Phil Roberts 
Why is the raft sequence in Jurassic World: Rebirth such a hot topic? Here’s everything you need to know about this Jurassic Classic!
One of the major talking points about Jurassic World: Rebirth is the inclusion of the legendary T-Rex raft sequence from the original Jurassic Park. With the latest trailer providing an exciting glimpse of this scene, fans of the franchise have plenty to celebrate. But what is the significance of this moment, and why are so many people thrilled to see it featured in Gareth Edwards’ new installment? Look no further; we have all the details you need to get up to speed. So, join us as we return to Jurassic Park and unpack this easter egg of awesomeness.
THE RAFT SEQUENCE
In the original screenplay for Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking 1993 epic, the raft sequence was conceptually the biggest set piece in the film. The scene was regarded as the money shot that would define the film, but sadly, it was left on the cutting room floor. The film’s pacing and rising budget constraints forced Spielberg to make some difficult decisions. Although the sequence had already been partially filmed, the decision was ultimately made to omit it from the final cut. This was a disappointing blow for fans of the original novel by Michael Crichton, as the scene was a favorite among them. While many other scenes from Crichton’s books appeared in subsequent Jurassic films, this particular sequence has remained on the cutting room floor until now.
PLAIN SAILING?
The scene was designed to take place on a raft-based attraction at Jurassic Park, allowing guests to navigate through the various dinosaur habitats. However, as is often the case in Jurassic Park movies, things quickly went awry. Alan Grant, Lex, and Tim were on board the river raft, heading to the visitor center, when they inadvertently awoke a sleeping Tyrannosaurus Rex.
In a frantic attempt to escape, the trio found themselves chased by the T. rex through the rapids, culminating at a waterfall. With the humans trapped between a sheer drop and the dinosaur’s snapping jaws, chaos ensued as the commotion triggered a dino stampede, making the situation even more perilous. The sequence concluded with Grant, Lex, and Tim tumbling over the waterfall’s edge and narrowly surviving the fall, while the T. rex roared in frustration above.
WELCOME TO JURASSIC PARK
Fast-forward to 2025, and Gareth Edwards and David Koepp have resurrected the sequence, which now takes pride of place in the events of Jurassic World Rebirth. Where and when the scene will unfold remains a mystery. However, we recently learned that the Delgado family finds themselves marooned on the dino-infested research island and uses the raft to travel downriver, to what they hope is salvation. However, like the original concept, they inadvertently awaken the sleeping Tyrannosaurus, and the monster chases them downriver.
The latest trailer provided an exciting glimpse of this sequence, and it has generated a very positive response on social media. Many fans are thrilled with the new T-Rex’s look, while others call the scene one of the most pivotal moments in the entire Jurassic franchise. Regardless of where you stand, the sequence is visually stunning, and its roots can be traced back to Michael Crichton’s original novel and its near inclusion in Spielberg’s classic from 1993.
LEGACY
Jurassic Park fans are celebrating the inclusion of the raft scene, and rightfully so. This scene is quintessential Jurassic Park and was conceptualized by Michael Crichton. The essence of Crichton’s work runs through this scene, so resurrecting it for Jurassic World Rebirth is not only a tribute to the author but also a symbol of returning to the original formula that made both the book and the film sensational. It doesn’t get more authentic than this, so get ready for the ultimate Jurassic Classic this July.
CAST & CREW
The cast features Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation; Marriage Story; Black Widow), Mahershala Ali (Moonlight; Green Book; True Detective), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton; Fellow Travelers; Crashing), Rupert Friend (Homeland; Anatomy of a Scandal; Asteroid City), Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer; The Magnificent Seven; 6 Underground), Luna Blaise (Manifest; Fresh Off the Boat; Memoria), David Iacono (The Summer I Turned Pretty; The Flight Attendant; City on a Hill), Audrina Miranda (The Big Door Prize; The Legend of Tayos; Antigone), Philippine Velge (Station Eleven; Summer of 85; Foreign Bodies), Bechir Sylvain (Claws; Black Summer; Grown-ish), and Ed Skrein (Deadpool; Midway; Alita: Battle Angel). Learn more about the characters here.
Gareth Edwards, known for directing The Creator, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Godzilla, helmed this feature with a screenplay by David Koepp, who wrote the original Jurassic Park, as well as Spider-Man, War of the Worlds, and Mission: Impossible.
Mark your calendar because Jurassic World: Rebirth unleashes the dinosaurs in cinemas on July 2, 2025. Are you looking forward to the film? Let us know in the comments below.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
