerie Dinosaurs, it’s challenging to select a preferred dinosaur-themed viewing experience. And by 2025, that decision is set to become even more difficult.

At present, there’s buzz about several upcoming dinosaur-themed projects, one of which stars Ewan McGregor and Anne Hathaway. Although this untitled project is generating a lot of interest, details are scarce and sometimes conflicting, so it isn’t included here. However, three other productions – two films and a documentary mini-series – are scheduled for release in 2025. One of these movies is a sequel, another is based on a new book, while the series is a reimagining of an iconic show. Each of these projects has the potential to make a significant impact on the broader dinosaur movie scene.

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Primitive War

The Vietnam War was an appalling and terrifying epoch in human history, and it would have made the battlefield even more distressing if dinosaurs were present. This is the premise explored in Ethan Pettus’ book Primitive War. In this film, actors Jeremy Piven, Ryan Kwanten, Tricia Helfer, and Nick Wechsler embark on a journey into the jungle to locate a lost Green Beret platoon. However, upon discovering they are surrounded by dinosaurs, their rescue mission transforms into a struggle for survival.

Unique and Promising Premise

In many memorable films, the Vietnam War serves as a backdrop, but none have introduced dinosaurs like in “Primitive War.” These prehistoric creatures bring an entirely fresh level of fear to an already tense scenario. What’s even more intriguing is that the team behind this film appears committed to making it a hit.

Luke Sparke, the director behind “Primitive War,” is recognized for his work on the crime thriller “Bring Him to Me” and the SciFi action films “Occupation” and “Occupation: Rainfall.” His latest production, titled “Scurry,” bears a resemblance to “Primitive War,” as it revolves around two strangers who find themselves trapped and struggle to elude a monstrous creature.

Given his diverse literary background and affection for the dinosaur book series, it’s intriguing to consider how Sparke might translate this idea onto the cinema screen. If he manages it skillfully, there are numerous additional dinosaur books within the series that could be his next adaptation projects.

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‘Walking with Dinosaurs’

The groundbreaking series “Walking with Dinosaurs” premiered in 1999, eventually earning the title of the most-watched scientific show in 20th century British television history. This miniseries combined CGI and animatronics to vividly depict dinosaurs, emulating a nature documentary style by portraying them as if they were still roaming the earth. The success of “Walking with Dinosaurs” spawned numerous other series such as “Walking with Beasts” and “Walking with Cavemen”. In 2013, a movie adaptation hit the screens, featuring John Leguizamo, Justin Long, and Tiya Sircar, with a focus on a Pachyrhinosaurus named Patchi as he navigated leading his herd.

Although some critics noted scientific inconsistencies in the series “Walking with Dinosaurs”, it remained popular among dinosaur enthusiasts and even scientists. Consequently, it’s not surprising to see continued enthusiasm for bringing it back today.

The Reboot Roars to Life

Approximately a quarter of a century since its initial release, “Walking with Dinosaurs” is being revived. In January, BBC’s official Twitter account announced the show’s comeback, revealing that the series would consist of six episodes delving into the lives, deaths, and hunting behaviors of dinosaurs. Additionally, in January, PBS and BBC unveiled initial images of several Albertosaurus and two Pachyrhinosaurus, and they stated that each episode would depict dinosaur hunters discovering the remains of a specific dinosaur, whose tale would then be recounted.

From where I stand, the current details disclosed about the series and its colossal dinosaur inhabitants might seem scant, yet they’ve ignited a spark of anticipation within me, eagerly preparing me for the opportunity to stride beside these magnificent creatures.

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‘Jurassic World Rebirth’

The Jurassic Park series, stemming from Michael Crichton’s novel and directed by Steven Spielberg, is undeniably the most renowned dinosaur-themed collection of films. The initial movie, featuring Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, and Richard Attenborough, showcased the characters as they delved into a park where dinosaurs were brought back to existence. Subsequent films chronicled their ongoing escapades until 2015, when a new trilogy was launched under the title Jurassic World. This installment starred Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and BD Wong and followed a familiar narrative, which was further developed in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Jurassic World Dominion.

Life Finds a Way Again

The upcoming movie titled “Jurassic World: Rebirth” aims to breathe fresh life into the series for a third time by introducing a brand-new cast featuring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey. Although it’s connected to the Jurassic World movie franchise, there is a possibility that Chris Pratt’s character, Owen Grady, might make an appearance again. However, this film also serves as a gentle restart for the franchise, making it simple for viewers who haven’t seen the previous films to start enjoying the story immediately.

Titled “Jurassic World: Rebirth”, the upcoming film is being helmed by director Gareth Edwards following unsuccessful talks with David Leitch for the role. The plot unfolds five years after the events of “Jurassic World Dominion” and focuses on the character of Zora Bennett, portrayed by Johannson, who embarks on a quest to find dinosaur DNA for a crucial medication. This narrative twist seemingly contradicts the ending of “Jurassic World Dominion”, where coexistence between humans and dinosaurs was being established. Interestingly, it seems the story will circle back to its origins, with Isla Nublar making an appearance once more, a move that can be seen as a reversion or retcon, given the island’s previous destruction.

Although the previews and advertisements have primarily sparked curiosity, it’s a curiosity that we can’t wait to uncover. Fingers crossed, we’ll find the solutions when the film is released on July 2nd.

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2025-02-22 23:04