Welcome to JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH: An Epic Journey Through Thailand

Experiencing one of the most exciting parts of being a pop culture editor and writer is joining set visits. For only a few days, you get to escape from the usual routine of producing content and staying updated with an always-active news environment, going directly to the location where a TV series or movie is being filmed.

It’s truly fascinating and enjoyable to delve into these filming locations, whether they are bustling “film sets” where actors are actively working or “wrapped sets” that remain silent yet still allow for exploration. These encounters provide a unique insight into the production process, enabling you to connect with the series or movie on a deeper level. Furthermore, you can share this newfound knowledge with your dedicated readers, maybe even offering exclusive behind-the-scenes information that adds to the excitement surrounding a particular property.

In simpler terms, press trips don’t necessarily have negative aspects, but some stand out exceptionally well, like the one I experienced with Universal All-Access and Mandy Kay Marketing when they took me to Thailand for the home release celebration of Jurassic World Rebirth.

The movie, which has earned $800M worldwide and continues to be successful, is a critically praised sequel that reflects the essence of the franchise with its socially relevant and impactful storylines. During a five-day event, more than 30 media professionals and influencers gathered in Thailand to discover the intricate filming details of Jurassic World Rebirth. This adventure took us across various landscapes including land, sea, and air. We swam through an underwater paradise, explored lagoons, and ran through vast grasslands under a blazing sun. Overall, it was an exhilarating experience that allowed us to embrace our adventurous spirit.

Day 1: Welcome to Jurassic World Rebirth

After numerous hours of travel from the East Coast, I landed in Phuket, Thailand on July 30, accompanied by a group of fellow media professionals. We were transported to Anantara Mai Khao Phuket, an exquisite and relaxing resort, famously used as a filming location for “The White Lotus.” That very evening, we attended a tailored welcome dinner, featuring a dinosaur-themed dessert, which was organized by Amazing Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, at Trisara.

In a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, the sight of tall palm trees swaying close to the tranquil waters amidst lush vegetation made us feel as if we had stepped into a revitalized Jurassic World setting. We were warmly welcomed by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand, along with representatives from Universal and Mandy Kay. The entertainment was uniquely Thailand-esque, featuring traditional dances, a mesmerizing fire show, and an impressive fireworks display that set the stage for a lavish and exhilarating evening.

Among all the captivating moments during Jurassic World Rebirth, nothing could compare to the unforgettable experience of spending time with Dolores, the charming Aquilops. Truly, if given the choice, I’d risk everything to ensure her safety.

Day 2: The Interview Experience and Influencer Vibes with an Ominous Twist

Spent our inaugural day entirely in Phuket, we visited Maa Doo Bua, a highly favored dining spot renowned for its exceptional Thai cuisine and vast water lily pads. The pineapple fried rice here is simply mind-blowing! For shutterbugs and videographers at heart, this place offers an ideal backdrop, and the restaurant even encourages drone footage to enhance your visual experience.

(Informal Version):

We had our first full day in Phuket yesterday, and we checked out Maa Doo Bua – a super popular eatery that serves mouthwatering Thai food on those big water lily pads! Man, the pineapple fried rice here is to die for! If you’re into snapping photos or videos, this place is paradise, and they even let you fly your drone around.

As a writer who typically works behind the scenes rather than on camera, I must admit that I was initially hesitant about this project. However, when you only get one chance in a lifetime to visit Thailand, you tend to try new things that fall outside your usual comfort zone. Surprisingly, I found myself really enjoying it! It wasn’t until we returned home that we discovered how our experience would be linked with the home release of Jurassic World Rebirth – what a fantastic surprise and a great way to celebrate its release!

Discussing delightful surprises, our meal at Black Ginger after spending the day or night interviewing the film’s cast and director Gareth Edwards turned out to be another incredible encounter with Thai food and customs. It was truly an exciting journey through this land, indeed.

Day 3: Setting Sail on the Andaman Sea

We’ve embarked on a voyage across the Andaman Sea! Just like our brave characters in “Jurassic World Rebirth”, we’re taking in stunning views reminiscent of theirs. Fortunately, unlike the three-hour tour from Gilligan’s Island, our trip didn’t leave us stranded on an unknown island. Instead, we stopped to marvel at awe-inspiring caves and mysterious lagoons hidden amidst towering rock formations.

Upon observing, some marine creatures surfaced to greet us, luckily no Mosasaurus or Spinosaurus appeared. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we found ourselves once again on solid ground, savoring the vibrant sunset in Phuket one last time before embarking on our next journey.

Day 4: A Glorious Grasslands Adventure

It was high time to embark on our journey towards Krabi, Thailand, where we planned more exciting excursions reminiscent of “Jurassic World”. Around midway through our travels, we took an extraordinary detour to the exact filming location of the grasslands used in the movie. Instead of just strolling through this site during a regular press trip and learning interesting trivia about how the crew employed elephants to create dino-like depressions on the grass, we had an extraordinary experience that surpassed the usual set visit.

We joined the universe of the franchise, traversing the vast grasslands and creating our own teaser that placed us smack dab in the heart of the action. It was merely a sample of the commitment and effort actors such as Jonathan Bailey, Scarlett Johansson, and Mahershala Ali invested in this movie. I had a fantastic time, but I freely acknowledge that I’m a writer, not an actor. Fortunately, the entire production crew did an exceptional job leading us through each step and urging us to discover our inner explorer.

At the shooting site, it became more evident why Gareth Edwards selected this idyllic spot as the location for Jurassic World Rebirth. The place offers a taste of prehistoric charm yet remains close enough to contemporary life. Just beyond the filming location, food trucks were present, ensuring we stayed energized for all the chases. We thought we were exhausted… but little did we know!

