"Jurassic Park" was an awe-inspiring movie for 12-year-old Bryce Dallas Howard to watch as a tween in 1993, a feeling she still remembers today.
"[It was] one of those life-changing theatrical experiences," she recalled on TODAY on Tuesday.
So it's a lovely full circle Howard is making these days. Not only because she's starring in the latest entry to the series, "Jurassic World," but because she's been able to pass the joy of the "Jurassic" universe on to her 8-year-old son Theodore.
"We have a tradition in my family, when you're 7 years old you're allowed to be an extra," Howard, who is the daughter of actor-director (and, of course, former child star) Ron Howard, explained. "[Theodore] turned 7 during this movie and he got to be an extra in a petting zoo scene, and he got to hug a dinosaur. ... It's too awesome!"
That said, Howard's 3-1/2-year-old daughter Beatrice had a very different experience with the film. One night, recalled Howard, she came home from shooting and told Beatrice, "Today I worked with a dinosaur!"
"I thought there would be wonder in her eyes ... she just looked petrified," admitted the actress. "Every single night since, before I put her to bed she's asked me if the dinosaurs are going to come into her room."
No, but they'll be in theaters soon. "Jurassic World" opens June 12.