Dinotopia (miniseries) facts for kids

Dinotopia is a special TV miniseries made for television. It has three episodes and was created by Walt Disney Television and Hallmark Entertainment. The story is based on the amazing world of Dinotopia, where humans and intelligent dinosaurs live together peacefully. This world was imagined by American author James Gurney.

The miniseries uses ideas from Gurney's first two Dinotopia books. These are Dinotopia (1992) and Dinotopia: The World Beneath (1995). However, the TV show takes place much later in the future. The main characters are two American teenage brothers. They crash their father's plane into the sea. They then find themselves stranded on Dinotopia. There, they must learn to live in a completely new society. The music for the show was created by Trevor Jones. The London Symphony Orchestra performed this music.

The miniseries first aired on ABC from May 12–14, 2002. It was part of The Wonderful World of Disney. The show won an Emmy Award for its amazing visual effects. After the miniseries, a television series was made, but it only lasted for one season.

What Happens in Dinotopia?

A Crash Landing and a New World

The story begins with two teenage half-brothers, Karl and David Scott. They are flying with their dad, Frank, in his private plane. Karl takes control so his dad can rest. But they fly into a big storm. Frank tries to save the plane, but it crashes into the ocean. Frank helps his sons escape, but he gets stuck.

Karl and David wash up on a huge, unknown island. They are looking for help when they meet a man named Cyrus Crabb. He tells them they are in Dinotopia. This is a secret place where people and dinosaurs live together in peace. Crabb takes the boys to a village. The boys are surprised to see people wearing clothes from many different times and places.

Meeting New Friends and Discovering Mysteries

In the village, they see a young Dinotopian woman named Marion Waldo. She calms down an Ankylosaurus that has a toothache. The boys become friends with Marion. They then take a Brachiosaur "bus" to Waterfall City. During the trip, the "Brachs" get scared by something unseen.

Marion, David, Karl, and the Brach bus driver go into the forest to check. They find Tyrannosaurus Rex footprints. Marion is worried because Tyrannosaurus usually don't hunt in groups. She feels a strange imbalance after finding a destroyed Dinotopian village. For the safety of the Brachs, the group stays the night in the ruined village.

Danger and Discovery

Later that night, a group of T-Rex attacks them. Karl, David, and Marion run for their lives. Marion falls and is almost caught by a T-Rex. But then, a group of Skybax Riders arrive. These are humans who ride on large, flying dinosaurs called Pterosaurs. They distract the Tyrannosaurus and scare them away. The Skybax leader, Oonu, offers to take the Brachs to Waterfall City.

Some dinosaurs in Dinotopia are very smart. They can even speak perfect English. One of them is a friendly Stenonychosaurus named Zippo. A big rule in Dinotopia is that once you arrive, you can never leave. As Karl and David get used to their new home, they both become close with Marion. She is about to become a "matriarch," a leader in Dinotopian society.

The Sunstones and a Villain

An old legend says that Dinotopia's ancestors lived underground. This underworld was lit by special "sunstones." Cyrus Crabb has been secretly stealing old items and books. He is trying to find a way to leave the island. Zippo finds all the stolen things. But Cyrus knocks him out and throws him into a canal.

Meanwhile, Karl finds a dinosaur egg and goes on a mission alone. The sunstones keep breaking, which makes the dinosaurs act strangely. David needs to learn to be brave and face his fears. Sadly, dangerous meat-eating dinosaurs and a human villain threaten to destroy Dinotopia and everyone in it.

Who Are the Main Characters?

• Wentworth Miller as David Scott: He is one of the brothers who arrives in Dinotopia. David is smart and kind. He becomes the first human to fly with a Pteranodon named "Freefall." He learns to overcome his fear of heights and helps save Waterfall City.
• Tyron Leitso as Karl Scott: David's half-brother. Karl is daring and a bit rebellious. He becomes friends with a baby Chasmosaur he calls 26. Karl learns to be responsible. He helps the Dinotopians understand the danger of the failing sunstones.
• David Thewlis as Cyrus Crabb: He is the main bad guy in the miniseries. Cyrus is tricky and doesn't like Dinotopian society. He tries to find a way to leave the island.
• Katie Carr as Marion Waldo: A kind and brave young woman from Dinotopia. She is the granddaughter of a famous explorer. Marion helps David and Karl learn about Dinotopia. Both brothers like her. She and Zippo are good friends.
• Jim Carter as Lord Mayor Waldo Seville: He is the Mayor of Waterfall City and Marion's father. At first, he seems happy about the boys' arrival. But he is also very proud and doesn't see the danger of the failing sunstones. He cares deeply for Marion and eventually realizes his mistakes.
• Alice Krige as Rosemary Waldo: Marion's mother and the Matriarch of the Earth Farm. She is calm and believes in Marion. Rosemary sees the imbalance that her husband misses.
• Colin Salmon as Capt. Oonu: The strong leader of the Skybax riders. He is strict but sees potential in David, even though David is afraid of heights.
• Lee Evans as Zippo: A very smart Stenonychosaurus scholar. He is a bit nervous but very intelligent. Zippo is loyal to the Scott brothers and is good friends with Marion. He speaks with an English accent.

Dinosaurs and Other Creatures in Dinotopia

Here are some of the amazing creatures you'll see in Dinotopia:

• Ankylosaurus: A large, armored dinosaur.
• Brachiosaurus ("Brach"): A giant, long-necked dinosaur used as a "bus."
• Chasmosaurus: A horned dinosaur, like a smaller Triceratops.
• Parasaurolophus ("Overlander"/Guard): A duck-billed dinosaur with a long crest on its head.
• Mosasaurus: A large sea reptile.
• Pteranodon: A large flying reptile, ridden by Skybax riders.
• Stegosaurus: A dinosaur with plates on its back and a spiked tail.
• Dunkleosteus: An ancient, armored fish.
• Troodon (Zippo): A smart, bird-like dinosaur.
• Tyrannosaurus rex: A large, meat-eating dinosaur.
• Triceratops: A horned dinosaur with three horns.
• Dimorphodon: A smaller flying reptile.