Hey folks, Harry here... We all knew as soon as that the second that box office result from JURASSIC PARK 3 came in... you could see the writing on the wall that there would be a 4th one. We've all heard that Steven came up with a hunky dory idea for this new one. Well, our buddy here in the land down under ran into Sam, and here's the results...
Dear Harry,
I was doing some shopping Monday in my native Queenstown, New Zealand, when I noticed a certain figure exiting the Saffron eatery. It was none other than local celeb Sam Neill!
Now, I've read that he doesn't usually enjoy being made a fuss of, but he didn't look in a big hurry, so I went over and said hello. He's actually quite taller in real life than you'd imagine, but a very cool guy to talk to. I asked him about his recent comments in The New Zealand Listener magazine where he mentions a possible role in Jurassic Park IV. He said "Yeah, Steven Spielberg and his people are quite busy prepping another one.
There is a chance you'll see me in it. I'm as surprised as anyone, because I didn't think there was any way they could get Alan Grant involved again. But they came up with a clever idea. Steven just blew me away with the story."
Sam said it "was like putting on a comfy pair of old shoes" when he returned as Grant in JPIII, and would be "quite flattered" if the opportunity arose to revisit the character once more. I begged him to give me a few details on Spielberg's new story, but he wouldn't reveal anything (sorry, I tried!). All he said was "Something frightening is happening concerning those dinosaurs that doesn't necessarily bode well for us humans. Scientists never seem to learn."
I asked if he could at least tell me the flavor and tone of the storyline. After some thinking, Sam said "You know that feeling when you first saw the original film, and you were so in awe, and felt so swept away and mesmerised by the majesty of it all? I believe this premise has the potential to elicit that same kind of response. Out of all the concepts that've been created for these movies, this is possibly my favorite."
I then told him I really hope he turns up in JPIV. He said "Thank you. We'll see."
I got an autograph from Sam, but was really peeved that I had no camera to take a photo. I tried very hard to remember most of what he said regarding JPIV so I could report it. Sam Neill came across as really down-to-earth and genuine, unlike many big stars.
Thanks, Harry!
Mark
