Jeff Goldblum, Uh, Finds a Way Back for ‘Jurassic World 2’
Holy freakin’ cow — that is basically the only practical response to tonight’s late-breaking news. Jeff Goldblum is officially returning to the land of the dinosaurs to reprise his iconic role as Dr. Ian Malcolm in the upcoming Jurassic World sequel. Will he remove his shirt? Will he deliver the signature goofy laugh that spawned one of the greatest YouTube remixes of all time? Will he be bringing any of his former co-stars (like Laura Dern, who recently expressed an interest) with him? We have, uh, so many questions.
The star of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster classic hasn’t made an appearance in the franchise since the first sequel, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, though his presence was felt on the periphery of Jurassic World — a promotional image for the film featured a fictional book written by Ian Malcolm, titled God Creates Dinosaurs, but that photo was merely a fun easter egg for fans (shared on Easter, no less).
According to THR, the time has come for Goldblum’s good, eccentric, genius (and, let’s be real, super-hot) doctor to go back, as the actor has signed on to co-star in Jurassic World 2. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are set to return for the untitled sequel, with director J.A. Bayona (A Monster Calls) at the helm. Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly co-wrote the follow-up, which also stars Toby Jones, Rafe Spall, James Cromwell, Ted Levine and Geraldine Chaplin.
Plot specifics are still unknown, though Bayona did reveal a teaser image, and the director has promised a fun movie with more practical effects this time out. Trevorrow, meanwhile, has said that the sequel will explore animal cruelty and captivity and be much scarier. So, you know, a scary-fun (and sexy, with Goldblum) good time guaranteed to make you think twice about those ASPCA commercials.
Jurassic World 2 hits theaters on June 22, 2018.