Goldblum Reflects On “Dominion” Reaction

Universal Pictures
The “Jurassic Park” franchise is nothing if not a story of diminishing returns.

Spielberg’s beloved first film, based on the Michael Crichton novel, is widely considered a popular cinematic classic. The sequels however have been more of a mixed bag, both critically and commercially.

The property scored new life in 2015 with “Jurassic World” which delivered the franchise’s best reviews outside of the first film and its biggest box-office returns with $1.6 billion worldwide.

By 2022 though, the shine was beginning to come off as “Jurassic World Dominion” saw that box-office drop to an even $1 billion, while reviews were outright negative – pulling in just 29% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Jeff Goldblum reprised his role of Dr. Ian Malcolm alongside Sam Neill’s Dr. Alan Grant and Laura Dern’s Dr. Ellie Sattler in ‘Dominion’. Speaking with Total Film about the experience and the film’s reception, he says:

“I had such a good time on it. I enjoyed working on it and enjoyed trying to make it good. I think it sold a bunch of tickets. But, you know… [laughs] Everybody’s got an opinion about it. It’s tough to make a good movie… I was concentrating on trying to make our responsibility there a success, and fulfill our part of the bargain.”

He added that the experience of being able to work with Dern and Neill again to be a “very enjoyable” one.

The comments come as the Gareth Edwards-directed “Jurassic World Rebirth” recently wrapped filming – a new film with a whole new cast including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. Goldblum isn’t coming back but he’s keen to see where the franchise goes:

“[I] think Ian Malcolm may have ridden off into the sunset. Maybe. My friend Scarlett Johansson and my new friend Jonathan Bailey from Wicked, I think, are taking up the reins. And I can’t wait to see what they do. I think that’s a good idea.”

“Jurassic World Rebirth” will be released in cinemas on July 2nd next year.