Franchise followers who’ve been following the advertising and marketing for the 2025 film Jurassic World Rebirth have been hyped about one large scene, 32 years within the making. By way of recycling Jurassic Park’s notorious deleted T. rex river scene, sequence scribe David Koepp has fulfilled a dream that actually helped encourage Common theme park sights.
Which implies you’re in all probability asking on large query: might a Tyrannosaurus Rex actually swim? After talking with a dinosaur professional, I can safely reply that query…with some caveats.
Tyrannosaurs Rex Might Swim, However Not In The Manner Jurassic World Rebirth Exhibits Us
We don’t know the gender of this Tyrannosaurus, however for now, I’m going to call it Purple. You’ll be taught why later, however extra importantly, I can say that sure, this tyrant lizard might swim. I do know this due to probably the greatest Apple TV+ reveals, Prehistoric Planet 2, which really coated this topic within the clip you’ll see under:
Because it seems, Prehistoric Planet 2 didn’t simply introduce me to Adalatherium; it additionally allowed me to attach with its lead scientific advisor, Dr. Darren Naish. By way of the powers of social media, I requested the person about this Jurassic World Rebirth trailer spotlight by way of his DMs. Responding to my queries, Dr. Naish shared with CinemaBlend his response to that very clip:
Positive — there are good causes for considering that tyrannosaurs could possibly be good swimmers — why not, most dwelling animals are — however T. rex could not do what it does within the film (if I am proper concerning the croc-like underwater stuff).
Admittedly, Dr. Darren Naish hadn’t seen the most recent Jurassic World film on the time of this reply. Although, as somebody who’s personally skilled it, I can say that the entire scene has principally been given away by the clips promoting the image, and there is some Crocodile-style motion at play. Which leads us to the large follow-up to this primary leg of inquiry: why couldn’t Purple the T. rex go into sport mode just like the one in Rebirth?
You Can Blame T. rex’s Bones For Its Incapability To Go Submerable
That is the second the place I admit that Purple is definitely brief for “Purple October,” as within the submarine of Tom Clancy fame. That is due to the way it can go underwater, regardless of the findings of science. Additionally, Purple’s gender is impartial, and the very last thing I need is a prehistoric beast feeling offended.
Again to the educational sticking level for Dr. Naish’s scientific criticism of this scene, he would not consider a Tyrannosaurus might submerge on this method to chase its prey. Persevering with to clarify why, whereas increasing upon the information he shared on Prehistoric Planet 2, these additional critiques clarify why:
It appears like they’re doing what [Michael] Crichton did within the e-book. Which is: when it suited him, he had the dinosaurs behave like lizards or crocs (on this case, swimming underwater croc-style). And that is flawed based mostly on what we all know. … Theropods are extremely buoyant. Aside from specialised weirdos (penguins, grebes, and so on), they’re principally restricted to floor swimming.
Do not forget, as Prehistoric Planet 2’s section advised us, Theropod bones had been hole sufficient that they may float very simply. Very similar to a toy boat within the bathtub, should you can’t fill that factor with water, it’s not sinking. If anybody thought that Jurassic World Rebirth’s Tyrannosaurus was a swimmer worthy of Olympic qualification, I hate to say the perfect it might do is doggy paddle very well.
If Jurassic World Rebirth’s stable opening weekend results in a field workplace run that brings a brand new sequel, such scientific findings would possibly assist refine the following chapter. One other particular thanks is to ensure that Dr. Darren Naish for serving to debunk this idea. Whether or not you need to stay the fantasy of a Tyrannosaurus Rex named “Purple October” or simply need some dino motion, you’ll be able to catch Rebirth on a film display close to you.