I have tracked Jurassic productions since the '90s, and Rebirth's globe-trotting shoot—spanning Thailand's cliffs to UK soundstages—strikes me as a smart pivot from Hawaii's overused beaches.
Director Gareth Edwards picked spots that amp up the isolation without feeling generic, blending real jungles with built sets for that raw, prehistoric edge. In my experience, this mix grounds the fantasy; it's not just pretty backdrops, but places that shape the tension, like fog-shrouded canals hiding dino ambushes.
That said, the heavy reliance on Thailand raises a question—does it fully capture the Caribbean vibe of the story's Site C? It works visually, but I can't rule out some fans spotting the mismatch in foliage details.
Primary Filming Locations: From Thai Jungles to Studio Builds
Rebirth wrapped principal photography in October 2024 after starting in June, with crews navigating weather delays and tight schedules. Here's a breakdown of the key spots, based on production notes and reports from outlets like NBC:
Krabi, Thailand:
The core hub for tropical exteriors, chosen for its limestone karsts and dense forests that mimic an untamed island. Shooting here lasted a month, employing over 2,245 locals and injecting real economic boost—something I appreciate in big-budget films.
Phang Nga Bay
Famous for towering rock formations, this spot handled coastal and water scenes, evoking Site C's hidden coves. The bay's dramatic tides added natural peril, though crews had to contend with monsoon risks.
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
Used for jungle interiors, its steep trails and caves provided that claustrophobic chase feel. I suspect this location shines in dino pursuit sequences, given its rugged terrain.
Klong Root (Clear Water Canal)
Ideal for swampy, overgrown shots, this canal brought a murky, prehistoric atmosphere. It's a lesser-known gem that avoids tourist crowds, which likely sped up filming.
Railay Peninsula
Featured for cliffside and cave scenes, its isolated beaches doubled as remote landing zones. The area's rock climbing routes might have inspired stunt setups.
Malta
Handled additional international exteriors, building on its use in Dominion for rocky, Mediterranean flair that contrasts Thailand's greenery.
Sky Studios Elstree, UK
Where the InGen facility and other major sets were constructed, allowing controlled environments for interior action. Borehamwood's backlot managed complex builds like labs and enclosures.
New York City
Tapped for urban scenes, including city shots that frame the paleontologist's world—think museum interiors tying back to the franchise's science roots.
These choices weren't random; producers scouted alternatives like the Dominican Republic or Costa Rica but settled on Thailand after Edwards' pitch, per Condé Nast Traveler. Spielberg's quick approval sealed it, highlighting how visuals drove decisions.
How These Locations Connect to the Movie's Island Setting
The film sets Site C in the Caribbean, but filming in Thailand creates an interesting disconnect—Krabi's karsts evoke alien landscapes more than sandy beaches, which in my view enhances the "lost world" mystery. It's a trade-off: Thailand's affordability and variety won out over literal accuracy, much like how Hawaii stood in for Costa Rica in earlier entries.
Still, the UK studios bridged gaps by recreating InGen's concrete bunkers, ensuring seamless blends with on-location footage. I think this hybrid approach pays off in immersion, though purists might nitpick the flora—equatorial regions vary, after all.
Does the Filming Elevate Rebirth or Just Recycle Tropics?
Rebirth's locations elevate the series by prioritizing untamed realism over polished parks, but the Thailand-UK split risks feeling pieced together if edits falter. I've seen similar in other blockbusters—great on paper, uneven in execution. That said, the natural peril of Phang Nga Bay could deliver standout sequences, outdoing Dominion's scattered globe-trotting.
For fans like me who extend the movies through collections, these spots inspire creative displays. The Jurassic World lineup offers snap-together model kits that capture the hybrid hunt vibe, with posable model kits for staging island raids.
For example, the Terraventure Dinosaur Capture kit lets you recreate swamp raids like those in Klong Root, adding hands-on fun without travel costs.
Ultimately, if Rebirth leverages these sites for suspense, it'll shine—otherwise, it's another pretty jungle romp. What's your take on the shift from Hawaii?
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main filming location for Jurassic World Rebirth?
Thailand, specifically Krabi and surrounding parks, handled most tropical exteriors. It provided the dramatic landscapes needed for Site C's isolation, though studios in the UK filled in interiors.
Why did they choose Thailand over other tropical spots?
Producers eyed places like Costa Rica but picked Thailand for its unique karsts and affordability, as Edwards suggested. Spielberg approved after seeing photos— a decision that sped production but meant processing film overseas.
Were any scenes shot in the actual Caribbean setting?
No, despite the story's Caribbean locale, Malta added some international flavor, but Thailand dominated for exteriors. This mismatch works visually but might stand out to eagle-eyed viewers.
What UK locations were used?
Sky Studios Elstree in Borehamwood built key sets like the InGen facility. It allowed precise control over complex scenes, contrasting the on-location chaos in Thailand.
Did they film in New York City?
Yes, for urban sequences like museum shots introducing the paleontologist. It's a brief but grounding touch, tying the story to real-world science.
How long did filming in Thailand last?
About a month starting in June 2024, employing over 2,245 locals. Weather posed challenges, but the variety of sites like Phang Nga Bay made it worthwhile.
Does the filming location affect the movie's authenticity?
In my experience, yes—it captures equatorial dread effectively, even if not literal. The Thai spots add a fresh prehistoric feel, enhancing immersion without relying on overused Hawaiian backdrops.
