Jurassic World: Dominion Wraps Unprecedented 18-Month Pandemic-Era Production

The third film in the Jurassic World series, and the sixth Jurassic Park film overall, Jurassic World: Dominion, wrapped its shoot on Saturday morning at Pinewood Studios after originally beginning pre-production 18 months ago. Having started production in the world prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Jurassic World: Dominion's production is being noted as an unprecedented feat after, per Deadline, "40,000 COVID tests, millions of dollars spent on protocols," and the cast and key crew isolating "in a bubble for months." Director Colin Trevorrow remarked, regarding the wrap, that "there are a lot of emotions." “I’m not sure I can put it into words,” Trevorrow added. “It has been remarkable. Our crew and our cast has been so resilient. All producers have worked around the clock to make it the best it can be. It has been inspiring.” Dominion, as the first major studio film to go back into production after the pandemic shut everything down, is notable for using a private medical facility called Your Doctor to "manage the entire production’s medical requirements" along with a "policed ‘Greenzone’ for the shooting cast and crew and all workers were temperature-tested every day" and "two walk-through temperature testing stations." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-deaths-in-the-jurassic-park-movies&captions=true"] It's said the studio spent $6 to 8 million on all the COVID safety protocols, including smaller amenities such as information signs, hand sanitizer stations, and extra sinks. "I’ve never been as immersed in a filmmaking process,” Trevorrow continued. “Because of the protocols, the actors didn’t go far from set. The distance was stripped away. There were things that happened on this movie that I’d hope to be able to continue on future productions.” "This movie is about the need to co-exist and survive together. If this pandemic has taught us anything it’s that we need the different generations to protect each other. It was the right movie to be making at this moment.” Jurassic World: Dominion, which unites the casts of the Jurassic World and Jurassic Park films -- including Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Omar Sy, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Sam Neill -- is scheduled for a June 10, 2022 release. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/20/jurassic-world-may-feature-dinosaurs-in-the-snow-for-the-first-time"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

Jurassic World: Dominion Wraps Unprecedented 18-Month Pandemic-Era Production

The third film in the Jurassic World series, and the sixth Jurassic Park film overall, Jurassic World: Dominion, wrapped its shoot on Saturday morning at Pinewood Studios after originally beginning pre-production 18 months ago. Having started production in the world prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Jurassic World: Dominion's production is being noted as an unprecedented feat after, per Deadline, "40,000 COVID tests, millions of dollars spent on protocols," and the cast and key crew isolating "in a bubble for months." Director Colin Trevorrow remarked, regarding the wrap, that "there are a lot of emotions." “I’m not sure I can put it into words,” Trevorrow added. “It has been remarkable. Our crew and our cast has been so resilient. All producers have worked around the clock to make it the best it can be. It has been inspiring.” Dominion, as the first major studio film to go back into production after the pandemic shut everything down, is notable for using a private medical facility called Your Doctor to "manage the entire production’s medical requirements" along with a "policed ‘Greenzone’ for the shooting cast and crew and all workers were temperature-tested every day" and "two walk-through temperature testing stations." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-deaths-in-the-jurassic-park-movies&captions=true"] It's said the studio spent $6 to 8 million on all the COVID safety protocols, including smaller amenities such as information signs, hand sanitizer stations, and extra sinks. "I’ve never been as immersed in a filmmaking process,” Trevorrow continued. “Because of the protocols, the actors didn’t go far from set. The distance was stripped away. There were things that happened on this movie that I’d hope to be able to continue on future productions.” "This movie is about the need to co-exist and survive together. If this pandemic has taught us anything it’s that we need the different generations to protect each other. It was the right movie to be making at this moment.” Jurassic World: Dominion, which unites the casts of the Jurassic World and Jurassic Park films -- including Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Omar Sy, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Sam Neill -- is scheduled for a June 10, 2022 release. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/20/jurassic-world-may-feature-dinosaurs-in-the-snow-for-the-first-time"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

Jeopardy Host Alex Trebek Has Died

Beloved game show host Alex Trebek, who's hosted Jeopardy! since 1984, has passed away. A spokesperson for Jeopardy! tweeted out "Jeopardy is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends." Trebek died on Sunday morning at age 80 after a long battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Trebek announced his cancer diagnosis to the world back in March 2019. Since then, Trebek continued to host Jeopardy! while undergoing chemotherapy. Knowing that the survival rate for pancreatic cancer in its second year was just 7 percent, Trebek carried on, determined to fight the disease. From just a few days ago, here's a moment that nicely demonstrates Trebek's reach and influence... Trebek's final Jeopardy! episode will air on Christmas Day. Before landing on Jeopardy!, where he'd find his way into iconic quizmaster status, Trebek hosted game shows such as The Wizard of Odds, Double Dare, and High Rollers. Trebek also became somewhat of an SNL staple for several years when Will Ferrell portrayed him in a recurring Jeopardy! sketch that featured Trebek having to suffer the outrageous idiocy of celebrity contestants like Sean Connery, Burt Reynolds, and more. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

