Glen Powell has quickly become one of Hollywood's most bankable stars, thanks to hits like Anyone But You, Top Gun: Maverick, and Twisters. But before he was headlining blockbusters, Powell lent his charm to a Netflix series that reimagines a beloved sci-fi franchise. Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous isn't just a kids' cartoon—it's a surprisingly deep, character-driven adventure that has only gotten better with time.
Set in the same universe as the Jurassic World films, the series follows six teenagers who win a trip to Camp Cretaceous, a program within the iconic theme park. When the events of the first Jurassic World movie unfold, the kids are left stranded on Isla Nublar. They must band together to survive rampaging dinosaurs and other dangers. Running for five seasons, the show captures the thrills of the movies while adding emotional depth that often surpasses them.
Why 'Camp Cretaceous' Stands Out
The secret to Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous's success is its focus on character. The six teens—dino-obsessed Darius (Paul-Mikél Williams), rich kid Kenji (Ryan Potter), athletic Yaz (Kausar Mohammed), vlogger Brooklynn (Jenna Ortega), farm girl Sammy (Raini Rodriguez), and shy Ben (Sean Giambrone)—start as archetypes but evolve into fully realized people. Their friendships, conflicts, and growth drive the story, making every dinosaur encounter more impactful. Ben's transformation from a timid kid to a confident survivor, bonding with his pet Ankylosaurus Bumpy, is a standout arc.
Glen Powell plays Dave, a laid-back camp counselor who contrasts sharply with his strict co-counselor Roxie (Jameela Jamil). While Dave initially seems like a surfer-dude stereotype, Powell brings warmth and heroism to the role. He saves campers early on and returns in the finale to help the teens escape, giving the series a satisfying full-circle moment. It's a reminder that Powell's charisma was evident long before he became a household name.
The series also excels at balancing spectacle with heart. Unlike some Jurassic entries that rely solely on CGI dinosaurs, Camp Cretaceous invests in its human characters. The result is a show that feels both epic and intimate. For fans of masterpieces that blend genres, this series is a must-watch.
A Legacy That Lives On
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous became a massive hit, earning the highest ratings of any Jurassic project and a devoted fanbase. Its success spawned a sequel series, Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, which jumps six years into the future to explore how the survivors cope with a world where dinosaurs roam free. Showrunner Scott Kreamer has said the sequel focuses on the human-dinosaur dynamic that Jurassic World: Dominion fumbled. While Powell didn't return for Chaos Theory, his role in Camp Cretaceous proves that the key to a great Jurassic story isn't just big dinosaurs—it's characters we care about.
If you missed Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous the first time, now is the perfect moment to binge it. It's a rare sci-fi masterpiece that has aged like fine wine, showcasing Glen Powell's early talent and delivering a thrilling, emotional ride from start to finish.
