The original ending of Jurassic World Rebirth featured the death of a major character, a decision later altered before the film’s release.
Universal Pictures‘ Jurassic World Rebirth, now showing across United States theaters, is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Scarlett Johansson as Zora Bennett, Mahershala Ali as Duncan Kincaid, Jonathan Bailey as Dr. Henry Loomis, and Rupert Friend as Martin Krebs.
Who Was Nearly Killed in Jurassic World Rebirth’s Finale?
In an interview with Variety, director Gareth Edwards disclosed that Mahershala Ali’s character, Duncan Kincaid, was originally scripted to die during the film’s climax.
Edwards explained, “The ending oscillated several times. In the initial script I received, Ali’s character died, which I thought was compelling. As we moved forward with casting Mahershala, it seemed necessary to keep his character alive. However, after Mahershala read the script, his primary feedback was, ‘Can we kill him?’ I agreed, and we both advocated for his character’s death, which led to the script reverting to that version.”
Studio Requested Dual Endings for Jurassic World Rebirth
The studio requested that Edwards film two different endings: one depicting Ali’s character surviving and another showing his death.
Edwards recounted, “During editing and the director’s cut assembly, I initially submitted the version with Duncan’s death. The studio appreciated it but requested to see the alternate version where he survives. We quickly edited that cut, and the consensus favored that ending. Two test screenings confirmed audiences preferred the survival ending.”
Audience Response to Mahershala Ali’s Survival Scene
Edwards described his uncertainty until the New York screening, where the scene revealing Duncan’s survival was met with overwhelming applause, moving him emotionally. He credited the studio for insisting on filming the additional segment, calling it “probably the strongest part of the film.”
Information sourced from Brandon Schreur at ComingSoon.