Sam Neill Reflects on “Family Affair” as Scarlett Johansson Leads New ‘Jurassic’ Era
– Sam Neill has spoken warmly about his former co-star Scarlett Johansson taking the lead in the latest installment of the ‘Jurassic’ franchise, describing the situation as a “family affair.” The veteran actor, known for his role in the original ‘Jurassic Park’ films, shared his thoughts following Johansson’s debut in Jurassic World Rebirth.
Neill and Johansson first worked together in Robert Redford’s 1998 film, The Horse Whisperer, where he played the father of Johansson’s character. He recalled the experience fondly, remembering filming in Montana alongside Kristin Scott Thomas and Redford. “We were with Kristin Scott Thomas and Robert Redford, and we were out in Montana, and I was playing her dad,” Neill said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “So I feel like my daughter, she’s capable of kicking any ass. She gets it from me.”
The connection resurfaced with Johansson’s entry into the ‘Jurassic’ world. While Neill has been a mainstay in the franchise, appearing in Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World: Dominion, Johansson’s casting in Jurassic World Rebirth marked a new chapter for the series. The film, released in 2025, saw Johansson portray Zora Bennett, a special ops expert tasked with extracting DNA samples from dinosaurs.
“I’m very fond of Scarlett,” Neill stated. “I feel like it’s a family affair here.” He expressed pride in Johansson’s capabilities, suggesting she’s more than equipped to handle the demands of the action-packed franchise.
Jurassic World Rebirth proved to be a significant commercial success, grossing $869.1 million worldwide. The film featured a cast including Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum alongside Neill and Johansson.
Neill, along with Dern and Goldblum, recently reprised their roles as Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler, and Ian Malcolm, respectively, in a Super Bowl commercial for Xfinity. This appearance further highlighted the enduring legacy of the original ‘Jurassic Park’ cast and their continued involvement in the franchise.
The actor’s comments come as Johansson prepares for her role in the upcoming fourth installment of the ‘Jurassic World’ series. The continuation of the franchise with Johansson at the helm signals a shift in focus while maintaining a connection to the series’ roots, a dynamic Neill clearly embraces.
Neill’s perspective underscores the collaborative spirit within the ‘Jurassic’ universe and the enduring bonds formed between its stars. His affectionate description of Johansson as his “daughter” speaks to a relationship that extends beyond the screen, adding a personal touch to the ongoing saga of dinosaurs and human survival.
