Jurassic World: Dominion adjusts production plans following coronavirus outbreak

Jurassic World: Dominion is decreasing the scope of its shoot in Malta after a surge in COVID-19 cases on the island and four crew members testing positive.

Film and television production came to an abrupt halt when the COVID-19 health crisis emerged back in March, but things are starting to ramp up again, and Jurassic World: Dominion was the first blockbuster movie to jump back into action this summer. The cast and crew resumed production in the United Kingdom once restrictions there were lifted, and things appeared to be going well, despite rumors of positive cases cropping up on set.

Unfortunately, with the pandemic still unraveling in many parts of the world, it was only a matter of time until another disruption arrived. Deadline reported this week that the film’s planned shoot in Malta needed to be reworked following an increase in COVID-19 cases on the island. According to the report, four crew members tested positive and are now self-quarantining.

Despite this, it seems Jurassic World: Dominion will still move forward with its Malta shoot — just on a smaller scale. For one, stars Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Sam Neill won’t be heading to the island to film. The first crew will also be removed, with a second unit of 200 crew members replacing them. This is only 50 percent of the people who’d be on set, lessening the number significantly.

Per Deadline, a Universal Pictures spokesperson commented on the situation, saying:

"“Jurassic World: Dominion will have a significant presence in Malta with a second unit crew shooting there from the end of August through to September. Working with an abundance of caution as we have done throughout this production, first unit will no longer shoot in Malta to keep our presence on the ground to a minimum. We’d like to thank the Maltese Government and Film Commission for all their support and we look forward to a successful shoot in this beautiful country.”"

With any luck, the changes Universal Pictures is making will help prevent further spread of COVID-19. The studio has reportedly invested quite a bit of money into securing tests and renting out a hotel for those working on the film, all in the name of keeping everyone involved safe.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels