After six thrilling installments, the “Jurassic Park” franchise has delivered its fair share of unforgettable moments and, let’s face it, a staggering array of safety violations that would make any health inspector shudder. Yet, despite the countless perilous experiences and the high body count that’s dotted this adventure series, some characters have chosen to make a daring return. Among them, two actors stand out for their frequency in the films.
Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Neill, and Laura Dern are all tied with three appearances throughout the franchise. Pratt and Howard dazzled audiences in “Jurassic World” and “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” eventually joining forces with Neill and Dern in “Jurassic World: Dominion.” This latest chapter marked the third time for Neill and Dern, who first graced the screen in the classic “Jurassic Park” and again in “Jurassic Park III.” However, taking the lead in terms of appearances is none other than Jeff Goldblum, who returns as the beloved Ian Malcolm. Goldblum has made it through four films without meeting his end, a feat that speaks volumes.
B.D. Wong, playing the iconic Dr. Henry Wu, shares this honor with Goldblum, appearing in all six films as both an ally and a complex antagonist. Wong’s take on Wu transforms significantly from the original “Jurassic Park,” where he started as a promising geneticist, to becoming a controversial player in “Jurassic World.” In that reboot, Wu, now the head geneticist of the newly revamped park, creates the formidable Indominus Rex, raising red flags for everyone who understands the dangers of a dinosaur that can blend into its surroundings. His role evolves even further in “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” where he again plays God, this time with the creation of the Indoraptor, another potentially disastrous project.
Fortunately, by the time “Jurassic World: Dominion” rolls around, Wu seems to have had a change of heart, just as the world finds itself overrun by dinosaurs. In reflecting on his journey with Wu, Wong expressed his gratitude, stating that he felt his character was initially underappreciated, but was given a chance to flourish under the guidance of director Colin Trevorrow. As anticipation builds for “Jurassic World Rebirth,” set to debut on July 2, 2025, fans are left to wonder if these two characters will once again grace the big screen.
