 Before Crichton's novel was published, four studios put in bids for its film rights.With the backing of Universal Studios, Spielberg acquired the rights for $1.5 million before its publication in 1990; Crichton was hired for an additional $500,000 to adapt the novel for the screen.Koepp wrote the final draft, which left out much of the novel's exposition and violence and made numerous changes to the characters.