Pixar’s children’s classic Toy Story 2 (1999) has a brilliant Easter egg for the Spielberg adventure film Jurassic Park (1993). At first glance, a sentimental G-rated movie and a suspenseful PG-13 film don’t seem to have much in common. However, they share a common conflict catalyst from very similar characters played by the same actor. Disgruntled dinosaur park employee Dennis Nedry and toy collector Al McWhiggin create the central problem in their respective movies by acting impulsively.
Both Al and Nedry act on the possibility of a fast payday through illegal means without thinking through the potential ramifications of their actions. In Toy Story 2, the dramatic action is sparked by Al McWhiggin’s stealing Woody after Andy’s mother refuses to sell Woody to Al. This sends the other toys on a journey to rescue their friend. Jurassic Park begins with Nedry stealing dinosaur embryos. As part of this theft, he cuts the power to the park, making escaping from the dinosaurs more perilous than otherwise. Both men inflict harm on others by acting on their greed.
How Toy Story 2 References Jurassic Park’s Nedry
The characters share two specific details: both have the same glasses, and both are played by veteran actor Wayne Knight, best known as Seinfeld’s nemesis Newman. They share many personality traits, both very emotional which they express in immature ways. They also show anger or resentment that is out of proportion to the situation. For instance, McWhiggin has an over-the-top temper in Toy Story 2 and defaults to rude behavior unless he has to be polite. In Jurassic Park, owner John Hammond tells Nedry that his personal financial problems are not his concern and to just do his job.
Both Al and Nedry are physically very similar, as well. Like too many unethical characters, both Nedry and Al have a body type that is considered overweight in our society. They both have the same glasses and short, dark hair. Beyond that, the Jurassic Park and Toy Story 2 characters have very similar mannerisms, such as how they talk with their hands when angry or excited.
Al & Nedry Have Major Character Parallels
Al McWhiggin and Dennis Nedry have very similar story arcs and characteristics, even beyond their thieving ways and immature outbursts. They are also both motivated by materialism and greed to be their respective movie’s villain. Jurassic Park’s Nedry and Toy Story 2’s Al seem to feel undervalued and frustrated at their respective day jobs. Instead of working harder or finding a different place of employment, they attempt to take the easy way out by cutting legal corners. They also both have a terrible habit of talking back to their bosses when they disagree with what they are told regarding their work.
These similarities between Al McWhiggin and Dennis Nedry are unlikely to be purely coincidental. There are just too many connections between the characters, being so similar physically, emotionally, and motivationally. The intentional nature of the connection seems stronger since they are played by the same actor. It’s a fun and unexpected connection that he plays two such similar characters in such different movies as Jurassic Park and Toy Story 2.