The best comeback from an original The Lost World cast member was impossible for Jurassic World: Dominion to achieve. Jurassic World: Dominion will bring an end to the Jurassic World trilogy. Following on from the explosive finale of 2018’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Jurassic World: Dominion is set in a world where dinosaurs are let loose on human civilization.
However, the question of how these beasts will ultimately be contained is not the only reason for franchise fans to be excited for Jurassic World: Dominion. The sequel reunites original Jurassic Park cast members Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, and Sam Neill for the first time since 1993’s Jurassic Park, and Steven Spielberg’s reaction to Jurassic World: Dominion’s cast reunion proves that the sequel should be a nostalgic treat for longtime fans of the series. Sadly, not everyone from the earlier movies was able to put in an appearance in the final sequel of the reboot trilogy.
Unfortunately, the best Jurassic World: Dominion cameo was one that could never have happened. The only character to ever take down a T-Rex single-handedly would have been perfect for a movie that opens with the human world overrun by dinosaurs, making The Lost World’s Roland Tembo an ideal fit for Jurassic World: Dominion. Sadly, acclaimed English character actor Pete Postlethwaite died in 2011, so his character couldn't return for what would have been a perfect cameo. The Lost World’s T-Rex killer hasn’t been seen in the Jurassic Park or Jurassic World series since he quit working with Peter Ludlow during the movie’s action.
One of the franchise’s most nuanced characters, Tembo was a far cry from the cliche image of a villainous hunter. Despite being great at killing dinosaurs and other wild creatures, Tembo had a deep and abiding respect for them that made the character something of an anti-hero in The Lost World and memorable addition to the franchise. Director Steven Spielberg famously called Postlethwaite the "best actor in the world" after working with him, and it’s not hard to see why, with the star’s performance as Tembo elevating what could have been a thankless bit-part into an unforgettable role.
While it is unfortunate that Tembo can’t return, this could be for the best. Jurassic World: Dominion bringing back Dennis Nedry, Tembo, and every other unforgettable supporting star from earlier movies in the franchise could easily become unnecessary fan service, and, with the original movie's central trio returning, focusing on crafting a memorable standalone adventure should be more of a priority than a slew of famous faces cropping up for minor roles. This also ensures that the memory of Postelwaithe’s one-of-a-kind performance remains preserved as one of the standout elements that made The Lost World a success, rather than becoming just another of many nods that Jurassic World: Dominion makes to earlier hits in the long-running series.
