Barry Sembene

Lore & Background

Barry Sembene works directly with Owen Grady and his team of Velociraptors—Blue, Charlie, Delta, and Echo. His role involves daily interactions that test the boundaries of animal intelligence and human control. While Vic Hoskins, head of InGen security, pushes to weaponize the raptors based on their ability to follow commands, Barry vehemently opposes this idea alongside Owen. This moral stance defines his character arc, distinguishing him from those who view the dinosaurs solely as assets or weapons.

In Their Own Story

The tension in the control room and paddock areas reached a breaking point when Vic Hoskins demanded the deployment of the Velociraptor squad. Barry stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Owen Grady as they rejected the notion of turning their charges into soldiers. "This is not what we do," was the implicit stance shared by both men as they watched the raptors interact with the new threat. When the Indominus rex usurped control of the pack, Charlie was killed in the ensuing chaos, and Delta and Echo were later lost while attacking the hybrid. Barry’s presence during these events underscores his commitment to the animals’ well-being over military utility. He witnessed firsthand the failure of Hoskins' plan as the raptors slaughtered most soldiers before turning on each other or fleeing.

Reader's Guide

For fans analyzing the ethical framework of Jurassic World, Barry Sembene represents the pragmatic opposition to militarization. He is not a geneticist like Dr. Henry Wu, nor a security chief like Vic Hoskins; he is an assistant and handler who understands the animals intimately. His key moments involve his refusal to support weaponizing the raptors and his participation in the failed assault on the Indominus rex. He is part of the ensemble cast including Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, appearing as a constant foil to Hoskins' aggressive tactics. His fate post-incident is not explicitly detailed beyond the evacuation of survivors, leaving his status open but emphasizing his role in the human resistance against the park's downfall.

Did You Know?

• Barry Sembene is portrayed by actor Omar Sy in the film.
• He vehemently opposes Vic Hoskins' plan to weaponize the Velociraptors, standing firmly with Owen Grady on this ethical issue.
• During the Indominus rex attack, Barry witnesses the death of raptor Charlie and the subsequent loss of Delta and Echo when the hybrid usurps the pack's alpha status.
• He is one of the few characters who actively argues against using trained dinosaurs for military purposes before the park collapses.