Does Universal Studios Truly Care About the Jurassic Park/World Franchise? Should It Be Sold to Another Studio?

The Jurassic Park/World franchise, despite spending billions on reboots and even getting the original cast for the final chapter, has faced various criticisms regarding its storylines. However, the financial success of the series speaks volumes. This article delves into whether Universal Studios truly cares about the franchise beyond its profitability and explores the potential for selling it to another studio.

Is Jurassic Park/World a Valuable Franchise?

Universal Studios has invested heavily in the Jurassic Park/World franchise, and the investment has clearly paid off. The financial success of the series is undeniable, and it continues to be a significant earner even if no new movies are produced. The Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando is a testament to this success, as many visitors continue to visit the "real" Jurassic Park.

Would Another Studio Be Better?

Considering the profitability of the Jurassic Park/World franchise, it remains a question whether it would be beneficial to sell it to another studio. While other studios may have their strengths, none come close to Universal Studios in terms of franchise management and handling diverse franchises. Here's a brief analysis of some of the major studios:

Disney

Disney, while overseeing successful franchises like Mary Poppins and Star Wars, has also faced criticism with their treatment of the Marvel and Star Wars franchises. The Star Wars prequels, in particular, were widely criticized, and the Marvel movies have faced challenges in maintaining consistency and continuity. These factors may make Disney a less ideal candidate for acquiring the Jurassic Park/World franchise.

Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. has struggled with the DC Extended Universe, with a number of films being met with poor reception. They had more success with the suicide squad and Shazam, but the DC films have been a fiscal drain. This track record suggests that Warner Bros. may not be the best choice to manage the Jurassic Park/World franchise.

Sony Pictures

Sony Pictures, known for producing the Spider-Man movies for Universal, has focused heavily on this franchise lately. However, with the proliferation of Spider-Man films on different platforms, Sony may not have the bandwidth to handle another major franchise like Jurassic Park/World. Additionally, selling the franchise to Sony would mean duplication in marketing and rights management.

Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures, with its faltering Star Trek films, is another potential contender that could benefit from the Jurassic Park/World franchise. However, their current success with Mission: Impossible and Transformers series, particularly Dom Morgan: Fallen Kingdom, may position them as a better candidate. Nevertheless, Paramount has faced issues with inconsistent storytelling and character development, which could undermine the success of the Jurassic Park/World franchise.

Why Universal Studios Handles Franchises Well

Universal Studios has a proven track record in handling diverse franchises, particularly those tied to theme parks and real-world attractions. The Harry Potter and Fast Furious franchises are examples of successful long-term investments made by the studio. These franchises provide consistent revenue streams both through on-screen productions and theme park attractions, ensuring steady profitability and fan engagement.

Is Universal Studios Investing Enough in the Franchise?

There has been criticism regarding whether Universal Studios truly cares about the Jurassic Park/World franchise beyond its financial performance. However, this discussion often overlooks the broader value of the franchise. The Islands of Adventure and the surrounding theme park area in Orlando strongly indicate Universal Studios' ongoing investment and care for the franchise. These investments not only generate revenue from theme park admissions but also enhance the overall fan experience, ensuring long-term success.

Closing Thoughts

Considering the financial success and theme park appeal of the Jurassic Park/World franchise, Universal Studios appears to be the best steward of the property. Other studios, while capable of managing franchises, may struggle with maintaining the long-term success of Jurassic Park/World, particularly in terms of fan engagement and consistency in storytelling. Whether Universal Studios has truly cared about the franchise beyond its financial performance is a matter of perspective, but the current track record suggests it is a strong candidate to handle the franchise for the foreseeable future.