The summer blockbuster, Jurassic World: Rebirth, brings jaw-dropping dinosaurs to theaters everywhere. We get species such as the Tyrannosaurus rex, Spinosaurus, Mosasaurus, Velociraptor, Titanosaurus, and Aquilops. And one of the most prominent animals is the horrifying abomination dubbed the Distortus rex. Created to be the film’s antagonist, this creature’s unsettling anatomy instills fear into all. Fans, however, couldn’t help but make comments and theories about the D. rex’s overall design. But you would believe that the movie’s director has confirmed some of these speculations?
Meet the Distortus Rex
Created to be the movie’s looming antagonist, the Distortus rex is a mutated Tyrannosaurus rex. This creature possesses a bulbous head, a hunched back, and an extra pair of arms. It’s essentially a T. rex combined with a beluga whale and given additional gorilla-like arms. Nevertheless, its design frightened all who’ve gazed upon it.
In the universe, the Distortus rex came into existence during the heyday of Jurassic World. It likely was meant to be an attraction, similar to the Indominus rex. But plans came to a close after the D. rex killed a scientist. Since then, it’s roamed the island of Ile Saint-Hubert as a deadly apex predator.
Movie Director Confirms Theories
Before Rebirth premiered, people received reveals of the Distortus rex through various previews. Some were impressed with its distorted design, while others were not. But everyone agreed it resembles a Rancor from the Star Wars franchise. Well, the truth is they’re not too far off with that assumption.
Gareth Edwards, the movie’s director, recently revealed that the Rancor influenced the D. rex’s conception. As did the Xenomorph from Alien and David Lynch’s The Elephant Man. They slapped aspects from all three upon a Tyrannosaurus rex. And what they got was a monster worthy of the long-standing franchise from Universal.
Final Thoughts
I’m not surprised the Rancor directed the Distortus rex’s design since it’s super obvious. Everything nowadays is either a remake or based on something more iconic. Still, I cannot deny that the D. rex is impressive despite its unsettling form. I only wish the creature had more of a presence in its debut film. Check out my review of Rebirth to understand what I’m talking about. But see the movie in theaters first and experience the Distortus rex yourself.
