History of John Hammond (Jurassic Park) in Timeline

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John Hammond (Jurassic Park)

John Hammond is the visionary entrepreneur and founder of Jurassic Park, a wildlife park populated with cloned dinosaurs. Driven by a desire to create a spectacular attraction and revolutionize entertainment, he spared no expense in bringing his dream to life. While charismatic and optimistic, Hammond is also portrayed as somewhat naive and reckless, often overlooking the potential dangers and ethical implications of his endeavor. Despite his good intentions, his ambition ultimately leads to disaster, underscoring the hubris of attempting to control nature. He serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of unchecked scientific advancement.

1990: Jurassic Park Novel Release

In 1990, Michael Crichton's novel Jurassic Park was released, introducing the character of John Hammond. This novel marked the beginning of the Jurassic Park franchise.

Jurassic Park: A Novel
Jurassic Park: A Novel

1990: John Hammond as Antagonist in Jurassic Park Novel

In 1990, in the novel Jurassic Park, John Hammond is one of the primary antagonists, portrayed as a cold, sociopathic, and eccentric CEO focused on profit and legacy, who showcases a miniature elephant to potential investors to raise money for Jurassic Park.

Jurassic Park: A Novel
Jurassic Park: A Novel

1993: Initial Jurassic Park Toys

In 1993, Jurassic Park toys were initially created.

Mattel Jurassic World Dominion Hammond Collection Dinosaur Action Figure, Giganotosaurus Dino Toy with 21 Articulations, Glass Eyes, Wired Tail & Posable Tongue
Mattel Jurassic World Dominion Hammond Collection Dinosaur Action Figure, Giganotosaurus Dino Toy with 21 Articulations, Glass Eyes, Wired Tail & Posable Tongue

1993: Jurassic Park Film Adaptation

In 1993, Steven Spielberg directed the film adaptation of Jurassic Park, casting Richard Attenborough as John Hammond. Spielberg scaled back the antagonistic characteristics of Hammond for the film adaptation.

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1993: Film Adaptation Personality Shift

In 1993, in the film adaptation of Jurassic Park, John Hammond's personality is almost the opposite of the novel's version, depicted as a kind, jovial Scottish capitalist who cares more about sparking interest than profit.

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1995: The Lost World Novel

In 1995, in the novel The Lost World, Ian Malcolm briefly reveals the true secrets behind the InGen Incident, reviewing Hammond's investment strategies and rise to monetary power. According to Ed James, Hammond died on Isla Nublar while on a business trip.

1997: Hammond's Death

According to a promotional website for the film Jurassic World, Hammond died in 1997, following the events of the second film.

1997: The Lost World: Jurassic Park Film Appearance

In 1997, John Hammond, played by Richard Attenborough, briefly returned in the film sequel, The Lost World: Jurassic Park. In the film series, Hammond dies off-screen sometime after the events of the sequel.

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1997: Attenborough Voiced Hammond in Chaos Island: The Lost World

In 1997, Richard Attenborough voiced John Hammond in the video game Chaos Island: The Lost World.

1997: The Lost World: Jurassic Park - Hammond's Role

In 1997, in the second film, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Hammond is older and in failing health, relieved of his CEO position after an accident on Isla Sorna. He then devotes his remaining resources to isolate the dinosaurs and sends a team to document the animals, successfully getting Isla Sorna declared a nature preserve.

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1998: Attenborough Voiced Hammond in Trespasser

In 1998, Richard Attenborough voiced John Hammond in the video game Trespasser, which features Hammond's memoirs narrated to the player.

2000: Attenborough's Possible Cameo in Jurassic Park III

In 2000, before the release of Jurassic Park III, it was reported that Attenborough would reprise his role for a cameo appearance, but this did not occur, and Hammond is only mentioned in the film.

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2001: Jurassic Park III - Hammond Mention

In 2001, John Hammond is only mentioned in Jurassic Park III during Grant's lecture on Velociraptors, referring to what John Hammond and InGen did at Jurassic Park as creating genetically-engineered theme park monsters.

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2003: Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis Game Appearance

In 2003, John Hammond appeared in the game Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis, voiced by Bud Tingwell.

2005: Jurassic World Opens

In 2005, Masrani Global Corporation proceeded with Hammond's original idea, eventually opening a new dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, on Isla Nublar.

2008: Attenborough's Fall and Retirement

In 2008, Richard Attenborough suffered a fall at his home and subsequently retired from acting.

2014: Death of Richard Attenborough

Richard Attenborough, the actor who portrayed John Hammond in the Jurassic Park films, died in 2014.

2015: Jurassic World promotional website mention

According to a promotional website for the film Jurassic World, in 2015, Hammond died in 1997, following the events of the second film.

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2015: Hammond Among Attenborough's Essential Performances

In 2015, Neil Mitchell of the British Film Institute listed John Hammond among Richard Attenborough's most essential performances, highlighting his flawed yet visionary personality.

2015: Sesame Street Spoof

In 2015, the character and the first film were spoofed in an episode of Sesame Street, with Cookie Monster taking on the role of John Hammond.

2017: Hammond Ranked as Fifth Best Character in Film Series

In 2017, Tom Chapman from ScreenRant ranked John Hammond as the fifth best character in the Jurassic Park film series, praising Attenborough's performance and the character's role in the creation of Jurassic Park.

2018: Jurassic World Evolution Game Appearance

In 2018, John Hammond appears in the game Jurassic World Evolution, voiced by Mackenzie Gray.

2018: Hammond's Cane Auctioned

In 2018, John Hammond's cane, made of dinosaur bone pieces and topped with a mosquito-trapped amber chunk, referencing the franchise's premise, was sold for $32,000.

2018: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Reveals Hammond's Partnership

In 2018, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom reveals that Hammond had been partners with Benjamin Lockwood in the de-extinction of the dinosaurs, until they had a falling out related to Lockwood's support for human cloning.

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2019: Hammond Action Figure Release

In 2019, Mattel released a limited-quantity John Hammond action figure for the San Diego Comic-Con. Subsequently, a Hammond figure was released as part of its Amber Collection.

2021: Jurassic World Evolution 2 Game Appearance

In 2021, John Hammond appears in Jurassic World Evolution 2, voiced by Mackenzie Gray. The statue from the first Jurassic World film was also briefly available to players.

2021: Fan-Made Prequel Series Release

In 2021, a 22-part fan-made prequel series focusing on John Hammond's life was released online, using clips from the films and memoirs from Trespasser.

2022: Jurassic World Dominion Reveals Charlotte's Cloning

In 2022, Jurassic World Dominion reveals that Charlotte actually cloned herself, with Benjamin covering for her with a made-up story.

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