What if the Velociraptors in Jurassic Park had been as scientifically accurate as they were terrifying? That’s the question posed by CoolioArt, a digital artist who has reimagined the franchise’s legendary kitchen scene using raptors that look—and move—like the real-life predators they were based on. The result is a chilling glimpse into an alternate version of one of cinema’s most suspenseful moments.
Watch the video from CoolioArt below, in which the film’s scaly raptors have been replaced with nightmarish feathered versions, courtesy of the 3D creation suite, Blender:
In Steven Spielberg’s original 1993 film, the kitchen scene pits siblings Tim and Lex against two predatory Velociraptors in a heart-stopping game of hide-and-seek. The raptors, portrayed as six-foot-tall, scaly hunters with razor-sharp claws and cunning intelligence, have become an iconic part of pop culture. But paleontologists have long pointed out that real Velociraptors were much smaller—closer in size to a turkey—and covered in feathers.
Using Blender, CoolioArt has painstakingly recreated the sequence, replacing the movie’s raptors with paleo-accurate versions based on Deinonychus antirrhopus. These feathered predators, with their lithe bodies and piercing, bird-like eyes, bring a new level of realism to the scene. Their movements are smoother and more deliberate, adding a layer of authenticity that makes the sequence even more gripping.
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While Spielberg’s Velociraptors were never meant to be scientifically accurate, their design choices helped define the modern image of dinosaurs in popular culture. Fans and paleontologists alike have debated the decision to depict Deinonychus as “Velociraptors,” a name that Michael Crichton, author of the original novel, reportedly chose for its sleek, menacing sound.
In a pinned comment on YouTube, CoolioArt explains, “The animal depicted in this remake is not Velociraptor! They’re an oversized Deinonychus antirrhopus, as was the case in the books and original film, just incorrectly lumped into the genus Velociraptor, making them ‘Velociraptor Antirrhopus.’ Not Velociraptor mongoliensis, the animal we know as Velociraptor. The real Deinonychus antirrhopus was about half the size of these guys on average, definitely still able to kill a human though! Otherwise, I have tried to keep them completely faithful to the real dinosaur.”
The recreated sequence highlights this distinction, giving audiences a taste of what could have been if the franchise had prioritized accuracy over theatricality.
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The video also serves as a reflection on the evolving relationship between science and cinema. In 1993, the concept of feathered dinosaurs was still relatively new and not widely accepted. Today, it’s a well-established fact that many theropods, including Deinonychus and Velociraptors, were feathered, bridging the gap between dinosaurs and modern birds.
As the Jurassic Park franchise prepares for the release of Jurassic World Rebirth in July, fans are left wondering if the new film will embrace these scientific advances. Screenwriter David Koepp has hinted at a more grounded approach, and director Gareth Edwards is known for blending spectacle with realism. Could this mean the return of feathered dinosaurs to the big screen?
Whether or not the franchise fully embraces paleo-accuracy, CoolioArt’s reimagined kitchen scene is a testament to the enduring appeal of Jurassic Park. It shows that even decades later, the film continues to inspire fans to explore the intersection of science, art, and storytelling.
For now, fans can enjoy the best of both worlds: the scaly, cinematic raptors that terrified us in 1993 and the feathered, scientifically accurate predators that keep the dream of dinosaurs alive.
When Can I Watch Jurassic World Rebirth?
Jurassic World Rebirth arrives in theaters worldwide on July 2, 2025.
The movie stars Scarlett Johansson (Avengers: Endgame), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer). Additional cast members include Rupert Friend (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Mahershala Ali (The Green Book), Luna Blaise (Manifest), David Iacono (Dead Boy Detectives), Audrina Miranda (Lopez vs Lopez), Philippine Velge (Station Eleven), Bechir Sylvain (BMF), and Ed Skrein (Deadpool).
Would you like to see paleo-accurate dinosaurs in Jurassic World Rebirth? Let us know in the comments below!