Jeopardy Host Alex Trebek Has Died

Beloved game show host Alex Trebek, who's hosted Jeopardy! since 1984, has passed away. A spokesperson for Jeopardy! tweeted out "Jeopardy is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends." Trebek died on Sunday morning at age 80 after a long battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Trebek announced his cancer diagnosis to the world back in March 2019. Since then, Trebek continued to host Jeopardy! while undergoing chemotherapy. Knowing that the survival rate for pancreatic cancer in its second year was just 7 percent, Trebek carried on, determined to fight the disease. From just a few days ago, here's a moment that nicely demonstrates Trebek's reach and influence... Trebek's final Jeopardy! episode will air on Christmas Day. Before landing on Jeopardy!, where he'd find his way into iconic quizmaster status, Trebek hosted game shows such as The Wizard of Odds, Double Dare, and High Rollers. Trebek also became somewhat of an SNL staple for several years when Will Ferrell portrayed him in a recurring Jeopardy! sketch that featured Trebek having to suffer the outrageous idiocy of celebrity contestants like Sean Connery, Burt Reynolds, and more. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

Rainbow Six Siege Neon Dawn’s New Defender Brings Laser Gates and a Metal Fist

Ubisoft has revealed Neon Dawn, the final seasonal Operation of Rainbow Six Siege Year 5. And while it may be in the shadow of the previous season’s big star, Sam Fisher, it does finish the game’s fifth year with a bang: Tachanka is finally, after five years, an operator worth considering, and he’s joined by new defender Aruni, who can turn doorways into lethal laser gates and punch through walls. New star Aruni is a Taiwanese two-speed, two-armor operator for defenders. Her gadget is the Surya Gate, which operates almost like an indestructible, multi-purpose Kapkan trap. Placed on doors, windows, or even soft-cover walls, the device creates a wall of lasers that will damage anything that passes through. Any thrown projectile - be that grenade or gadget - will be instantly destroyed by the lasers, while any attacking operator that walks through will take 40 points of damage. Importantly, the device itself is bulletproof, so can’t be shot out by attackers. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/08/rainbow-six-siege-aruni-gameplay"] There are plenty of drawbacks to the Surya Gate, though. When triggered it turns off after a short delay, and so players looking to enter a site can simply throw a grenade at the lasers to deactivate them, and then pass through unharmed. Gates can be reactivated by any defender, achieved simply by shooting the device, but this can only be done after the gadget has recharged itself, which takes a surprisingly long time. It’s definitely an interesting gadget, though; placing it on softcover walls that are then reinforced means that if the attackers breach there are lasers blocking the new entry point. The laser grid is highly visible, so won’t catch people out like a Kapkan, and 40 damage is likely to rarely kill any sensible attacker, but it will work to slow attackers down and funnel them. Aside from the Gate, Aruni also has a prosthetic arm that can be used to punch huge holes through soft cover. It’s not Oryx-levels of destruction, but perfect to create a hole big enough to provide a quick line of sight. Aruni may be the new operator, but Neon Dawn feels like it will be mostly celebrated for its Tachanka rework. His kit was detailed back at the Six Invitational earlier this year, but if you missed it, his turret is now gone. Well, almost: his primary weapon is now that same DP27 LMG but sans the tripod, and it chews through cover like a dog with homework. For a gadget, he now has the Shumikha Launcher; an incendiary grenade hurler with 10 rounds that can set fire to surfaces and help deny access to areas. This kit means he’s definitely still an anchor-style defender, but with more versatility and mobility. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/08/rainbow-six-siege-tachanka-rework-gameplay"] As with all Siege seasons, the operators are not the only addition. The Skyscraper map has been reworked, although it’s not quite the overhaul that many other maps have received. It still looks and feels identical to its original incarnation, but you’ll find some adjustment to entry points and walkways. Hopefully these small adjustments will make all of its bomb sites more viable. On the balancing side, Jager’s ADS has been substantially altered; each device can now fire down infinite projectiles rather than just two, but there is now a 10-second cooldown between each shot. This makes him notably weaker against things like Fuze assaults, but does provide more long-term endurance. Hibana has also been altered, with her X-KAIROS launcher now able to select either 2, 4, or 6 pellet shots, allowing for better conservation of ammunition and more choice over breach size. Echo’s Yokai drone has been debuffed, and now is visible when placed on ceilings. As for non-operator balances, attackers will be alerted about defender run-outs after one second rather than two seconds. The bomb defusal animation has been moved closer to an operator’s feet, and there is now a ‘no drop’ zone on bomb sites to prevent operators from accidentally dropping the defuser when close to the bomb. For more Rainbow Six Siege, check out our tips for playing as Sam Fisher and a look at the new Ubisoft Connect that replaces the Uplay launcher and achievements system. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

