Few moments in cinematic history are as universally recognized as the tense kitchen scene from Jurassic Park (1993), where two children, Tim and Lex, face off against a pair of Velociraptors in a stainless steel battleground of terror.
However, an ambitious fan project has reimagined this iconic sequence—complete with scientifically accurate, feathered raptors—and the result is as fascinating as it is unsettling.
Using the advanced 3D creation software Blender, a creator known as CoolioArt has swapped out the scaly, oversized Velociraptors of Steven Spielberg’s classic for a more accurate depiction of Deinonychus antirrhopus, a dinosaur that many paleontologists agree inspired the film’s infamous predators.
The project, now circulating widely online, gives viewers a glimpse into what might have been if the Jurassic Park franchise had fully embraced modern paleontological discoveries.
Watch the video from CoolioArt below, in which the film’s scaly raptors have been replaced with nightmarish feathered versions, courtesy of the 3D creation suite, Blender:
Related: Is ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Introducing Its First Mutant Dinosaur?
CoolioArt’s reimagining isn’t just a cosmetic update; it’s an exercise in scientific fidelity. The Velociraptors depicted in Spielberg’s film, while terrifying, were far from accurate. True Velociraptors were turkey-sized and feathered, bearing little resemblance to the six-foot-tall terrors stalking Lex and Tim. The creatures in the original film more closely align with Deinonychus, a larger, equally fearsome member of the dromaeosaur family.
In a pinned comment on the video, CoolioArt elaborates:
“The animal depicted in this remake is not Velociraptor! They’re an oversized Deinonychus antirrhopus, as was the case in the books and original film, just incorrectly lumped into the genus Velociraptor, making them ‘Velociraptor Antirrhopus.’ Not Velociraptor mongoliensis, the animal we know as Velociraptor. The real Deinonychus antirrhopus was about half the size of these guys on average, definitely still able to kill a human though! Otherwise, I have tried to keep them completely faithful to the real dinosaur.”
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The recreated kitchen sequence retains much of the original’s suspense. Tim and Lex use their wits—and a lot of luck—to evade their feathered pursuers. Yet, the addition of scientifically accurate raptors amplifies the tension. Their sharper, bird-like movements, combined with unsettling plumage, lend an almost uncanny quality to the scene.
The updated design not only challenges long-held perceptions of the franchise’s dinosaurs but also invites audiences to consider how modern paleontology might reshape the beloved creatures of Jurassic Park.
Spielberg’s original Velociraptors, while wildly inaccurate, were a deliberate choice, prioritizing drama over scientific accuracy. In the film, Dr. Alan Grant memorably describes them as “lethal” and “intelligent,” a characterization heightened by their exaggerated size and eerie, reptilian features. Since then, the franchise has leaned into these embellishments, introducing hybrid dinosaurs and pushing the boundaries of plausibility.
However, paleontology has advanced significantly since 1993. We now know that many theropod dinosaurs, including Velociraptors, were feathered, and their bird-like traits extend far beyond appearances. CoolioArt’s reimagining serves as a reminder of how far the science has come—and how much potential there is for filmmakers to revisit these creatures with fresh eyes.
The timing of CoolioArt’s creation is especially intriguing, as the franchise prepares for the release of Jurassic World Rebirth on July 2, 2025. Directed by Gareth Edwards and written by David Koepp, the upcoming film has promised a return to the roots of the original, while hinting at a greater emphasis on “real science.”
When Can I Watch Jurassic World Rebirth?
Jurassic World Rebirth arrives in theaters worldwide on July 2, 2025.
The movie stars Scarlett Johansson (Avengers: Endgame), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer). Additional cast members include Rupert Friend (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Mahershala Ali (The Green Book), Luna Blaise (Manifest), David Iacono (Dead Boy Detectives), Audrina Miranda (Lopez vs Lopez), Philippine Velge (Station Eleven), Bechir Sylvain (BMF), and Ed Skrein (Deadpool).
Would you like to see paleo-accurate dinosaurs in Jurassic World Rebirth? Let us know in the comments below!
