Just a day after the news broke that Jurassic World: Dominion would be moving back to a release date in 2022, word arrives that production on the film has paused because of some positive tests among those making it. Director Colin Trevorrow announced the news via Twitter.
Studio backers Universal followed up with an official statement: "Late last night, we were informed that the Jurassic World: Dominion production experienced a small amount of positive tests for COVID-19. Even though subsequent tests proved negative this morning, due to our rigid protocols and to ensure that the safety and well-being of our entire cast and crew is paramount at all times, those who initially tested positive are currently self-isolating, as are those who they have come into contact with. As a result filming has been temporarily paused and will resume in accordance with established safety guidelines."
The release shift was not due to any previous positive tests (there had been a couple among on-location crew members), but to give the movie the best chance to succeed in an increasingly crowded release schedule given the pandemic situation. It's still bad news for the team, who had been around three weeks from finishing up shooting.
Jurassic World: Dominion will see the World cast including Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard dealing with the situation of dinosaurs out in the world after the events of Fallen Kingdom. Original Jurassic Park trio Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum (who cameoed in the previous movie) are all returning this time. And, as mentioned, the film is headed to cinemas on 10 June, 2022.