Who is the Black Girl in Jurassic? Unpacking Representation in the Jurassic Park Franchise
The question “Who is the black girl in Jurassic?” isn’t as straightforward as it might seem, as it touches upon the broader issue of representation within the iconic Jurassic Park franchise. While the series isn’t primarily known for its diverse cast, there are indeed prominent Black female characters who have significantly impacted the narrative. The most notable figures are Vanessa Lee Chester, who played Kelly Malcolm in The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and DeWanda Wise, who brought Kayla Watts to life in Jurassic World Dominion. Understanding their roles and impact requires delving into each film individually and recognizing the nuances of their characters.
The Legacy of Kelly Malcolm: A Pioneering Role
The Stowaway Daughter
Vanessa Lee Chester’s portrayal of Kelly Malcolm in The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) was a significant step forward for representation. As the stowaway daughter of Dr. Ian Malcolm (played by Jeff Goldblum), Kelly adds a dynamic layer to the story. Her character isn’t just a sidekick; she’s resourceful, intelligent, and demonstrates remarkable bravery in the face of prehistoric danger. While her character’s ethnicity is never specifically addressed, her performance was a breakthrough for young Black actresses in a major blockbuster franchise. It’s important to note that the film does not explicitly state that Kelly is Dr. Malcolm’s biological daughter. The way they are presented in the film and the casting choices seem to suggest that she may either be his stepdaughter or that she was adopted.
Challenging Tropes
Chester’s performance broke away from stereotypical portrayals often seen in Hollywood at the time. Kelly wasn’t just a damsel in distress; she was an active participant in her own survival and even contributed to the team’s success. Her iconic scene where she uses her gymnastic skills to incapacitate a raptor is etched in the memories of fans. However, some critics have argued that her character was underutilized and could have been developed further.
The Rise of Kayla Watts: A Modern Representation
The High-Flying Pilot
Decades later, DeWanda Wise joined the franchise as Kayla Watts in Jurassic World Dominion (2022). Her character is a far more prominent and integral part of the storyline. Kayla is an ex-Air Force pilot who’s seen as a daring and capable character, which is immediately made apparent from her introduction in the film. Unlike Kelly, Kayla’s Black identity is a clear part of her character. Her presence marked a pivotal moment for the franchise by featuring a Black woman in a lead role, something that fans had been asking for throughout the franchise’s run.
More Than Just a Pilot
Kayla Watts is not merely a high-flying pilot; she’s a multi-dimensional character with a strong sense of morality. She plays a key role in rescuing Owen Grady, Claire Dearing, and Maisie Lockwood. Wise’s portrayal of Kayla is celebrated for its strength, wit, and depth, presenting a modern, nuanced representation. It’s also worth noting that this role is part of a broader trend of Hollywood giving more diverse actors lead action roles, and that trend is very much on display with Kayla Watts.
Beyond the Main Characters
It’s crucial to acknowledge that while Vanessa Lee Chester and DeWanda Wise are the most prominent, they aren’t the only Black individuals in the Jurassic Park franchise. Justice Smith played Franklin Webb in both Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Jurassic World: Dominion, adding to the cast’s diversity, though he is not a female character. However, the lack of consistent representation of Black women in these films remains a talking point, making the roles of Kelly and Kayla all the more vital. The hope is that future Jurassic Park installments will continue to build on the progress made by these women and showcase more diverse characters.
The Importance of Representation
The presence of Black actresses like Vanessa Lee Chester and DeWanda Wise within the Jurassic Park franchise is vital not only for providing visibility but also for challenging the status quo in blockbuster films. Their roles contribute to a more inclusive environment, offering positive representation to young fans who may not often see themselves reflected in such major franchises. The journey towards true diversity is an ongoing process, but the roles of Kelly Malcolm and Kayla Watts are a definite leap forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Vanessa Lee Chester?
Vanessa Lee Chester is an American actress best known for playing Kelly Malcolm in The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Her role as the resourceful stowaway daughter of Dr. Ian Malcolm was groundbreaking for representation of young black actresses in big-budget action films.
2. Who is DeWanda Wise?
DeWanda Wise is an American actress who starred as Kayla Watts in Jurassic World Dominion. Her character is a fearless ex-Air Force pilot who becomes a key ally to the main characters. She is the first Black woman to have a lead role in the franchise.
3. What was significant about Kelly Malcolm’s role in The Lost World?
Kelly Malcolm’s role was significant because it was a rare portrayal of a young, intelligent, and capable Black girl in a major action film. Her character defied the “damsel in distress” stereotype and actively contributed to her and the team’s survival.
4. How does Kayla Watts contribute to representation in Jurassic World Dominion?
Kayla Watts is a modern, nuanced representation of a Black woman in action cinema. She is a strong, skilled, and moral character who plays a central role in the film, highlighting a step forward in the franchise’s diversity.
5. Is Kelly Malcolm Dr. Ian Malcolm’s biological daughter?
The film does not explicitly state whether Kelly Malcolm is Dr. Ian Malcolm’s biological daughter. It is implied that she may be his adopted daughter or stepdaughter, since she has an appearance that differs from his.
6. Is Kayla Watts’ race an important part of her character?
Yes, Kayla Watts’ race is a clear and intentional aspect of her character. Her identity as a Black woman is woven into her portrayal and is an important part of her representation in the franchise.
7. Are there any other notable Black actors in the Jurassic Park franchise?
Yes, Justice Smith played Franklin Webb in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Jurassic World Dominion, contributing to the franchise’s overall diversity.
8. Why is representation important in big-budget films like Jurassic Park?
Representation matters because it provides visibility and empowers underrepresented communities, showing that diverse characters can be heroes and central figures in popular stories. It also challenges stereotypes and broadens perspectives.
9. What is the fan reaction to DeWanda Wise’s portrayal of Kayla Watts?
DeWanda Wise’s portrayal of Kayla Watts has been widely praised by fans and critics for its strength, depth, and representation, becoming a positive focal point of the film.
10. Is there any hope for more diverse characters in future Jurassic Park movies?
Yes, the positive reception of characters like Kelly Malcolm and Kayla Watts creates momentum for more diverse and inclusive roles in future Jurassic Park installments.
11. What challenges did Vanessa Lee Chester face as a young Black actress in the 90s?
Vanessa Lee Chester, being one of very few child actors who were also Black, was part of an era that often underrepresented Black actors. Her character broke through some of these barriers, but was also affected by them.
12. How did audiences respond to the lack of diversity in the earlier Jurassic Park films?
There were continuous discussions and calls for more representation in earlier Jurassic Park films, highlighting a significant gap that the franchise eventually began to address with the casting of Black actors like Chester, Smith, and Wise.
13. What message does casting DeWanda Wise in Jurassic World Dominion send?
Casting DeWanda Wise as Kayla Watts sends a powerful message that diverse lead characters are both viable and essential in blockbuster franchises, signaling an important shift towards inclusivity.
14. How do the roles of Kelly and Kayla influence future representation in the franchise?
The roles of Kelly Malcolm and Kayla Watts serve as critical steps, demonstrating that audiences are receptive to and welcoming of diverse characters. They pave the way for continued representation and diverse storytelling in future Jurassic Park projects.
15. What do fans hope to see in future Black female characters within the Jurassic Universe?
Fans hope to see future Black female characters who are not just strong and capable, but also have nuanced backstories, well-developed motivations, and are given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the story’s overall narrative. They hope for characters who reflect the full spectrum of the Black experience.