Implications of Ingen's Shutdown in the Jurassic World Universe

Introduction

The Lost World storyline in the Jurassic Park franchise, which began with the Lost World: Jurassic Park novel and continued through the film adaptation, would have taken a different turn if Ingen Biosyn had ceased operations a decade earlier in 1996 instead of 2001. This hypothetical scenario would have significantly altered the plot, particularly regarding the handling and management of dinosaurs on Isla Sorna. Let us explore the effects such a change might have had.

Impact on the Jurassic World Universe in 1996

If Ingen Biosyn had shut down in 1996 following the disaster in San Diego, the narrative of The Lost World: Jurassic Park would have been markedly different. Rather than focusing on the efforts of Ingen to capture and remove dinosaurs from the island, the plot would have shifted to the aftermath of their departure and the subsequent events involving Stafford Enterprises, the new owners of Jurassic Park technology.

The main conflict in The Lost World: Jurassic Park would not have revolved around the activities of Ingen but instead around the potential use and control of dinosaur technology. The story would have centered on the new owners' intentions and the efforts to manage the dinosaurs they inherited. This hypothetical change would have required significant rewrites, especially concerning the character dynamics and the overall direction of the movie.

Henry Wu and Biosyn's Role

The fate of Ingen Biosyn's scientific advancements would have been another crucial element in this alternate timeline. Key figures such as Dr. Henry Wu, the chief geneticist behind the dinosaur project and a prominent character in the first film, may have been recruited by Biosyn. Wu's discussion with John Hammond in the original novel about creating tamer dinosaurs for visitors to interact with would have gained renewed relevance.

With Ingen gone, it is possible that Wu might have been offered the opportunity to contribute to Biosyn's efforts. Wu's proposal to Hammond, where he suggests making slower, tamer dinosaurs, could have led to a merger or collaboration between Ingen and Biosyn. The novel explicitly mentions that Biosyn shared the same objective of creating their own dinosaurs and that they recruited Dennis Nedry to steal embryos for them. Hence, the rivalry between the two companies might have evolved into a partnership or integration.

Revised Plot and Conflict

Had Ingen Biosyn been shut down in 1996, the plot of the movie would have needed to be restructured to align with this new timeline. The screenplay would have to feature a new origin story for the dinosaurs on Isla Sorna, as Biosyn would now be the primary entity behind the Jurassic Park technology. The characters would have to adapt to this new reality, with new conflicts arising from Biosyn's objectives and resource management.

The discovery of dinosaurs and the subsequent events would still be a critical part of the story, but the motivations and actions of the characters would have shifted. For instance, Ian Malcolm, the mathematical ecologist, would likely face new challenges in trying to prevent the unchecked release of these powerful creatures. The plot would also need to address the potential oversight of Biosyn, who might not have the same level of caution or concern as Ingen did.

Conclusion

The hypothetical scenario of Ingen Biosyn shutting down in 1996 introduces an interesting and complex alternate narrative for the Lost World storyline. It would require a significant restructuring of the plot, character motivations, and the overarching themes of the film. The implications for Henry Wu and the future of dinosaur technology are also intriguing, suggesting potential new directions for the franchise.

Understanding the nuances of such hypothetical scenarios can provide insights into the intricate dynamics between different stakeholders in the Jurassic Park universe. Whether through a film adaptation or as a part of an original novel, exploring these scenarios can enhance the depth and richness of the franchise's storytelling.