With Jurassic World Rebirth now captivating audiences in theaters, fans are eagerly exploring the fascinating origins of its fearsome new dinosaur. A particularly intriguing aspect is the surprising Star Wars connection that influenced the design of the film’s central antagonist, the D-Rex, a genetically-engineered predator that plays a pivotal role in the storyline.
Discover How Boba Fett’s Iconic Ride Inspired the Creation of Jurassic World Rebirth’s D-Rex
In Jurassic World Rebirth, audiences are introduced to a formidable new dinosaur villain known as the D-Rex (short for Distortus Rex), a groundbreaking creation that melds elements of the classic T-Rex genome with modern genetic engineering. The director, Gareth Edwards, revealed that the design of the D-Rex was partially inspired by the Rancor, a creature associated with Boba Fett from the beloved Star Wars franchise. During a Q&A session with Collider, Edwards humorously noted, “We incorporated a touch of the Rancor from Star Wars. Let’s keep that under wraps from the Star Wars team.”
The D-Rex is characterized by its oversized head, six powerful limbs, and an unusual ape-like gait that enables it to walk and seize prey at the same time. While fans have drawn visual comparisons between the D-Rex and the Xenomorph from the Alien franchise, Edwards clarified that the design specifically took cues from the Rancor. This monstrous creature made its debut on Ile Saint-Hubert, an InGen facility known for its early cross-species experimentation, which was first highlighted in Jurassic Park.
Promotional materials from Universal Pictures have spotlighted the D-Rex’s menacing appearance, setting the tone for its role in the film. Edwards described the creative challenge of developing a unique monster concept, which led the design team to fuse various influences, including the Rancor from Star Wars. This intriguing connection enhances the film’s appeal, particularly since Edwards previously directed Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, drawing further parallels between the two franchises.
Within the narrative of Jurassic World Rebirth, the D-Rex emerges as a significant threat faced by a covert expedition led by the character Zora Bennett, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson. This secretive team embarks on a mission to gather dinosaur DNA for a groundbreaking medical cure, but their objectives are jeopardized by the emergence of mutant creatures on the island. The film also features a talented ensemble cast, including Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Luna Blaise, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo.
The highly anticipated movie premiered across U.S. theaters on July 2, 2025, marking another exciting chapter in the Jurassic franchise.
This article was originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.
