Actress Bryce Dallas Howard has revealed why she insisted her character Claire Dearing once again wear high heels in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, a wardrobe choice that proved rather controversial in the 2015 entry of the franchise.
As reported back in 2015, Howard responded to numerous critics who felt stilettos were a wholly impractical footwear choice when it came to the dangerous work of outrunning hordes of ravenous dinosaurs. Howard took the time to gently remind viewers that poor, put-upon Claire was caught totally unawares by the whole anxiety-inducing mess, and she really wasn't the kind of girl who "would carry flats around." Furthermore, Claire had no idea she'd be spending the better part of the day being pursued by a particularly cross Indominus Rex, and since she was in a jungle, she "would [not] choose to be barefoot."
Related: Jurassic World 2: Claire Won't Run in High Heels
Earlier this year, it was reported that Claire had learned from past mistakes and would not be wearing high heels at all in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, with director J.A. Bayona assuring everybody that the character was "totally ready and prepared" this time, with the distinct possibility of being eaten by terrifying prehistoric creatures at the very forefront of her mind. Well, not exactly. In a new interview with Radio Times, Howard claims Claire will be wearing heels while heading off to the island, but she "is prepared this time ... so she’s naturally going to wear boots" when it comes time to get her hands dirty with a bunch of monstrous carnivores.
Apparently, Claire's footwear was a hotly contested issue during production. Howard was absolutely adamant that the character should wear stilettos throughout key scenes, even when the screenplay called for a pair of comfy sneakers: "I just circled that when I was reading it and I was like ‘No…no it’s an office, Claire would wear heels.’ And then it was like another scene where I’m like ‘hmm, well Claire’s kind of like…she’s going to wear heels in this scene also.'" The actress clearly spent time musing over this, as she suggests Claire's high heels are more than footwear, and an essential aspect of her character. "It's a part of the character and kind of a metaphor for her journey," she said, "It was a crucial part of her characterization going into the new movie." Considering how much of a discussion point Claire's shoes were in the wake of Jurassic World, fans may appreciate Howard took the time to consider the character's footwear for the sequel.
So, moviegoers can expect Claire to wear a diverse medley of shoes as she mounts a campaign to rescue dinosaurs from the abandoned theme park on Isla Nublar, along with her trusty cohort Owen (Chris Pratt). Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is the fifth installment in the popular Jurassic Park series, but only the second entry so far to make viewers weigh in on the various pros and cons of high heels when it comes to fending off dino attacks in the jungle.
More: Jurassic World: Bryce Dallas Howard Responds to High Heels Criticisms
Source: Radio Times
