What Does Colossal Biosciences Do? De-Extinction Secrets Unveiled with Peter Jackson and George R.R. Martin Ties

Ever wondered What Does Colossal Biosciences Do? This Dallas-based biotech powerhouse is rewriting the rules of science by bringing extinct species back to life—think Jurassic Park, but with a real-world twist.

Founded in 2021 by tech entrepreneur Ben Lamm and geneticist George Church, Colossal Biosciences uses cutting-edge CRISPR technology to tackle de-extinction, with their latest triumph being the revival of the dire wolf.

The company’s Hollywood-worthy story doesn’t stop there—it’s backed by A-listers like Peter Jackson and George R.R. Martin, whose creative fingerprints are all over this groundbreaking venture. Ready to dig into how they pulled off the impossible and what it means for the future? Let’s explore.

How Did Colossal Biosciences Start?

Colossal Biosciences kicked off with a bold mission: to heal the planet by reversing extinction. Launched in 2021, it’s the brainchild of Ben Lamm, a serial entrepreneur, and George Church, a Harvard geneticist famous for his work on the Human Genome Project.

Their goal? Use advanced genetic engineering to resurrect lost species and bolster conservation efforts. With $435 million raised and a staggering $10.2 billion valuation, Colossal isn’t just dreaming big—it’s delivering.

The dire wolf project is their latest headline-grabber, but they’ve got their sights set on icons like the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger too.

What Technology Powers Colossal’s De-Extinction Magic?

At the heart of Colossal’s work is CRISPR—a gene-editing tool that lets scientists tweak DNA with surgical precision. For the dire wolf, they started with ancient DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull.

Using gray wolves as a base (the dire wolf’s closest living kin), they made 20 edits across 14 genes to revive traits like larger size, thicker fur, and a beefier build. These edited embryos were implanted into surrogate hound dogs, resulting in three pups: Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, born in late 2024 and early 2025.

It’s not a perfect dire wolf replica—some gaps in the ancient genome were filled with modern DNA—but it’s close enough to earn the title of “functional de-extinction.”

Why Are Peter Jackson and George R.R. Martin Involved?

Colossal’s star power comes from Peter Jackson and George R.R. Martin, who aren’t just investors—they’re part of the story. Jackson, the Lord of the Rings director, sparked the connection by calling Martin from New Zealand, urging him to talk to Ben Lamm about “something huge.”

That something? Dire wolves—creatures Martin made famous in Game of Thrones. Jackson even loaned his $1.49 million Iron Throne prop for a photoshoot with the pups. Martin, now a cultural advisor, wept when he met them, calling it “magic.”

Their involvement bridges science and pop culture, amplifying Colossal’s mission.

What’s the Dire Wolf Revival Really About?

The dire wolf project isn’t just a cool stunt—it’s a proof-of-concept for Colossal’s bigger goals. These pups, now living on a 2,000-acre preserve in the northern U.S., showcase how de-extinction can work.

They’re bigger than gray wolves—already 80 pounds at six months, likely hitting 140 pounds as adults—with white fur and muscular frames suited for ancient ecosystems.

Colossal paired this effort with cloning endangered red wolves, using non-invasive blood-based techniques they pioneered. It’s a dual win: reviving the past while saving the present.

How Does Colossal Plan to Impact Conservation?

Beyond the wow factor, Colossal aims to fix biodiversity loss. Half the world’s species could vanish in the next 50 years, and they’re fighting back by open-sourcing their tech for conservationists.

Their work with indigenous groups, like the MHA Nation, adds a cultural layer—dire wolves are sacred to many. The company’s not stopping at wolves; woolly mammoths are next, with a calf expected by 2028.

It’s ambitious, controversial (some scientists argue these aren’t “true” dire wolves), and undeniably game-changing.

Colossal Biosciences is more than a biotech firm—it’s a revolution in the making. From resurrecting dire wolves with CRISPR wizardry to teaming up with Peter Jackson and George R.R. Martin, they’re blending science fiction with reality.

Their mission to undo extinction and boost conservation is bold, and with millions in funding, they’re just getting started.

Whether you see it as magic or mad science, one thing’s clear: Colossal’s rewriting nature’s story, one gene at a time.

What extinct creature would you bring back? Let us know in the comments section down below!