Key Takeaways:
– Steven Spielberg's breakthrough film ‘Jaws' paved the way for the globally renowned Jurassic Park franchise.
– The Jurassic Park film series, adapted from Michael Crichton's novel, became the highest-grossing film of all time.
– Spielberg was almost fired during the early days of his career due to budget and scheduling obstacles.
– Universal Pictures president Sidney Sheinberg stepped in to support Spielberg, ensuring Jurassic Park's inception.
The Jurassic Park Journey Starts with Spielberg
Our story begins right as Hollywood royalty, Steven Spielberg, erupted onto the scene. The journey of this billion-dollar franchise – Jurassic Park – would not have been possible without his entry into the cinema world. Spielberg's career has spawned countless blockbusters in a dazzling five-decade run, and Jurassic Park stands tall among them all. This flick came to life on celluloid from Michael Crichton's eponymous novel and turned heads worldwide, raking in nearly $978 million at the box office. Spielberg bid the director's chair adieu after the first two films, however, his key role in launching the franchise is undeniable.
A Spielberg Milestone: Jaws
To fully understand Spielberg's journey, let's rewind to 1975. That year marked the breakthrough for Spielberg, as ‘Jaws' surfaced as an unlikely success. The high-stakes thriller commanded three Academy Awards and racked around $477 million globally. However, had this film not triumphed at the box office, the world might have missed out on the grandeur of the Jurassic Park series.
Spielberg's Close Shave with Uncertainty
Spielberg had his work cut out for him when he embarked on the ambitious journey of adapting a successful novel into a film. However, the challenge didn't end there. Adding to the uphill task was the on-location shooting of Jaws in the open ocean. Tangled amongst unforeseen setbacks, ballooning budgets, and scheduling mayhem, it was no walk in the park for Spielberg. His predicament was such that Universal Pictures contemplated replacing him.
Universal's Unsung Hero: Sidney Sheinberg
Amidst the turmoil, a figure of unwavering support emerged: Universal Pictures' then-President, Sidney Sheinberg. As Spielberg teetered on the brink of dismissal, it was Sheinberg's support that turned the tide in his favor. Spielberg credits Sheinberg for his consistent backing, stating: “Every time there was an intention to replace me, Sid stepped in quietly behind the scenes and stopped it.” It is noteworthy that Sheinberg's wife, Lorraine Gary, was part of the Jaws' cast, thus he had a personal interest in the movie's success.
A Lasting Partnership and Friendship
Spielberg and Sheinberg continued to collaborate post-Jaws, contributing masterpieces like Jurassic Park and Schindler's List to cinema. Their professional relationship bloomed into a long-lasting friendship. Spielberg expressed profound grief at Sheinberg's passing in 2019. In his words, “We were a team for 25 years and he was my dear friend for 50. I have no concept of how to accept that Sid is gone. For the rest of my life, I will owe him more than I can express.”
Thanks to Spielberg's ingenuity and Sheinberg's resolute support, Jurassic Park came to life on the silver screen, becoming a much-loved global franchise. As the saying goes, behind every successful franchise, there's a Sidney Sheinberg shaping its destiny. The immense success of Jurassic Park, translated from a novel to a groundbreaking film saga, is sheer proof of their enduring legacy.
Get your Jurassic Park fix now on Apple TV — a gem of cinematic history that stands tall, thanks to Spielberg and Sheinberg's tireless endeavors.
