Enlighten Me: Why isn't Ellie Sattler the Star of 'Jurassic World'?

Something has survived.  Yeah, my indignation!

Like many people who were born in the early 80's, Jurassic Park was a cinematic milestone of my life.  That movie effing scared the raptor piss out of me.  It was also my introduction to some well-regarded actors like Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, and, most importantly, Laura Dern.  Dern played Dr. Ellie Sattler, a paleobotanist in a relationship with Neill's paleontologist.  They are whisked away to Jurassic Park...and you know the rest.  

Jurassic World, the fourth film in the franchise, is being developed, and they are slowly announcing the cast.  It's kind of a reboot for the films since there hasn't been one since 2001, but we will just call it a sequel.  So far the cast includes: Idris Elba, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, and David Oyelowo, and the biggest announcement is Josh Brolin as the lead.  WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!  Wait one minute!  Why the hell hasn't Laura Dern been asked to reprise her role as Dr. Ellie Sattler?!?! 

My honest reaction.

Let's review, shall we? 

The original Park starred Neil, Goldblum, Dern, and Attenborough. 

Goldblum returned to star in the sequel, The Lost World: Jurassic Park.  Attenborough has a small cameo in the beginning, and Ariana Richards and Joseph Mazzello came back for a small scene in the beginning. 

Neill sold his soul returned for the third installment, Jurassic Park III in 2001.  And yes, I am aware that Dern had a small part at the end of the movie.  Yes, I know that a lot of people count this as her "coming back." 

I want Dr. Ellie Sattler to come back as the LEAD of Jurassic World.  She deserves it.  I would feel better hearing a news story that says that Dern turned down a role.  Is it because she's a woman over 40, and they don't think that she could headline a big tentpole action movie?  Her returning as the focus of the film is just Jurassic Park math here, people!  She is next in line for the Jurassic throne!   

Do what's right, Universal Studios!  Give Dr. Ellie Sattler her due!

Right on, Ellie, right on.