(Monorail scene in Jurassic World. Image from Now You Know Facts Online)

Dr. Ian Malcom’s clever book placements in Jurassic World were no coincidence.

The actor, who co-starred in 1993’s Jurassic Park and 1997’s The Lost World: Jurassic Park, will appear in Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s next Jurassic World film.
–Rebecca Ford, The Hollywood Reporter

Jeff Goldblum’s return sparks a few thoughts:

• Given the late casting, was Jeff Golblum supposed to be in the Jurassic World sequel from the inception of this new trilogy’s story development? Or was this late casting news intended to keep plot details as secret as possible, on a literal need-to-know basis for the public?
• The storytelling gate has been opened, if only slightly, to begin to gradually weave the original cast back to the Jurassic universe before a dramatic Act III entrance in the third film of this trilogy.
• The story and character arc for Dr. Ian Malcolm must be quite good to entice Jeff Goldblum to return 20 years later.

Without context or plot details (or seeing the film, quite frankly), it’s difficult to make a final, definitive judgement on this casting move. Having said that, welcoming Jeff Goldblum to the Jurassic World sequel is very exciting. From 10,000 feet, this decision seems like a great bridge not only from the original film (and The Lost World) to this new sequel, but also in bringing back the tone and wit of Jurassic Park that was noticeably absent in Jurassic World.

Otherwise, this forthcoming sequel may feel a bit chaotic…aside from all of the dinosaurs.

P.S. I wonder what Ellie Sattler’s book title would be?