logo
Lord of the Rings Director aims to revive New Zealand's Moa bird species extinct for 600 years

Lord of the Rings Director aims to revive New Zealand's Moa bird species extinct for 600 years

Express Tribune09-07-2025
Peter Jackson is collaborating with Colossal Biosciences to revive New Zealand's Moa bird species, which has been extinct for 600 years.
Known for directing The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, Jackson has invested in the Texas-based biotech company to support the potential revival of the giant Moa bird.
These flightless birds span nine unique species, with some standing up to 3.6 metres tall and weighing as much as 500lbs.
Colossal Biosciences is working with the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre in New Zealand to collect Moa bones for DNA sampling.
Jackson and his partner Fran Walsh have already gathered around 400 Moa bones, which have been sampled for DNA to assist in creating a complete genome.
'Fran and I have a collection of around 400 Moa bones, and we've already sampled them for DNA,' Jackson told IGN. 'I see my role over the next year or two as gathering as many more bones as I can. The more bones, the better the genome.'
Jackson added, 'I've always loved the idea of de-extinction. Particularly, since the science can also have huge benefits with endangered species too.'
The Moa project is a personal passion for Jackson, who told MSN, 'The movies are my day job, and the Moa are my fun thing I do.'
Colossal Biosciences has recently been in the spotlight for similar projects. The company's work aims to use de-extinction science to support biodiversity and conservation efforts globally.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Michael Jackson biopic faces yet another delay in release
Michael Jackson biopic faces yet another delay in release

Express Tribune

time3 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Michael Jackson biopic faces yet another delay in release

The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, has been rescheduled for a April 24, 2026 worldwide release. This marks the third delay for the project, which was initially set for April 2025 and later October 2025. Produced by Graham King with a screenplay by John Logan, the film spans Jackson's rise from his Jackson 5 beginnings to the final weeks of his life. It features an ensemble cast including Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller as Jackson's longtime attorney, John Branca. The decision to push the release aligns with additional production work: the third act underwent significant reshoots due to legal considerations and narrative tweaks. Industry reports suggest approximately 22 extra days of filming were completed in June, and discussions are underway about potentially splitting the film into two parts to accommodate its three-and-a-half-hour runtime. With a production budget around $155 million, Michael is positioned as one of the most ambitious music biopics in recent memory. Studios are betting on its potential for awards season, though estate oversight, legal constraints, and runtime challenges have complicated its path.

'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 3: Jeremiah's engagement ring for Belly goes viral on the internet
'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 3: Jeremiah's engagement ring for Belly goes viral on the internet

Express Tribune

time3 days ago

  • Express Tribune

'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 3: Jeremiah's engagement ring for Belly goes viral on the internet

The Summer I Turned Pretty's final season has reached an emotional high point in Episode 3, but fans are focusing on one detail—Belly's engagement ring from Jeremiah. After proposing without a ring in Episode 2, Jeremiah tries again in a more traditional fashion, on one knee in his fraternity house bedroom. Belly accepts the ring and calls it perfect, but viewers were less convinced. Social media was quick to weigh in with jokes on the ring's appearance or lack thereof. LMAOSKSOJSODJD BELLY SHOWING OFF A NONEXISTENT RING — yara- tsitp s3 spoilers (@rainingnaley) July 23, 2025 conrad wondering why tf she's holding 5 fingers up — 💋 tsitp spoilers (@b8nrad) July 23, 2025 LMAOOOOOO THIS IS SO UNSERIOUS😭😭😭 — lilly💌 tsitp spoilers (@summerssfault) July 23, 2025 me every time belly pulled out that so-called ring #tsitp — cristal🫧 (@niazscripted) July 23, 2025 Even Belly's best friend Taylor mocks it in the show, asking, 'Is it a diamond or, like, a sliver of tinfoil?' The ring in question is the Diamond Fizz Ring by Brooklyn-based jeweller Catbird. It features a 3mm-round, .089-carat brilliant-cut recycled white diamond set in a 14K recycled yellow gold band. Though petite, the design stays faithful to the original book, which describes it as 'a silver ring with a little diamond in the center.' It's also a personal purchase—Jeremiah proudly tells Belly's family he bought it with his own money. Despite the backlash, some fans see the understated ring as a sweet, character-fitting choice for Belly. Still, many are questioning the suddenness of the engagement, especially after Jeremiah admitted to cheating earlier in the season. With Conrad's unresolved feelings still looming and Belly's future plans unfolding, the drama is far from over.

Wuchang Fallen Feathers launches with layered combat, divisive bosses and deep build experimentation
Wuchang Fallen Feathers launches with layered combat, divisive bosses and deep build experimentation

Express Tribune

time3 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Wuchang Fallen Feathers launches with layered combat, divisive bosses and deep build experimentation

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has launched to a wave of reviews highlighting its fast-paced combat and layered systems, while also noting challenges in its difficulty balance. Polygon's Austin Manchester noted that the game's clash mechanic, allowing players to hit through enemy attacks while deflecting damage, made him feel as powerful as the bosses faced in-game. Manchester highlighted the weapon variety and skill tree, praising the 'layered combat system with engaging playstyles' while noting boss difficulty could be uneven. Dexerto's Nathan Warby described Wuchang as 'a bone-crushingly difficult experience,' praising its deep Skyborn Might system, which rewards precise dodging to power special moves. However, Warby found some sections more frustrating than challenging, citing surprise hazards and occasional difficulty spikes. IGN's Mitchell Saltzman commended Wuchang's 'best-in-class skill tree' and flexible build options, stating the system allowed for meaningful experimentation. Saltzman praised its interconnected level design and fast-paced combat but noted some later boss fights provided limited openings for damage, reducing the satisfaction of perfect dodges. Android Police's Tomas Franzese shared a contrasting view, stating that while Wuchang 'understands what works about Soulslike,' it 'flies a little too close to the sun.' Franzese found the relentless bosses and lack of co-op systems led to a frustrating experience, adding that for players who prioritise fun over challenge, Wuchang may not resonate. Despite mixed views on its pacing and difficulty, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has sparked conversation among Soulslike fans and reviewers alike for its approach to combat depth and experimentation, positioning it as a notable addition to the genre in 2025.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store