‘Jurassic World’ needed a restart. Steven Spielberg knew who to call

The sprawling, at times unwieldy, cinematic universe of “Jurassic World” is poised for a dramatic re-evaluation, thanks to the visionary intervention of Steven Spielberg, who has entrusted the franchise’s ambitious “restart” to a familiar and masterful hand: David Koepp, the acclaimed screenwriter behind the original 1993 blockbuster, “Jurassic Park.” After decades away from the dinosaur-infested narratives, Koepp’s return signals a deliberate shift towards a more focused and contained storytelling approach, a strategy he has honed into an art form throughout his illustrious career.

Koepp’s unique genius lies in what he terms the “bottle” movie—films meticulously contained within a single location or a compressed timeframe. This distinctive philosophy serves as a counterpoint to the boundless possibilities of narrative, which, paradoxically, he finds creatively stifling. For Koepp, parameters are not limitations but catalysts for ingenuity, pushing him to craft intensely visual and tightly wound narratives that captivate audiences. This disciplined approach is starkly contrasted with the perceived narrative sprawl of “Jurassic World: Dominion,” where dinosaurs had permeated every corner of the globe, leaving the creative team, and even Koepp himself, unsure of the franchise’s next logical step.

The upcoming installment, “Jurassic World Rebirth,” set to premiere on July 2, represents a genuine fresh start, not merely a continuation. It introduces an entirely new ensemble, featuring talents such as Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey, under the direction of Gareth Edwards. Crucially, Koepp has established nine governing principles for “Rebirth,” designed to rein in the narrative and re-establish a compelling framework. Key among these is the deliberate re-clustering of dinosaurs around the equator, drawn to tropical environments, and a return to the classic island setting that defined the suspense and isolation of the original “Jurassic Park.”

Edwards, the new director, quickly found common ground with Koepp, admiring his precision and efficiency. He notably lauded Koepp’s almost instantaneous ability to generate perfectly crafted, on-theme dialogue on set, describing it as “like having your own ChatGPT but actually really good at writing.” This synergy highlights Koepp’s deep understanding of cinematic rhythm and his capacity to deliver sharp, character-driven interactions that propel the plot forward, ensuring the film remains tightly paced and engaging, hallmarks of Koepp’s celebrated screenwriting style.

Much of Koepp’s prolific career, especially in recent years, has revolved around synergistic collaborations with two iconic Stevens: Steven Soderbergh and Steven Spielberg. Koepp likens their shared work ethic to the adaptability of filmmakers in the 1940s studio system—a pragmatic, results-oriented approach that prioritizes getting the job done, regardless of external constraints. This deep professional respect and shared understanding of storytelling mechanics have allowed them to embark on diverse projects, from Soderbergh’s contained thrillers like “Presence” and “Black Bag” to Spielberg’s highly anticipated new science fiction film, showcasing Koepp’s versatility across genres and scales within the movie franchise landscape.

For Koepp, the process of creation is often a rapid, almost torrential outpouring of ideas, followed by meticulous refinement. Unlike the increasingly committee-driven nature of modern blockbusters, “Jurassic World Rebirth” proudly bears only Koepp’s screenwriting credit, a testament to his belief in singular authorship. He contends that excessive input from multiple voices often dilutes the narrative, leading to a less cohesive product. This disciplined, focused methodology underscores his commitment to crafting compelling stories with clear vision and structural integrity, even in a colossal movie franchise like “Jurassic World.”

While Koepp continues to strive for the elusive “perfect script”—a standard he reserves for classics like “Rosemary’s Baby” or “Jaws”—his extensive body of work, culminating in the highly anticipated “Jurassic World Rebirth,” demonstrates a masterful command of storytelling. His ability to judiciously control narrative scope, infuse humor, and depict dinosaurs as animals rather than monsters, are all part of his established principles. This disciplined approach ensures that whether dealing with ancient predators or human drama, his narratives remain sharply focused, propelling the action forward with an intelligent and precise hand, ultimately aiming to recapture the thrilling essence that made “Jurassic Park” a global phenomenon.