Is Jurassic World a Sequel to Any of the Earlier Jurassic Movies?

The status of Jurassic World as a sequel to earlier Jurassic films is a topic of debate among fans and critics alike. While it is technically a continuation of the Jurassic franchise, the exact nature of its relationship to earlier entries remains complex and sometimes unclear.

Sequels to the Jurassic Park Trilogy

Jurassic World is indeed a sequel to all three films that were released under the "Jurassic Park" title. This includes Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and Jurassic Park III. Specifically, Jurassic World takes place approximately 12 years after the events of Jurassic Park III.

The connection between Jurassic Park and Jurassic World is strong and irrefutable. Key elements such as the characterization of dinosaurs and the cloned species remain consistent throughout. For instance, the tyrannosaurus 'Rexy' in Jurassic World is based on the same creature as in Jurassic Park. Additionally, the original Isla Nublar from Jurassic Park is still the main location of Jurassic World, juxtaposed with an expanded theme park and research facility.

Sequels within the Jurassic Park Franchise

Despite these apparent continuities, the relationship between Jurassic World and the other entries in the franchise is not entirely straightforward. Many fans and some critics argue that Jurassic World is a sequel only to the original Jurassic Park, and not to The Lost World: Jurassic Park or Jurassic Park III.

This ambiguity arises from certain plot points in The Fallen Kingdom (the sequel to Jurassic World), which may imply a different narrative direction. At the end of The Fallen Kingdom, it is revealed that a volcanic eruption on Isla Nublar threatens the dinosaurs. However, this outcome does not affect Isla Sorna, the second island featured in The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III. This could suggest that Jurassic World is primarily a sequel to the original Jurassic Park, as Isla Sorna is not addressed in Jurassic World.

Conclusion

The exact nature of the relationship between Jurassic World and the other films in the franchise is complex. While there are strong continuities in terms of characters and settings, the events and implications of The Fallen Kingdom may indicate that Jurassic World is a sequel only to the first film in the series, and not to the Jurassic Park franchise as a whole.

Whether Jurassic World is seen as a direct sequel to Jurassic Park or as part of a larger franchise, its impact and place in the collective series remain significant and enduring.