New Dinosaur Thriller ‘Primitive War’ Pits Soldiers Against Prehistoric Beasts In Vietnam War

A new action-horror film from Australia is set to transport audiences to the Vietnam War—where dinosaurs roam. Primitive War, an adaptation of Ethan Pettus’ 2017 sci-fi military novel, is helmed by co-writer and director Luke Sparke (Occupation Rainfall) and scheduled for a 2025 release.

The film follows a search-and-rescue team, known as Vulture Squad, as they venture into a remote jungle valley to find a missing Green Beret platoon. What they uncover goes beyond wartime horror: a hidden world of deadly dinosaurs. According to the synopsis, the soldiers must face primal instincts and ancient horrors that threaten both their sanity and survival.

The production, led by producers Carmel Imrie and Carly Sparke, offers a grounded approach to the fantastical premise. Shot entirely on location without green screens, the film aims for an authentic and visceral experience. “It’s gritty, sweaty and raw,” said Sparke in the film’s first-look featurette. The promotional trailer highlights behind-the-scenes action, featuring the cast and crew immersed in the jungle setting.

The star-studded lineup includes Jeremy Piven (Entourage), Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica) and Nick Wechsler (The Boys). Cinematographer Wade Muller (Occupation Rainfall) and Carly Sparke, who also oversees production design and visual effects, bring the prehistoric carnage to life.

Pettus’ novel has a dedicated following, earning a 4/5 rating on Goodreads and spawning a multi-book series, spin-offs, art books and even a tabletop game. While comparisons to Jurassic Park are inevitable, Primitive War takes a grittier, more mature approach. Featuring creatures like Utahraptors—larger and fiercer than Jurassic Park’s Velociraptors—alongside T. Rex families and Kaprosuchus, the story adds a unique edge to the dinosaur genre.

“An action-packed but surprisingly human affair,” summarized GeekIreland, “it has echoes of Jurassic Park, while still very much feeling like its own beast.”

The film also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Anthony Ingruber (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Carlos Sanson Jr (Bump) and Ana Thu Nguyen (Mortal Kombat 2). 

With Jurassic World Rebirth releasing in July 2025, Primitive War is expected to carve out its niche in the prehistoric action space with a carefully timed release.

For fans of dinosaurs, war dramas and alternative history, Primitive War promises a thrilling blend of military tension and primal terror.