Three decades have passed since the iconic Jurassic Park made its debut, and I, for one, am grateful that the sequels did not follow the original film’s narrative arc regarding Alan Grant. Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking movie has long been recognized as a cinematic masterpiece, maintaining its popularity over the years. With six movies in the franchise and another installment set to release in July 2025, the series continues to captivate audiences. In examining the characters, it is evident that Alan Grant, portrayed by Sam Neill, experiences one of the most significant transformations throughout the series.
Initially introduced alongside Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) in the first film, Alan’s journey is particularly compelling. After their appearances were limited in the second installment, sandwiched by the films’ varied narratives, audiences rejoiced to see the return of both characters in Jurassic Park III just four years later. This sequel introduced the unexpected twist that while Ellie had begun a family, it was not with Alan. Despite the departures from the storyline in the original Jurassic Park, this creative choice enriched Alan’s character development in meaningful ways.
Why I Appreciate the Jurassic Park Sequels’ Decision Not to Include Children for Alan Grant
The Creative Choice to Disregard the 1993 Ending
Alan Grant’s character arguably showcases the most substantial arc throughout the franchise. The original film explored his reluctance to embrace fatherhood, juxtaposed with Ellie’s contrasting wish to have children. When Alan finds himself in a protective role over Tim (Joseph Mazzello) and Lex (Ariana Richards) amid rampant dinosaur chaos, his perspective on parenting shifts significantly. Despite this transformative experience, the sequels intentionally detach his character from any familial ties, leaving him as the sole member of the original trio without children.
|
Jurassic Park Movie |
Year |
Lifetime Gross |
Opening Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jurassic Park |
1993 |
$357,067,947 |
$47,026,828 |
|
The Lost World: Jurassic Park |
1997 |
$229,086,679 |
$72,132,785 |
|
Jurassic Park III |
2001 |
$181,171,875 |
$50,771,645 |
While some may disagree with the notion, I find it commendable that the Jurassic Park sequels did not include a narrative thread featuring Grant as a parent. The central tension between Alan and Ellie regarding the desire for children adds a layer of realism to their relationship. Alan’s protective instincts for the children in his care do not inherently suggest he wishes for his own. This character direction preserves Alan’s authenticity and connection to his passion for paleontology. Unlike Ian Malcolm’s lackluster portrayal of parenthood in The Lost World, which failed to resonate with viewers, Grant’s relationship dynamics remained powerful and relatable.
The Significance of Alan Grant’s Storyline in Relation to Jurassic Park’s Themes
Representing the Concept of “Life Finds a Way”
The original Jurassic Park concluded with a poignant reference to Ian Malcolm’s famous quote, “life finds a way,” symbolizing Alan’s journey towards accepting a desire for children. His initial reluctance serves to amplify the overarching themes of the film, highlighting the unpredictable yet powerful nature of life itself. This parallels the majestic yet dangerous dinosaurs of Isla Nublar and underscores the need for careful consideration when influencing life.
The choice not to follow the path of familial expectation in the sequels ultimately proves to be a wise one. Hollywood often perpetuates the notion that having children is a universal desire; however, the Jurassic Park franchise broke this mold, challenging traditional norms. In doing so, the series eludes cliché storytelling methods while providing a narrative that stays true to the essence of the original film. This decision, especially at the time, showcased the series’ innovative spirit and is a key reason why the original Jurassic Park trilogy remains relevant even decades after its release.