Rainbow Six Siege Neon Dawn’s New Defender Brings Laser Gates and a Metal Fist

Ubisoft has revealed Neon Dawn, the final seasonal Operation of Rainbow Six Siege Year 5. And while it may be in the shadow of the previous season’s big star, Sam Fisher, it does finish the game’s fifth year with a bang: Tachanka is finally, after five years, an operator worth considering, and he’s joined by new defender Aruni, who can turn doorways into lethal laser gates and punch through walls. New star Aruni is a Taiwanese two-speed, two-armor operator for defenders. Her gadget is the Surya Gate, which operates almost like an indestructible, multi-purpose Kapkan trap. Placed on doors, windows, or even soft-cover walls, the device creates a wall of lasers that will damage anything that passes through. Any thrown projectile - be that grenade or gadget - will be instantly destroyed by the lasers, while any attacking operator that walks through will take 40 points of damage. Importantly, the device itself is bulletproof, so can’t be shot out by attackers. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/08/rainbow-six-siege-aruni-gameplay"] There are plenty of drawbacks to the Surya Gate, though. When triggered it turns off after a short delay, and so players looking to enter a site can simply throw a grenade at the lasers to deactivate them, and then pass through unharmed. Gates can be reactivated by any defender, achieved simply by shooting the device, but this can only be done after the gadget has recharged itself, which takes a surprisingly long time. It’s definitely an interesting gadget, though; placing it on softcover walls that are then reinforced means that if the attackers breach there are lasers blocking the new entry point. The laser grid is highly visible, so won’t catch people out like a Kapkan, and 40 damage is likely to rarely kill any sensible attacker, but it will work to slow attackers down and funnel them. Aside from the Gate, Aruni also has a prosthetic arm that can be used to punch huge holes through soft cover. It’s not Oryx-levels of destruction, but perfect to create a hole big enough to provide a quick line of sight. Aruni may be the new operator, but Neon Dawn feels like it will be mostly celebrated for its Tachanka rework. His kit was detailed back at the Six Invitational earlier this year, but if you missed it, his turret is now gone. Well, almost: his primary weapon is now that same DP27 LMG but sans the tripod, and it chews through cover like a dog with homework. For a gadget, he now has the Shumikha Launcher; an incendiary grenade hurler with 10 rounds that can set fire to surfaces and help deny access to areas. This kit means he’s definitely still an anchor-style defender, but with more versatility and mobility. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/08/rainbow-six-siege-tachanka-rework-gameplay"] As with all Siege seasons, the operators are not the only addition. The Skyscraper map has been reworked, although it’s not quite the overhaul that many other maps have received. It still looks and feels identical to its original incarnation, but you’ll find some adjustment to entry points and walkways. Hopefully these small adjustments will make all of its bomb sites more viable. On the balancing side, Jager’s ADS has been substantially altered; each device can now fire down infinite projectiles rather than just two, but there is now a 10-second cooldown between each shot. This makes him notably weaker against things like Fuze assaults, but does provide more long-term endurance. Hibana has also been altered, with her X-KAIROS launcher now able to select either 2, 4, or 6 pellet shots, allowing for better conservation of ammunition and more choice over breach size. Echo’s Yokai drone has been debuffed, and now is visible when placed on ceilings. As for non-operator balances, attackers will be alerted about defender run-outs after one second rather than two seconds. The bomb defusal animation has been moved closer to an operator’s feet, and there is now a ‘no drop’ zone on bomb sites to prevent operators from accidentally dropping the defuser when close to the bomb. For more Rainbow Six Siege, check out our tips for playing as Sam Fisher and a look at the new Ubisoft Connect that replaces the Uplay launcher and achievements system. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

