not interested in reprising their characters simply for a cameo, and Trevorrow shared their sentiment, placing them in major roles. Trevorrow considered the actors to be the ultimate authority on their characters. Neill said about Grant, "People don't change that much. And he's not one to change. He's as ordinary and grumpy as ever". Neill kept his boots from the first film, and compared Grant to a pair of old boots: "They've seen better days, but they're really comfortable, and there's no way you'll get rid of those". Trevorrow, Dern and Neill were in agreement on having Grant and Sattler reunite as a couple. Neill explained that Grant's love for Sattler is what motivates him to get involved in the film's storyline: "He's missed her all these years, and the opportunity to spend time with Ellie Sattler…that's what really keeps Alan going. He's happy to be with her, even if it means finding yourself in great jeopardy from time to time". Neill described Grant as "a workman of few words", whereas Malcolm "never shuts up [...] and that always drives [Grant] crazy". However, he also considers Grant to be "quietly jealous of how cool Malcolm is", saying that whenever Malcolm is "anywhere near Ellie Sattler, he's not going to be a happy camper". Dern, commenting on the age gap between her and Neill, said in 2022 that "it was only now, when we returned in a moment of cultural awareness about the patriarchy, that I was, like: 'Wow! We're not the same age?'" Dern watched Jurassic Park again prior to filming Jurassic World Dominion, though Neill had not seen it since the initial press tour in 1993. For Dominion, Neill planned to prepare for the role by getting into physical shape, as the film would include running. One scene in particular has the cast fleeing from an animatronic dinosaur. Neill, being the oldest cast member, questioned whether he could keep up with the others, though he ultimately prevailed. Neill did not view Grant as an action hero, instead calling him an ordinary person thrown into extraordinary situations throughout the film series. In Dominion, Grant has brief exchanges with Owen, who previously managed to train raptors. According to Neill, Grant has a mixed opinion of Owen, being partially critical of his work with raptors. He believes the two characters also have "quite a bit in common" because of their empathy with