Actor Sam Neill has confirmed several members of the Jurassic Park film crew have tested positive for the virus. Photo / Getty Images
Kiwi actor Sam Neill has taken to Twitter to share the news of positive coronavirus tests on the set of his new movie, Jurassic World: Dominion.
Resharing the tweet from director Colin Trevorrow, Neill stated: "Yes, roaring and raging and racing back very soon after a brief pause in our Mega Maximum Monumental Milestone EPIC!"
Trevorrow announced an hour earlier the temporary suspension of filming after people on set tested positive for coronavirus.
"Woke up to the news we had a few positive Coronavirus tests on Jurassic World: Dominion. All tested negative shortly after, but due to our safety protocols, we're going to pause for two weeks. Back soon," the statement said.
Universal confirmed the news, issuing a statement and ensuring fans that safety of the cast and crew was of the utmost priority.
"Late last night, we were informed that the Jurassic World: Dominion production experienced a small number of positive tests for Covid-19," a spokesperson for Universal said in a statement.
"Even though subsequent tests proved negative this morning, due to our rigid protocols and to ensure that the safety and well-being of our entire cast and crew is paramount at all times, those who initially tested positive are currently self-isolating, as are those who they have come into contact with. As a result, filming has been temporarily paused and will resume in accordance with established safety guidelines."
The revelation comes just days after Universal pushed back the release of the new Jurassic World film. The upcoming instalment will now debut on June 10, 2022 — a year later than planned.
The film, the sixth entry in the 27-year-old series, had just started rolling cameras in the UK when coronavirus started to spread across Europe in March.
Neill, Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are reprising their roles in Jurassic World: Dominion. Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and BD Wong are also set to star.
An amicable settlement was reached – but the terms remain confidential.