Fans staying at our Comic-Con hotel couldn’t believe it when they spotted Tricia Helfer in the elevator, and she’s got a wild new movie to promote. Helfer was at Comic-Con to support Primitive War, an upcoming sci-fi war thriller that pits soldiers against dinosaurs in the jungles of Vietnam. Watch the trailer below.
Regarding the encounter, a friend of mine was in the elevator when Tricia Helfer and her entourage were coming down, assumed headed to her Comic-Con panel.
From what I am told, the fans couldn’t believe it was the fan-favorite actress, known for Battlestar: Galactica, Lucifer, and more. I’m told Tricia Helfer gave a soft smile, and that when she exited, the fans couldn’t stop talking about her.
It’s pretty cool and goes to show you what can happen at Comic-Con.
Primitive War Hits Theaters This August
Primitive War is set to hit theaters across the U.S. and Australia on August 21, 2025, with a worldwide release to follow. The film is based on Ethan Pettus’ cult novel and comes from director Luke Sparke (Occupation). It follows a recon unit in 1968 sent to locate a missing Green Beret platoon—only to discover something prehistoric lurking in the jungle.
The movie blends gritty military action with brutal dinosaur mayhem. Think Predator meets Jurassic Park, with a serious tone that leans more into survival horror than traditional sci-fi.
Helfer Plays a Lone Paleontologist
In an interview with Rama’s Screen on YouTube, Helfer shared that she plays Sophia Wagner, a paleontologist who’s been surviving alone in the jungle for nearly a year after a tragic encounter involving dinosaurs. She eventually crosses paths with the Vulture Squad and teams up with them as the group uncovers the deadly truth behind the jungle’s secrets.
Helfer described the film as a serious war movie that just happens to have dinosaurs, rather than traditional science fiction. She compared it more to Predator or Kong: Skull Island than Battlestar Galactica or Lucifer, noting that while there are no aliens, the danger is very real—and very hungry.
“A Good Group of People”
Helfer also said the cast bonded deeply on set, even forming a WhatsApp group chat they still use a year after filming wrapped. “They were nice enough to allow me in,” she said of her co-stars. “Once filming started… we really did become a team.”
When asked about her favorite dinosaur, Helfer picked the “Deinonychus,” which she described as “little ones but they’re mean.” She added, “Of course, the T-Rex is impressive,” she added, “but I like Deinonychus.”
Watch the official Primitive War trailer:
