A Cinematic Family Reunion: Neill and Johansson's Enduring Connection
The Enduring Father-Daughter Bond: From Montana to Movie Sets
For Sam Neill, the latest installment in the dinosaur cinematic universe, "Jurassic World Rebirth," feels like a heartwarming family affair. This feeling stems from his previous collaboration with Scarlett Johansson, who leads the new "Jurassic" film. Neill fondly remembers their time together on the set of the 1998 movie "The Horse Whisperer," where he portrayed her character's father, cultivating a paternal bond that has lasted through the years.
Recalling "The Horse Whisperer": A Foundation of Filial Affection
In the 1998 drama "The Horse Whisperer," directed by and starring Robert Redford, Neill played Robert MacLean, whose daughter Grace (a young Scarlett Johansson) experiences a traumatic accident involving her horse. The family seeks help from a skilled horse trainer, Tom Booker (Redford), to aid their emotional and physical recovery. This formative experience solidified a lasting bond between Neill and Johansson, with Neill often referring to her as his "daughter" due to their shared history.
Passing the Torch: Scarlett Johansson's Role in "Jurassic World Rebirth"
Johansson has now embarked on her own journey within the "Jurassic" saga, starring in "Jurassic World Rebirth" (2025). She portrays Zora Bennett, a highly skilled covert operations expert tasked with a perilous mission: infiltrating the last remaining dinosaur sanctuary to extract DNA from the three most formidable creatures across various habitats. Neill proudly observes her role, confidently stating that she inherits her strength from him, referring to her ability to handle any challenge.
A Nostalgic Return: The Original Trio in a Super Bowl Commercial
Neill, alongside his original "Jurassic Park" costars Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, revisits his character, paleontologist Alan Grant, for an Xfinity Super Bowl advertisement. Directed by Taika Waititi, known for "The Hunt for the Wilderpeople," this commercial playfully reimagines the initial plot of "Jurassic Park." The premise is simple: with the reliable Wi-Fi provided by Xfinity, the park's systems remain secure, preventing any dinosaur escapes, allowing visitors to enjoy the island resort peacefully.
Crafting Authenticity: Recreating Iconic Looks for the Xfinity Ad
Xfinity collaborated with NBCUniversal to meticulously recreate the iconic costumes, sets, and memorable scenes from Steven Spielberg's groundbreaking film that initiated the entire "Jurassic" franchise. Neill mentions that none of his wardrobe for the commercial was original; he had previously auctioned off his Timberland boots and his "Dominion" hat, among other "Jurassic" memorabilia, for charity. Consequently, he was provided with a new uniform, which he chose not to keep, in anticipation of future reunions.