King of the Lost World

King of the Lost World

Year: 2005

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

DramaActionThrillerScience FictionEpic heroes

A modern retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic adventure sees a commercial airliner doomed to crash in the deep Amazon. The survivors find themselves trapped in a bizarre, hostile realm where colossal scorpions, fire‑breathing dragons and a ten‑story‑tall simian monster roam, forcing them to battle the savage environment and each other for survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen King of the Lost World yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – King of the Lost World (2005)

Explore the full timeline and setting of King of the Lost World (2005). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern era

Set in a contemporary timeframe, the story unfolds after a military plane crashes in a remote jungle. Military jets overhead and the use of a nuclear device anchor the plot in a tech-age context, underscoring the clash between modern power and the jungle’s prehistoric hazards.

Location

Remote Jungle, Crash Site, Plateau

A dense, remote jungle serves as the primary backdrop for the survival ordeal. Survivors shuttle between a downed plane, a distant cockpit, and a plateau where a native ritual unfolds. The terrain alternates between claustrophobic canopies, open clearings, and dark caverns, all while hidden predators intensify the danger.

🌴 Jungle 🗺️ Isolated terrain 🦖 Predator-rich environment

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:21

Main Characters – King of the Lost World (2005)

Meet the key characters of King of the Lost World (2005), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ed Malone (Jeff Denton)

A resourceful survivor who takes the lead in locating the cockpit and coordinating the rescue effort. He shows practical, in-the-moment problem-solving under extreme pressure. In a climactic choice, he detonates a nuclear bomb to end the threat, sacrificing himself and trapping his allies in the jungle.

🗝️ Intrepid 🧭 Pragmatic 🗡️ Brave

Lt. Challenger (Bruce Boxleitner)

A mission-driven figure who arrives with authority and a sense that the crash is part of a larger scheme. He guides the survivors and assumes a protective role as the situation worsens. He sacrifices himself to shield the group during the ape attack.

🛡️ Leader 🔎 Mysterious 🗃️ Protective

John Roxton (Rhett Giles)

A bold explorer who leads the push toward the cockpit and drives the rescue effort. His courage is tempered by fatal risk, and he dies alongside Tianka in the jungle's perils. His presence underscores the high price of daring rescue attempts.

⚔️ Explorer 🔥 Courage 🎯 Focused

Rita Summerlee (Sarah Lieving)

A steady, practical survivor who keeps morale up and coordinates the group’s actions. She provides a stabilizing voice amid chaos and maintains focus on the objective. She endures the ordeal alongside the remaining survivors.

💪 Resilient ⚙️ Coordinator 🗨️ Support

Tianka (Boni Yanagisawa)

A brave ally who fights alongside the group and shares in the expedition’s dangers. She is killed along with Roxton, underscoring the jungle’s indiscriminate peril. Her courage reflects the cost paid by those who choose to help others.

🗡️ Warrior 🗺️ Ally ⚔️ Ally

Dana (Christina Rosenberg)

A member of the survivors who is brainwashed by the natives during the ritual but reveals inner resolve when needed. She ultimately aids Ed at the critical moment, demonstrating adaptability and courage under manipulation. She remains a key ally throughout the plateau ordeal.

🧠 Brainwashed 🧭 Loyal 🕯️ Courage

Natalie (Amanda Ward)

Another survivor who endures the ordeal alongside the main trio. Brainwashed at the ritual, she remains a witness to the jungle’s brutality and survives the chaotic ending with the others.

💪 Survivor 👁️ Witness ⏳ Enduring

Olo (Chriss Anglin)

A member of the group whose presence heightens the danger as the natives’ motives unfold. He contributes to the tense dynamics of the plateau and the survival effort.

🗡️ Ally 🌀 Tension 🌴 Jungle

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:21

Major Themes – King of the Lost World (2005)

Explore the central themes of King of the Lost World (2005), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗺️ Survival

Survival drives every decision as the group navigates the jungle's hazards and scavenges for parts to signal for help. Plans are improvised under extreme pressure, turning a rescue attempt into a meticulous, high-stakes chase. The relentless dangers test loyalty, ingenuity, and the will to endure.

🕊️ Sacrifice

Sacrifice frames the narrative—from Roxton and Tianka's deaths to Challenger's selfless stand. Leadership is measured by what one gives up for others, and Ed's ultimate act with a nuclear device embodies a desperate, costly attempt to end the threat. The true cost of survival is paid in lives.

🔎 Mystery

A layered mystery unfolds as the crash site reveals a wrong fuselage and missing cockpit instruments. The natives' ritual hints at a deeper history with the jungle, turning the rescue into a scavenger hunt for clues. Tension thickens as hidden motives and breakneck twists emerge.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:21

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of King of the Lost World

Don't stop at just watching — explore King of the Lost World in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what King of the Lost World is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

King of the Lost World Summary

Read a complete plot summary of King of the Lost World, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

King of the Lost World Summary

King of the Lost World Timeline

Track the full timeline of King of the Lost World with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

King of the Lost World Timeline

King of the Lost World Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of King of the Lost World that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

King of the Lost World Spoiler-Free Summary

More About King of the Lost World

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about King of the Lost World: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About King of the Lost World