Why the end of Jurassic World: Renaissance was changed

“We were both run off for this end. But the studio was not convinced.”

If you are one of the first spectators of Jurassic: World Renaissanceknow that the film was not supposed to end like that …

Attention spoilers!

The last scene of the seventh installment of the franchise could have been much more tragic.

In an interview with Varietythe director Gareth Edwards revealed that the character of Mahershala Ali was originally to die in the film – a choice which he fully shared … until the studios intervene. We detail.

In Jurassic: World Renaissancewe follow a team of mercenaries and scientists (embodied by Scarlett Johansson,, Mahershala Ali And Jonathan Bailey) on the abandoned island of Saint-Hubert, former Ingen experiences site, now invaded by dinosaurs. Their mission: to recover DNA of dinosaur likely to treat heart disease. Along the way, they save a family in distress, trapped after the sinking of their sailboat.

In the breathtaking final of the film, the group tries to flee by boat, chased by a new nightmarish predator: the Tartus Rex. Duncan (Ali) lights an enlightening rocket to attract the beast, and throws himself into the water to allow others, especially children, to escape. The rocket goes out. Duncan is dead … Until a new rocket illuminates the sky: He survived.

Except that this “Happy End” twist was not originally planned. Edwards explains:

“In the first version of David Koepp’s script that I read, he died. And I found it great. And Mahershala also wanted to keep this version. He wanted Keep his character and I agreed with him. “

The director assures that they were “Both go for this end. But the studio was not convinced. They told us: ‘We won’t have time to make reshoots, so still film a version where it survives.’ I knew that if we were shooting that, it would probably be in the final assembly. So I tried to do it at best with the two versions and in the end … I liked this end where it survives “.

When mounting, Edwards had when chosen to present to the studio, despite everything, his version with the death of Duncan:

“The studio said ‘it’s great … but can we see the version where he lives?’ We mounted it, and everyone said: ‘This is the one that needs to be. “

Two test projections later, the verdict is final: the public is won over by the final salvation of the character.

“I was not sure until the screening in New York. When the rocket appears and that we understand that he survived, the room applauded. I felt a little tear ride. Bravo in the studio for pushing me to shoot this scene. I think it’s the strongest in the film.”

And for those who would see a betrayal of the initial dramatic intensity, Edwards assumes:

“I didn’t want to have the impression of selling my soul. But I remembered that another film I really like: AND. He dies … then comes back. It is not a betrayal. It’s cinema. “