James Cameron Almost Directed Jurassic Park, Reveals Alternate Vision for Dinosaur Classic

Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” is a cinematic landmark. But it almost had a very different director. New revelations confirm James Cameron was intensely interested in helming the project.

According to an interview in Empire magazine, Cameron was captivated by Michael Crichton’s novel. He moved to acquire the rights immediately, only to discover Spielberg had already secured them. This narrow miss changes the perception of a classic film.

Cameron’s Aggressive Pursuit of the Prehistoric Property

The story began when Cameron received an advance copy of the novel. He read it in a single weekend. A specific scene featuring the T-Rex solidified his desire to direct the film.

He called the author’s agent to purchase the film rights. The agent informed him that Steven Spielberg had just acquired them. The deal had been finalized mere hours before Cameron’s call.

Why Spielberg Was the Right Choice for Jurassic Park

Cameron reflected on what his version might have looked like. He suggested his film would have been darker and more intense. He described it as a “really scary dinosaur movie.”

Ultimately, he believes the right director made the film. Spielberg crafted a movie that appealed to the child in everyone. That version, Cameron admits, was the one that should have been made.

The revelation that James Cameron nearly directed Jurassic Park offers a fascinating glimpse into an alternate film history. His vision would have been far more terrifying. Yet, the family-friendly adventure Spielberg delivered became a timeless blockbuster celebrated worldwide.

Dropping this nugget your way

Q1: How did James Cameron find out about the Jurassic Park book?

He was sent an advance copy of Michael Crichton’s novel. Cameron read half of it in one day and was instantly hooked by the story.

Q2: What was James Cameron’s reaction to losing the rights?

He was told it was “too late” as Spielberg had just secured them. Cameron has since expressed that the right filmmaker ultimately got the project.

Q3: How would Cameron’s Jurassic Park have been different?

He has suggested his film would have been much scarier. It would have leaned into the horror elements of the novel more heavily.

Q4: What scene from the book specifically excited Cameron?

He cited the scene where the T-Rex flips the Jeep and licks the windshield. This intense moment convinced him he wanted to make the film.

Q5: Does Cameron regret not directing the movie?

He has expressed no regret, stating Spielberg made the perfect version. He acknowledged the film’s massive success and cultural impact.