During a live interview on “Today,” Jeff Goldblum gave Scarlett Johansson a delightful surprise by officially welcoming her into the “Jurassic” franchise. Johansson, set to star in the new “Jurassic World” movie, was promoting her rom-com “Fly Me to the Moon” when a personal video message from Goldblum was broadcasted.
Goldblum, who originated the role of Dr. Ian Malcolm in the 1993 blockbuster “Jurassic Park” and reprised it in three sequels, addressed Johansson: “Dr. Johansson, this is Jeff Goldblum. Here’s what I want to say to you. This I know: Scarlett will find a way,” he said. “Don’t get eaten, unless you want to. I love you.” Goldblum concluded the heartfelt message by blowing a kiss.
The two actors have previously worked together in Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City.” Despite Goldblum’s absence in the upcoming “Jurassic World” film, the movie, directed by Gareth Edwards and scripted by David Koepp, marks Johansson’s debut in the franchise. Koepp, who wrote the original “Jurassic Park” (1993) and “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (1997), makes a return to the series.
Reacting to Goldblum’s message, Johansson exclaimed, “Oh my god, I can’t believe Jeff said that to me. I think my life is complete now. I can retire.”
The new “Jurassic World” film features an all-new storyline, distinct from the original trilogy starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, which collectively grossed over $3 billion worldwide. Johansson leads the cast alongside Jonathan Bailey, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, Luna Blaise, and David Iacono. Production is currently underway in Thailand.
In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, Johansson expressed her enthusiasm for the project, praising the script as “incredible.” A self-proclaimed “Jurassic Park” fan, she described her first experience watching the original film as “life-changing and mind-blowing.”
“I’ve been trying to get into this franchise in any possible way for over 10 years,” Johansson said. “The fact that it’s happened in this way at this time just is actually unbelievable.”
The new “Jurassic World” film is scheduled for release on July 2, 2025, from Universal Pictures.