What do you get when you combine war-torn Vietnam, Green Berets, and… dinosaurs? A uniquely wild concept brought to life in the upcoming action-packed sci-fi horror film Primitive War. The freshly released teaser trailer promises chaos, thrill, and prehistoric terror.
Directed by Luke Sparke (Occupation: Rainfall), Primitive War is an adaptation of Ethan Pettus’ 2017 novel. The story takes place in Vietnam in 1968, where the elite Vulture Squad, a search and rescue team, is sent into a secluded jungle valley to locate a missing Green Beret platoon. What they uncover isn’t just the horrors of war, but ancient predators that have turned the battlefield into their hunting ground. Yes, that’s right—dinosaurs rule this deadly terrain!
a high-concept survival horror
You might be wondering, “Dinosaurs in Vietnam—is this another Jurassic Park spin-off?” Not exactly. The trailer wastes no time in establishing its gritty tone, taking a clear step away from any family-friendly dinosaur adventures. It’s brutal, intense, and doesn’t shy away from the carnage—you’ll quickly realize these aren’t creatures to gawk at from a jeep; they are the apex predators of the jungle, waiting to make soldiers their next meal.
Veteran actor Jeremy Piven (Entourage), Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica), and Nick Wechsler (The Boys) lead the ensemble cast, navigating between the horrors of war and the clawed, flesh-eating terror of their prehistoric enemies. Throw in Sparke’s talent for handling large-scale action sequences, and the film has the potential to leave a lasting roar among both sci-fi and horror fans.
The film’s synopsis teases a psychological component as well, highlighting how the feral nature of survival against such monstrous foes forces the squad to “embrace their savage instincts.” It’s not just about external struggles—questions about humanity and the extent one might go to endure are at the core of the story.
a bigger playground for dinosaur horror
What makes the idea behind Primitive War so exciting is its originality in the dinosaur movie genre. While iconic franchises like Jurassic Park defined dino-cinema, they’ve left little room for grittier and gorier depictions of these ancient predators. Films like 65 (2023), in which Adam Driver fought dinosaurs in a time-warped sci-fi thriller, have paved the way for narratives that explore darker tones within dino-themed storytelling. Primitive War aims to capitalize on this growing trend, with its trailer already showcasing spine-chilling encounters that seamlessly blend survival horror with raw action.
The visual effects seen in the trailer appear promising, capturing the ferocity of the creatures without necessarily relying on the same levels of polish as larger studio blockbusters. Coupled with a nostalgic military setting and high-stakes action, this creates a unique crossover that could resonate with fans of both creature features and war dramas. Think Predator meets Jurassic Park, with a splash of Apocalypse Now thrown into the mix.
what to expect from Primitive War
The trailer ticks several boxes for horror and sci-fi enthusiasts. Highlights include:
- Intense Battles: The trailer often juxtaposes the chaos of war with primal confrontations, as soldiers are forced to outthink (and outmaneuver) man-eating dinosaurs while maintaining their mission.
- Grim Themes: Unlike more fantastical dinosaur fare, Primitive War leans into themes of survival, fear, and the mental toll of facing unimaginable circumstances.
- A Twisted Atmosphere: Jungle settings are inherently claustrophobic and mysterious, and when combined with lurking predators, the environment becomes an unpredictable antagonist of its own.
- Star-Powered Ensemble: With seasoned performers like Ryan Kwanten and Tricia Helfer, expect more character-driven moments amid the intense action sequences.
the man behind the madness
Director Luke Sparke is no stranger to ambitious projects. Having previously worked on Occupation Rainfall, where humanity fought invading extraterrestrials, Sparke clearly has a knack for blending large-scale threats with raw, character-driven drama. His vision for Primitive War emphasizes the gritty realism of war films, but with an added layer of prehistoric terror that sets it apart from traditional action movies.
Sparke shared his thoughts about taking on this near-mythical concept in a prior statement, saying, “Dinosaurs in the Vietnam War? What’s not to love about that concept?! When I first heard about the books, I loved the ideas and concepts Ethan Pettus brought to life. We’re shaping our film version into an exciting survival-horror experience.”
With his focus on practical effects, immersive settings, and intense action, Sparke seems poised to give audiences a tale of survival like we’ve never seen before.
Primitive War release date
Currently, Primitive War is scheduled to stomp into theaters in the summer of 2025, just in time to deliver chills and thrills for the blockbuster season. For fans itching to know what happens when you pit Green Berets against daunting apex predators, this is one to watch.
While we’re not here to endorse the movie, it’s hard to deny the curiosity the trailer has stirred among us. Whether you’re a die-hard dinosaur enthusiast or someone looking for a fresh take on war films, Primitive War might just find its way onto your must-watch list.
Keep an eye out for updates as more information (and perhaps an official release date) surfaces. Until then, give the trailer a view and prepare yourself for a wild ride through Vietnam’s most dangerous jungle.