The recent revelation that Scarlett Johansson’s character in Jurassic World Rebirth shares similarities with a supporting figure from the earlier Jurassic Park franchise is intriguing. Since the conclusion of the original Jurassic Park, the franchise has encountered a battle with direction. Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film adapted Michael Crichton’s novel, creating a self-contained narrative that did not call for a sequel. While the filmmaker deviated from his own guideline against sequels by returning for a follow-up, the result left much to be desired.
The Lost World: Jurassic Park, released in 1997, aimed to take the series in a new direction, but it suffered from a convoluted and inconsistent plot. In contrast, by the conclusion of Jurassic World: Dominion, the movie appeared almost classic in retrospect. As we anticipate the arrival of Jurassic World Rebirth, it’s evident that while The Lost World has its flaws, it has solidified a place as one of the more noteworthy sequels in the franchise, particularly due to its compelling supporting characters—including one from which Johansson’s heroine seems to draw inspiration.
Understanding Scarlett Johansson’s Role in Jurassic World Rebirth
Zora Bennett: The Covert Operations Expert
In Jurassic World Rebirth, Scarlett Johansson embodies Zora Bennett, a covert operations specialist. Her mission involves leading a diverse team—comprising scientists, spies, soldiers, and smugglers—into one of the final strongholds of dinosaurs on Earth. Although many dinosaurs have gone extinct by the series’ current timeline, the surviving specimens possess DNA that could potentially aid in the battle against global diseases. High-profile individuals covet this DNA, and it falls to Zora to secure it, but unforeseen complications arise.
The team encounters stranded tourists who are trapped on the island, vulnerable to the threats posed by the resident dinosaurs. One major twist unfolds as Zora evolves into an unexpected savior, deciding to adjust her priorities to rescue this endangered family, a narrative arc that echoes themes from The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
Zora’s character seems to take cues from Pete Postlethwaite’s memorable performance as Roland Tembo in that sequel. Initially, Tembo appears to represent the typical heartless big game hunter seen in many Hollywood films. However, Postlethwaite enriches Tembo with remarkable depth, revealing his nuanced moral compass.
Johansson’s Role: The Modern-Day Roland Tembo
Postlethwaite’s Character: Surprisingly Likable and Charismatic
The first trailer for Jurassic World Rebirth clearly showed Johansson’s character’s brazen nature. Engaged with mercenaries and unscrupulous characters, Zora does not prioritize ethics if it jeopardizes mission feasibility. Nevertheless, when circumstances demand action, she refuses to abandon the stranded family, much like Postlethwaite’s Tembo, who also faced moral dilemmas while hunting.
The ethos exhibited by Johansson’s character mirrors Tembo’s unique moral framework. While she exploits dinosaurs for her objectives, Zora also demonstrates respect for these creatures. She is motivated by the thrill of the chase rather than mere financial rewards and actively helps other humans threatened by the dinosaurs, whether or not they share her goals. These character similarities signal an attempt by Jurassic World Rebirth to capture the essence of Tembo’s character.
The Underrated Tembo in The Lost World
Complicating the Franchise’s Morality
Incorporating elements of Tembo’s character into Jurassic World Rebirth is a clever move, especially given how the previous films leaned heavily on nostalgia. For one, Roland Tembo stands out as one of the most underrated characters in the franchise, making it refreshing to see his philosophies resonate within the series. Furthermore, this approach is more nuanced compared to the blatant cameos featured in Jurassic World: Dominion.
Tembo’s respect for wildlife and his willingness to assist fellow characters—even those who complicate his pursuits—render him a morally complex figure amidst a backdrop of more straightforward heroes and villains. Therefore, revisiting this character in Jurassic World Rebirth holds significant promise, bringing depth to a franchise that often favors simplistic narratives.