The world’s most famous dinosaurs are coming back to Hawaii.
"Jurassic World," the fourth installment in the Steven Spielberg dinosaur series, will film on Oahu and Kauai starting in April, said Patrick Crowley, one of the producers of the film.
The production will be in Hawaii for about six weeks, Crowley said by phone from New Orleans, where the film will also be shot.
Hawaii was the only real location considered. Although the recent increase in the state’s tax refund for film and TV productions was attractive to the filmmakers, it was another type of green that appealed to everyone, Crowley said.
"It has the best jungle in the world," he said. "A little bit of green goes a long way. There is fabulous jungle there and it’s relatively accessible. You need to go to the Amazon to get what you need."
Also listed as producers are Frank Marshall and Thomas Tull. Spielberg will serve as executive producer. The film is being produced by Amblin Entertainment, Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures.
"Jurassic World" will be directed by Colin Trevorrow, whose resume includes directing the quirky but charming time-travel film "Safety Not Guaranteed."
Crowley confirmed that "Jurassic World" will star Chris Pratt, the "Parks and Recreation" star who has a role in "her," and Bryce Dallas Howard, who had roles in "The Help" and "50/50."
The filmmakers originally planned to film in Hawaii last summer but decided in May to postpone the start of production.
The local film community remained optimistic the project would shoot in the islands, in part because all three of the previous films in the "Jurassic" franchise shot in Hawaii — "Jurassic Park" (1993), "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" (1997) and "Jurassic Park III" (2001).
"We have had a love affair with this franchise for a long time," said Walea Constantinau, commissioner of the Honolulu Film Office. "We have a very good reputation of being a great production area for jungles, and this particular franchise has had very positive experiences."
