With Jeff Goldblum Joining the Cast of Jurassic World 2, Will More Original Cast Members' Return Alongside Him?

Fans of the original Jurassic Park movie will be happy to hear that an original staple of the franchise, Jeff Goldblum is returning for Jurassic World 2. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Goldblum is reportedly returning to portray his character of Dr. Ian Malcolm in the next movie.

Will Word of Goldblum's Return Lead to More Actors Joining?

Aside from Goldblum, this casting announcement comes as a surprise since we didn't expect any of the original cast to return. Even Sam Neill ruled out his return based on the direction the franchise was going with Jurassic World, but things may have changed since then.

Assuming Goldblum wasn't the only member of the original cast asked to return, we could see any number of familiar faces in Jurassic World 2. We also know that practical elements from the original (like animatronics) will be making a return as well. Keep in mind that any role reprisals might be limited to cameos or brief appearances but they'll be appearances nonetheless. That said, here are the three characters most likely to return to the Jurassic Park franchise in Jurassic World 2.

Sam Neill — Dr. Alan Grant

The obvious choice and one we previously mentioned was Neill's character of Dr. Alan Grant. He was last seen in Jurassic Park 3 after a strenuous adventure through the second island inhabited by dinosaurs: Isla Sorna. The movie concluded with Grant presumably going back to his fossils but we don't know that he's completely stepped away from the man-made monsters at Jurassic Park.

There's a good chance that the events of Jurassic Park 3 had some lasting effect on Grant, potentially leading up to him speaking out on the genetically engineered dinosaurs. Neill's character of Grant had some choice words for the hall of people asking questions directed towards Jurassic Park in the third film so it's safe to say Grant most likely had even more to say after his adventures on Isla Sorna; which may or may not come up in Jurassic World 2 if he's to return. But for now, we can only speculate on how Alan Grant could be reintroduced.

The most plausible scenario will see Grant return alongside Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) after they're somehow convinced to venture onto one of the islands, despite knowing what happens every time they journey on to an island of dinosaurs.

Laura Dern — Ellie Satler

Regardless of the character's past in the franchise, the prospect of Laura Dern returning to play Ellie Satler might seem a bit far-fetched to some. And while that may be, the prospect of her return isn't all that surprising if you look at Dern's resurgence in high-profile movies.

Laura Dern has for the most part stayed off the radar since her major appearance in Jurassic Park and hasn't had many starring roles since then. But, Dern will be featured in a little film later this year called Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Yes, Dern will be playing a member of the Resistance who also appears to have some ulterior motives but that's not what's important. The reason why Dern's role in The Las tJedi is important to take note of is because it proves that Dern isn't done with Hollywood. And if she's making her return to featured roles with a part in Star Wars Episode VIII then it's quite fair to assume she'll be recruited for other roles in the near future, possibly Jurassic World 2? But, until we hear more information on potential cast returning, we won't know with a certainty if Dern will return to play Ellie Satler.

We should also mention how Satler's character arc appeared to be closed out in Jurassic Park 3 with her having a kid and new husband so it does seem difficult to see how she could believably reenter the fold. Although, the chemistry between Ellie Satler and Alan Grant was obviously still alive in Jurassic Park 3 which means the two could have another story arc together involving Satler's life in Jurassic World 2.

Julianne Moore — Sarah Harding

Another potential cast member who could return is Julianne Moore. After her character established a relationship with Goldblum's character in Jurassic Park 3, it seems plausible for her to be seen alongside Goldblum now that he's coming back. That is unless, Sarah Harding and Ian Malcolm wound up splitting after their adventure on Isla Nublar. Although, it seems like their bond would have been strengthened by their perilous adventure together so it seems much more plausible for the two to still be together. Regardless, that doesn't mean Moore will return to play Sarah Harding, even if her on-screen hubby Ian Malcolm is returning.

Who Else Might Make a Return?

Those were just some of the most believable candidates who could potentially return to the Jurassic Park franchise. Aside from Goldblum, none of the original cast have spoken up on the matter. They may be brought into the fold now that Goldblum's return has been confirmed.

Vince Vaughn's character Nick Van Owen could easily return as well, despite not having an inherent purpose in Jurassic World 2. Goldblum's on-screen daughter Kelly (Vanessa Lee Chester) could also return in the right context. She's the right age to portray an older Kelly, so she would fit within the timeline set up in Jurassic World.

Jurassic World 2 is directed by J.A. Bayona, and opens in theaters on June 22nd, 2018.