For Jurassic Park fans, the Velociraptors have always been among the most iconic creatures in the franchise. Over the years, the depiction of these intelligent, fearsome predators has evolved, from the terrifying, realistic creatures of the original film to the hybridized iterations seen in the later Jurassic World movies.
But as we approach the release of Jurassic World Rebirth, it seems the raptors are returning to their Park roots, thanks to a new design revealed through merchandise.
The upcoming film promises a return to a more authentic look for the raptors, one that harkens back to their appearance in 2001’s Jurassic Park III. For fans of the series, this is an exciting development, as the Jurassic World side of the franchise has long veered away from the more scientifically grounded portrayal of these creatures.
In Jurassic Park III, the raptors sported feather-like frills atop their heads, a nod to the more accurate depiction of dinosaurs that paleontologists were beginning to suggest at the time. Now, with Jurassic World Rebirth, it seems the filmmakers are embracing the feathered design once again, as seen in the recent merchandise leaks featuring the new raptor design.
The designs were revealed on the website LA Balloons via the user Chris Pugh (@ChrisLikesDinos) on X (Twitter):
New look at the T. rex and Spinosaurus in Jurassic World Rebirth, via official party balloons from Anagram!
New look at the T. rex and Spinosaurus in Jurassic World Rebirth, via official party balloons from Anagram! pic.twitter.com/1mbGYGQ36o
— Chris Pugh (@ChrisLikesDinos) February 19, 2025
This shift back to feathered raptors feels like a return to the original spirit of Jurassic Park, a film that was backed by real science through its awe-inspiring visual effects.
In the Jurassic World trilogy, however, the raptors were transformed into larger, hybridized creatures, but with the release of Rebirth just around the corner, it seems that the franchise is going for a more scientifically accurate look once again, while still keeping the raptors as formidable predators.
Related: ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ May Have Wiped Out Rexy and Blue—Here’s Why
The design leaks are just the latest in a string of reveals for the new film. While the trailer already showed glimpses of the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Spinosaurus, the raptor has, until now, remained a mystery, with only the creature’s clawed feet visible in the teaser.
This mystery fueled speculation that Rebirth will bring fans something new, including the possibility of a two-headed raptor, as hinted by another glimpse in the trailer.
With all these teasers and leaks, it’s clear that Jurassic World Rebirth is shaping up to be a thrilling return to the franchise’s roots — with, of course, the exception of the film’s fully mutated dinosaur.
When Can I Watch Jurassic World Rebirth?
Jurassic World Rebirth will be released in theaters on July 2, 2025. Watch the trailer below:
The film stars Scarlett Johansson (Avengers: Endgame), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer), 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).
What do you think about these new Velociraptor designs? Let us know in the comments!
