Jurassic World: Dominion HALTS filming for two weeks after positive COVID-19 tests

Jurassic World: Dominion has been forced to halt filming for two weeks after members of the crew tested positive for COVID-19.

Director Colin Trevorrow confirmed production had been paused after ‘a few’ positive tests, but added that the delay was simply a precaution as those who were infected tested negative ‘shortly after.’

The delay comes just days after it was revealed the much-anticipated sequel had been pushed back by a whole year to June 10, 2022, as films releases continue to be delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Colin tweeted: ‘Woke up to the news we had a few positive Coronavirus tests on Jurassic World: Dominion. 

‘All tested negative shortly after, but due to our safety protocols we’re going to pause for two weeks. Back soon.’

However Colin seemed to find the humorous side in the delay, as he shared a snap of a dinosaur wearing a face mask.

A Universal Pictures spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Late last night, we were informed that the Jurassic World: Dominion production experienced a small amount of positive tests for COVID-19. 

‘Even though subsequent tests proved negative this morning, due to our rigid protocols and to ensure that the safety and well-being of our entire cast and crew is paramount at all times, those who initially tested positive are currently self-isolating, as are those who they have come into contact with. 

‘As a result filming has been temporarily paused and will resume in accordance with established safety guidelines.’  

According to Variety, the film was just three weeks away from completion when production was halted, despite numerous strict measures to keep the cast and crew COVID-safe.  

Jurassic Park: Dominion is not the first blockbuster forced to halt filming, as last month filming for The Batman was suspended after Robert Pattinson tested positive for coronavirus.

It comes after the film’s release was pushed back a full year from   summer 2021 to June 2022, according to Variety. 

Colin also confirmed news of the delay, while sharing the first teaser poster for the film on Twitter.

‘For the past three months, I’ve worked with an extraordinary cast and crew on a film we can’t wait to share with the world,’ the director began.

‘Even though we’ll have to wait a bit longer, it will all be worth it. Let’s stay healthy and take care of each other until then,’ he concluded.

His tweet included the first teaser poster, which featured the iconic Jurassic Park logo in amber, along with the full cast list. 

Filming started in February in Vancouver before moving to the U.K. in March, though production quickly shut down in mid-March, when COVID-19 started to spread.

The sequel was one of the first major motion pictures to re-start production with new COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Insiders claim these safety precautions have added roughly $5 million to the production budget, with sources claiming they are three weeks from wrapping.

Among these safety protocols are frequent COVID-19 testing, along with temperature checks while the whole cast and crew is isolated at the same resort.

Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return as Owen and Claire from Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Dominion, with several new and familiar faces.

Original Jurassic Park stars Sam Neill and Laura Dern will return alongside Jeff Goldblum’s Ian Malcolm. 

Jurassic World: Dominion is just the latest in a slew of major Hollywood releases that have been pushed into 2021 and 2022 in the last few months. 

MGM has pushed the highly-anticipated James Bond movie No Time To Die, along with Warner Bros. pushing three of its biggest movies as well.

The Batman was pushed to March 4th 2022, with Dune also delayed to October 1st 2021, although The Matrix 4 has been brought forward to December 22nd, 2021.