PS5 Launch Title Sackboy: A Big Adventure’s Online Co-Op Delayed

PlayStation 5 launch title Sackboy: A Big Adventure's online multiplayer will not make it for its release date of November 12, 2020, and will instead arrive in a patch "by the end of 2020." Revealed on PlayStation.Blog, Sackboy: A Big Adventure will still support local co-op on launch day, but the online component was delayed to ensure it "is the very best experience it can be for players and we just need a little more time to get it right so you can enjoy it to the fullest with your friends and family." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/26/sackboy-a-big-adventure-new-ps5-ps4-gameplay-details"] The patch that will bring online multiplayer will also add cross-generation multiplayer so PS4 and PS5 players can play together, as well as game save transfers from PS4 to PS5. For those who do plan on picking up Sackboy: A Big Adventure at launch, they will be able to play the adventure solo or with up to 4 players locally. This news follows a big deep-dive reveal on everything players can expect from Sackboy: A Big Adventure, including why it will run at a locked 60 FPS, how it approachable but still challenging at parts, why PS4 players shouldn't be disappointed, and much more. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-playstation-5-games&captions=true"] Sackboy's newest game is one of the many PS5 launch titles that will welcome in the next generation next week. For more, check out our PS5 review and reviews of both Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Astro's Playroom. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

PS5 Launch Title Sackboy: A Big Adventure’s Online Co-Op Delayed

PlayStation 5 launch title Sackboy: A Big Adventure's online multiplayer will not make it for its release date of November 12, 2020, and will instead arrive in a patch "by the end of 2020." Revealed on PlayStation.Blog, Sackboy: A Big Adventure will still support local co-op on launch day, but the online component was delayed to ensure it "is the very best experience it can be for players and we just need a little more time to get it right so you can enjoy it to the fullest with your friends and family." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/26/sackboy-a-big-adventure-new-ps5-ps4-gameplay-details"] The patch that will bring online multiplayer will also add cross-generation multiplayer so PS4 and PS5 players can play together, as well as game save transfers from PS4 to PS5. For those who do plan on picking up Sackboy: A Big Adventure at launch, they will be able to play the adventure solo or with up to 4 players locally. This news follows a big deep-dive reveal on everything players can expect from Sackboy: A Big Adventure, including why it will run at a locked 60 FPS, how it approachable but still challenging at parts, why PS4 players shouldn't be disappointed, and much more. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-playstation-5-games&captions=true"] Sackboy's newest game is one of the many PS5 launch titles that will welcome in the next generation next week. For more, check out our PS5 review and reviews of both Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Astro's Playroom. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

The Witcher Production on Season 2 Halted Due to Multiple COVID-19 Diagnoses

Netflix's hit series The Witcher is the latest production to shut down due to multiple positive COVID-19 tests. Reported by Deadline, there are four positive coronavirus cases among the on-set crew for The Witcher and Netflix is now doing an "isolated round of testing of everyone involved in the show." None of those impacted are from the core cast -- including Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, and Freya Allan -- and those who've been affected have been isolated. Once it's safe to resume production, Netflix will get the Season 2 cameras rolling again for the show at Arborfield Studios, near London. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=live-action-versions-of-video-game-characters&captions=true"] The Witcher series showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich offered up the following statement on Twitter, saying "We Witchers are okay." The Witcher's second season had just swapped over to in-studio filming due to England entering a new month-long lockdown on Thursday in response to a recent surge in coronavirus cases. Season 2 had started filming again this past August after the shoot was initially suspended back in March when Witcher actor actor Kristofer Hivju tested positive for COVID-19 and Netflix paused filming on all of its films and TV shows in response to the pandemic. Netflix is also working on The Witcher: Blood Origin, a six-part spin-off prequel series set 1,200 years before Geralt walked the lands of the Northern Kingdoms. The Witcher: Season 2 is currently set for 2021. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/23/the-witcher-henry-cavill-breaks-down-geralts-fight-with-renfri"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

The Witcher Production on Season 2 Halted Due to Multiple COVID-19 Diagnoses

Netflix's hit series The Witcher is the latest production to shut down due to multiple positive COVID-19 tests. Reported by Deadline, there are four positive coronavirus cases among the on-set crew for The Witcher and Netflix is now doing an "isolated round of testing of everyone involved in the show." None of those impacted are from the core cast -- including Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, and Freya Allan -- and those who've been affected have been isolated. Once it's safe to resume production, Netflix will get the Season 2 cameras rolling again for the show at Arborfield Studios, near London. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=live-action-versions-of-video-game-characters&captions=true"] The Witcher's second season had just swapped over to in-studio filming due to England entering a new month-long lockdown on Thursday in response to a recent surge in coronavirus cases. Season 2 had started filming again this past August after the shoot was initially suspended back in March when Witcher actor actor Kristofer Hivju tested positive for COVID-19 and Netflix paused filming on all of its films and TV shows in response to the pandemic. Netflix is also working on The Witcher: Blood Origin, a six-part spin-off prequel series set 1,200 years before Geralt walked the lands of the Northern Kingdoms. The Witcher: Season 2 is currently set for 2021. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/23/the-witcher-henry-cavill-breaks-down-geralts-fight-with-renfri"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.