Sam Neill has shared personal insights regarding Scarlett Johansson‘s role in the upcoming film Jurassic World Rebirth, describing the connection between them as more than just professional. Neill, who has a long history with the franchise, sees this new installment as a continuation of a familial bond that began over two decades ago.
Deep Connections in Film
The roots of Neill’s relationship with Johansson trace back to their work in The Horse Whisperer, a drama directed by and starring Robert Redford that was released in 1998. In this film, Neill portrayed Robert MacLean, the father of Johansson’s character, Grace, who was just 12 years old at the time. The film’s story revolves around Grace’s recovery from a traumatic horse-riding accident, making their on-screen relationship particularly poignant.
Reflecting on their shared experience, Neill expressed to Entertainment Weekly, “I feel like it’s a family affair here,” emphasizing the strong connection forged during the filming in Montana alongside notable actors like Kristin Scott Thomas and Redford. This shared history enhances the significance of Johansson’s role in the new chapter of the Jurassic franchise, where she stars as Zora Bennett, a skilled operations specialist tasked with extracting DNA from some of the largest surviving prehistoric creatures.
A New Era for the Franchise
As Johansson steps into this leading role, Neill finds comfort in seeing a familiar face carry the legacy of the franchise forward. “I’m very fond of Scarlett,” he noted, highlighting his admiration for her work and the depth of their connection.
Neill is also making his return to the dinosaur universe with a cameo alongside Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum in a new commercial for Xfinity, which is set to air during the Super Bowl. Directed by Taika Waititi, the advertisement reimagines the original Jurassic Park scenario, this time featuring a functional theme park supported by advanced technology that prevents the catastrophe depicted in the 1993 film.
The collaboration between Xfinity and NBCUniversal involved recreating iconic costumes and sets from the original film, ensuring authenticity in every detail. Neill noted that none of the wardrobe he wore in the commercial was original, as he had previously auctioned off his old Jurassic gear for charity. He remarked, “Nothing I was wearing [in the ad] was original,” indicating that new versions were crafted for the project.
With Johansson at the helm of Jurassic World Rebirth and Neill revisiting his roots in the franchise, audiences can expect a film that not only continues the thrilling legacy of dinosaurs but also celebrates the deep connections among its stars.
