Key Points
- Sam Neill reflects on his long-standing connection with Scarlett Johansson, dating back to The Horse Whisperer (1998).
- Johansson stars as Zora Bennett, the lead in Jurassic World Rebirth, tasked with extracting dinosaur DNA.
- Neill describes working with Johansson again as “a family affair,” citing their shared history.
- Neill also reunites with Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum in a Taika Waititi-directed Xfinity Super Bowl ad.
- The commercial reimagines Jurassic Park with modern technology, stable Wi-Fi, and recreated costumes.
A Personal Connection to the Franchise’s Future
For Sam Neill, Jurassic World Rebirth isn’t just another installment in the blockbuster dinosaur saga. The actor sees the film as deeply personal, thanks to his history with its new star, Scarlett Johansson.
Neill first worked with Johansson in The Horse Whisperer (1998), where he played her father opposite Robert Redford and Kristin Scott Thomas. Johansson, then just 12, portrayed Grace, a young girl recovering from a traumatic accident.
Reflecting on that collaboration, Neill told Entertainment Weekly, “I feel like it’s a family affair here,” recalling their time filming together in Montana.
Johansson Leads the Next Chapter
In Jurassic World Rebirth, Johansson takes on the role of Zora Bennett, a highly trained operations specialist hired by a pharmaceutical company. Her mission: infiltrate a remote dinosaur habitat and extract DNA from the largest surviving prehistoric creatures across land, sea, and air.
For Neill, watching Johansson lead the franchise feels like seeing a familiar face step into a new legacy. “I’m very fond of Scarlett,” he said, noting the significance of her role in carrying the series forward.
Neill Returns to Dinosaur Territory in Super Bowl Ad
While Johansson headlines the new film, Neill is also revisiting dinosaur territory in a different way. He recently reunited with Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum for a Super Bowl commercial directed by Taika Waititi.
The ad, created in partnership with Xfinity and NBCUniversal, reimagines Jurassic Park in a world where the technology actually works. With stable Wi-Fi keeping systems online, the park never collapses—and no one gets eaten.
Neill revealed that none of the wardrobe he wore was original, explaining that new versions were recreated after he auctioned off his old Jurassic Park gear for charity.
Context: A Franchise Built on Legacy
The Jurassic series has always thrived on blending nostalgia with new storytelling. Johansson’s casting ties the franchise to fresh talent while Neill’s reflections highlight its enduring legacy. The Super Bowl ad further underscores the cultural impact of Jurassic Park, more than three decades after its debut.
What Happens Next?
With Johansson leading Jurassic World Rebirth and Neill revisiting dinosaur lore in commercials, anticipation for the franchise’s next chapter continues to build. Fans can expect more updates as Universal positions the film as a major tentpole release.