After taking a brief bus journey followed by a boat trip, we found ourselves revitalized upon seeing Rayavadee, an exquisite resort boasting charming bungalows. Situated on a secluded piece of land enveloped in thick greenery, this place was teeming with monkeys, birds, and water monitors. The experience was as if we were luxuriously nestled within the jungle. Hidden away in a cave was a restaurant, while an imposing-looking wall gave off an ominous vibe, leading us to believe that scaling it wasn’t on tomorrow’s agenda.

Day 5: Scaling Slippery Surfaces Like Scarlett Johansson

The reader, listen in! That formidable obstacle we confronted demanded every ounce of courage from our fatigued selves. It’s tough to capture its essence with mere words, but here are some attempts: intimidating, exhilarating, challenging, addictive, and so on. The staff at the Hot Rock Climbing School were exceptionally supportive, skilled, and downright funny – their humor swiftly calmed my fears. To top it off, Mandy Kay Marketing and Universal’s teams were out there cheering us on, even joining in the adventure once we completed our ascents. This unforgettable event allowed me to access a hidden side of myself reminiscent of Scarlett – if only for a brief moment.

Unfortunately, everything must eventually conclude, and our extraordinary journey has reached its final chapter. However, unlike how our night ended, this finale was far from ordinary. It was marked by a delightful group dinner and entertainment, but there was something uniquely special about it. I forged bonds with an international network of like-minded individuals, affectionately referred to as “nerds” in a shared chat. I found myself reconnecting on a deeper level with a franchise that has been dear to me since childhood. Moreover, I ventured far beyond my usual comfort zone, immersing myself in the thrilling expanse of Jurassic World Rebirth.

Check out this gallery for more photos of this stellar press trip:

Jurassic World Rebirth: Why Should I Buy a Digital and/or Physical Copy?

You can now grab your own copy or rent “Jurassic World Rebirth” to enjoy it from the comfort of your home. I’ve been fortunate enough to watch it, along with the extra features and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses, which offer a fresh perspective on this epic tale.

Upon your digital purchase of “Jurassic World Rebirth”, this is the comprehensive set of items you’ll receive:

1. Access to the Jurassic World Rebirth game on digital platforms
2. Unlockable in-game content, providing additional features for an enhanced gaming experience
3. Regular updates and patches to ensure smooth gameplay and bug fixes
4. Technical support for any issues or questions you may encounter during your gameplay
5. A chance to join the community of fellow Jurassic World Rebirth players online
6. The satisfaction of owning a digital copy of this exciting new release
7. Peace of mind knowing that your purchase supports continued development and updates for the game

ALTERNATE OPENING
DELETED SCENES
- RAPTORS – Featuring Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, David Iacono, Luna Blaise and Audrina Miranda
- MUTADON ATTACK –Featuring Scarlett Johansson, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, David Iacono, Rupert Friend, Luna Blaise and Audrina Miranda
JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH: HATCHING A NEW ERA
- THE WORLD EVOLVES – Journey into a reimagined Jurassic World with Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali and the rest of the cast and filmmakers.
- OFF THE DEEP END – Dive into the thrilling ocean sequence and learn about the challenges of shooting on open water, the one-of-a-kind gimbal used to toss around the Essex and Mariposa, and the VFX wizardry that brought the Mosasaurus and Spinosaurs to life.
- TREKKING THROUGH THAILAND – Follow the cast and crew’s footsteps as they navigate the challenges of shooting in exotic jungles, beaches, and tall grass fields that become home to the Titanosaurs.
- REX IN THE RAPIDS – Brace for a T. rex encounter that’s different than anything experienced before with a nail-biting river chase recreated from Michael Crichton’s original Jurassic Park novel.
- DON’T LOOK DOWN – Soar into the Quetzalcoatlus sequence with Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Bechir Sylvain as they train for and shoot their cliff rappelling scenes.
- MINI-MART MAYHEM – Go inside the heart-stopping third act of Jurassic World Rebirth and witness the process of crafting sets that allow the movie’s mutant dinosaurs to step out of nightmare-inspired designs and stop on an exhilarating rampage.
GAG REEL
MEET DOLORES – Meet the animatronic Aquilops with an extraordinarily lifelike personality.
MUNCHED: BECOMING DINO FOOD – Get a victim’s firsthand view inside the frightening jaws of deadly dinosaurs that munch, chomp, and chew their way into creating unforgettable death sequences.
A DAY AT SKYWALKER SOUND – Actress Audrina Miranda guides a personal tour of Skywalker Sound in California to meet the audio editors, foley artists, and mixers who design the movie’s wide array of sounds.
HUNTING FOR EASTER EGGS – Find out where to look for cleverly hidden Easter eggs that pay homage to everything from the first Jurassic Park film to other Steven Spielberg classics.
FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR GARETH EDWARDS, PRODUCTION DESIGNER JAMES CLYNE, AND FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR JACK RAVENSCROFT
FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR GARETH EDWARDS, EDITOR JABEZ OLSSEN, AND VISUAL EFFECTS SUPERVISOR DAVID VICKERY

If, like me, you’re dedicated to expanding your physical movie collection, you might be excited to know that you can rent “Jurassic World: Dominion” and look forward to its 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD releases on September 9. Regardless of whether you choose to rent or buy, this dino-filled action adventure is sure to make a thrilling addition to your home theater. I’m delighted that I had the chance to witness a piece of “Jurassic World: Dominion” in real life, and I can’t wait to see how it brings the incredible cinematic experience to my living room again and again.

Kop Khun Kha, Thailand for a journey unlike no other.

2025-08-14 00:16