I have always been of two minds about the use of popular brands in “Jurassic World.” On the one hand, it’s blatant product placement, but on the other, it is a rather accurate rendering of a CityWalk-style shopping and dining location. That was the mindset that director Colin Trevorrow and producer Frank Marshall had when creating this section of the Jurassic World theme park, as they expressed in a behind-the-scenes featurette. At the top of their list for what to include was Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Frankly, a Universal-operated space like this would not be complete without a Margaritaville. They thought it would be even more fun if Buffett came in to be the bartender for that location in the film.
Frank Marshall and Jimmy Buffett were friends for over 40 years prior to Buffett’s passing, which makes asking for the use of Margaritaville a little easier. In recent years, the two collaborated quite a bit. Marshall was the lead producer on the Broadway production of the Jimmy Buffett jukebox musical “Escape to Margaritaville.” He also directed and produced (along with Buffett) last year’s “Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story” documentary, which strangely puts Buffett at the forefront of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. So, not only does the Margaritaville inclusion feel germane to the world of the film, but Frank Marshall got to have some fun with his friend. Who can knock a couple of guys who, at the time, were in their late 60s from wanting to do that?
Plus, “Jurassic World” got to have a fun musical guest for their premiere party. Jimmy Buffett, you will beĀ missed.