When Jurassic Park was released in theaters back in 1993, the scientific community was in shock. Happy shock, that is. For once, Hollywood got the science part—mostly—right. Long thought to be lumbering beasts, who slogged around the earth, Jurassic Park ushered in a new era of understanding when it came to dinosaurs: they were actually fast and smart.
Which is probably why the news that Jurassic World would not be incorporating the newest scientific discoveries about dinosaurs irked a lot of Jurassic Park’s original fans. Director Colin Trevorrow made the announcement via a tweet long before the trailer dropped:
No feathers. #JP4— Colin Trevorrow (@colintrevorrow) March 20, 2013
Today scientists believe that dinosaurs were not as naked and scaly as they were depicted in Jurassic Park, but rather, have more in common with the birds we know today, likely covered in a mix of feathers, quills, and spiny things. Paleoartist John Conwaywas pretty disappointed when he heard the news that the film would not be repeating its groundbreaking depictions from 1993, and even more upset when he saw Jurassic World.
Just got out of Jurassic World. pic.twitter.com/tEkvxTHbeO— John Conway (@thejohnconway) June 11, 2015
Related: Scientists Disappointed Jurassic World Dinosaurs Don't Look Like Dinosaurs
We spoke with John the day after he saw Jurassic World, to get his thoughts on the movie and talk about the long history of tension between scientists and Hollywood.
The Faulty Science of Jurassic World
If you'd like to see more of John's work, he has prints available at his website:johnconway.co.Related: How Do You Make a Living, Paleoartist?
The Vox series, Observatory summed up the evolution—or lack thereof—of the mighty dinosaur from Jurassic Park to Jurassic World.
https://youtu.be/71JhrjTxUgE
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