The Dinosaur Rampage Continues? Unveiling the Future of Primitive War [Exclusive Insights]
Sparke Films' Journey
The highly anticipated dinosaur thriller, "Primitive War," is finally making its global debut. Director Luke Sparke's unique take on the Vietnam War era, featuring rampaging dinosaurs, has left audiences wanting more. With its limited theatrical run earlier this summer, the film has sparked curiosity and excitement, especially for fans of Ethan Pettus' novel. It's a fresh concept, distinct from the Jurassic Park franchise, yet with immense potential to captivate audiences and create a lasting impact. But here's where it gets controversial... will there be a sequel?
In an exclusive interview ahead of the U.S. VOD and Digital release on October 3rd, I had the pleasure of speaking with Director Sparke. When asked about a potential sequel, he revealed that it all hinges on the film's performance on VOD in the coming weeks. "To me, it's all about how it performs on VOD," Sparke emphasized. And the early signs are promising!
Sparke shared his vision for the film's ending, which expands beyond the novel's scope. "I added those post-credit scenes and a world-building element. In the books, it's still largely a secret after the first one. My ending reveals it to the world, much like the iconic 'I am Iron Man' moment in the MCU," he explained.
And this is the part most people miss... Sparke's passion for the project is evident. He added, "I've got all these dinosaurs and assets on my computer, and it feels wrong not to use them. If there's demand, I'm ready to continue the Primitive War saga."
The Director's Vision
The movie's ending sets the stage for a potential franchise, and with Pettus' multiple books in the series, there's plenty of material to explore. Additionally, the film's surprisingly low budget means the financial success bar is set lower than your average blockbuster.
Sparke shared his excitement, "Digital release in Australia last week exceeded our three-month projections in just four days! We're thrilled, and we hope this bodes well for the global audience, especially in America."
VOD is becoming a significant revenue stream for the industry, and while the film's limited release was successful, it wasn't enough to cover costs. However, it's a promising start. Sparke revealed ongoing discussions about a sequel, although nothing is finalized.
"We're having conversations with the team about the next steps and how to approach it. The challenge is whether we stick to the same budget or try to push it a bit higher, but with risks involved. It's a delicate balance," he explained.
As a director, Sparke wants to push boundaries and create something unique. "It depends on my ego and how far I'm willing to go," he added with a laugh.
The Future of Primitive War
My personal take is that "Primitive War" is the best non-Jurassic dinosaur movie out there, so the prospect of a sequel is incredibly exciting. Sparke confirmed that a physical release, including a Blu-ray and potential steelbook, is in the works. "I've recorded an audio commentary and there's a wealth of behind-the-scenes content and extras to enhance the experience," he revealed.
"Primitive War" hits VOD and Digital platforms on October 3, 2025. Will it be the start of a new dinosaur-filled franchise? Only time and audience response will tell. What do you think? Should there be a Primitive War sequel? Let's discuss in the comments!
