Consider what ‘Jurassic Park‘ might have looked like if a filmmaker had replaced its bright, thrilling adventure through a world of dinosaurs with something far darker and more unsettling. Before Steven Spielberg made history by bringing such lifelike creations to the big screen, many major Hollywood studios fought a heated battle for the rights to Michael Crichton’s dinosaur thriller.
Among those vying for this golden opportunity was a director known for his eccentric, macabre filmmaking style. How close did this celebrated filmmaker get to making this movie, and what changes would he have made to the film we know today?
Before Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton Was In The Running For ‘Jurassic Park‘
‘Jurassic Park‘ is often associated with Spielberg because of the remarkable directorial vision and craftsmanship he brought to the film.
However, before Spielberg became involved, several studios pursued the film rights to Crichton’s novel and enlisted acclaimed directors to strengthen their bids in the competitive race to adapt it.
Related: Matt Damon Had Lost Out On ‘Saving Private Ryan’ Until One Chance Meeting
One of the filmmakers interested in adapting the novel was Tim Burton, whose name emerged as a potential director through Warner Bros. as the studio competed with several rivals for the rights to produce the film.
By that point, Burton had already established himself as one of Hollywood’s most distinctive filmmakers with acclaimed works such as ‘Beetlejuice,’ ‘Batman,’ and ‘Edward Scissorhands.’
Ultimately, Universal Pictures won the fierce bidding war, clearing the way for Spielberg to helm the project and herald the iconic dinosaur franchise.
Nevertheless, Burton’s inclusion in the race for the director’s chair remains one of the most intriguing facts about the movie, raising endless questions about how different the blockbuster might have looked under his vision.
Burton Might Have Turned ‘Jurassic Park’ Into A Gothic Adventure
One of the movie’s greatest achievements is the wonderful balance between the fear of the unknown and the pleasure of seeing prehistoric creatures come to life.
Had Burton taken the reins, the film would probably be unrecognizable in comparison to the current iterations. In particular, his love for gothic settings and atmosphere in many of his previous films might have bled into his imagination of the dinosaur-themed park.
In Case You Missed It: “I Felt Helpless”: Steven Spielberg Was Concerned About Drew Barrymore Spiraling At A Very Tender Age During ‘E.T.’
Furthermore, Burton paid special attention to making movies about outsiders and monsters. He was more inclined to depict the horror of resuscitation than Spielberg was.
Also, he might have paid more attention to themes related to mankind’s ability to subjugate nature. Of course, the dinosaurs might have looked completely different had Burton directed, as he typically favored practical effects and miniature sets over the groundbreaking CGI techniques that Spielberg employed.
While a Burton-led ‘Jurassic Park‘ could have offered a unique, visually striking interpretation of Crichton’s story, Spielberg’s balance of suspense, adventure, and technological innovation ultimately turned the film into a global phenomenon.
You Might Also Like To Read: Studio Ghibli’s Beloved ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ Is Getting A Live-Action Makeover
