Nick Van Owen Action Figure: Why This 90s Relic is Suddenly So Expensive

You probably remember Nick Van Owen as the guy in The Lost World: Jurassic Park who basically caused every single problem because he wanted to be an "eco-warrior." Played by a young, pre-superstar Vince Vaughn, Nick was the documentary filmmaker who sabotaged the hunters, freed the dinosaurs, and inadvertently got a lot of people eaten. But in the world of toy collecting, the Nick Van Owen action figure isn't just a reminder of bad movie decisions. It’s actually one of the most interesting, varied, and—depending on the version you find—expensive pieces of 90s nostalgia sitting in a plastic bin somewhere.

Back in 1997, Kenner was at the top of their game. They had the Jurassic Park license, and they weren't afraid to get weird with it. While modern toys are all about "screen accuracy," 90s Kenner was all about "play features." This is why Nick Van Owen ended up with more gadgets than a James Bond villain.

The Weird History of the First Series Nick

When the first wave of The Lost World toys hit shelves, the Nick Van Owen action figure was everywhere. Honestly, he was a peg-warmer for a while. Kids wanted the T-Rex or the Raptors, not the guy with the camera.

But if you look closer at those original 1997 cards, you’ll see some bizarre stuff. The "Series 1" Nick was labeled as a "Video Expert." He came with a "Paralyzing Spray Blaster." If that sounds familiar, it's because Kenner literally just repainted the water-squirting gun from the 1993 Dennis Nedry figure. It’s a total kitbash move. He also came with a tiny Pteranodon hatchling that looked more like a rubber lizard than a flying reptile.

The real kicker for collectors is the head sculpt. There are actually three distinct versions of the Series 1 Nick:

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1. The Hat Version: He’s wearing a baseball cap with the Jurassic Park logo. This is the most common one you’ll see at flea markets.
2. The No-Hat Variant: This one is way harder to find. It’s just Nick with his brown hair exposed. Collectors go nuts for this because it was a short-run production.
3. The "Night Hunter" Paint Variant: Later on, Kenner released a version with slightly different paint applications on the vest and pants. It's subtle, but for completionists, it's a must-have.

Why Series 2 is the "Holy Grail"

If you think the first Nick is cool, you haven't seen the Series 2 version. This is where things get genuinely rare. By 1998, interest in the movie was dying down, and Kenner was preparing to lose the license to Hasbro. Consequently, Series 2 of The Lost World had a very limited production run.

The Series 2 Nick Van Owen action figure is a completely different beast. He isn't just a "Video Expert" anymore; he's a "Tracking Specialist." The sculpt is totally different. He’s taller, more muscular (Vince Vaughn must have been hitting the gym in this toy universe), and he has a much more "active" stance.

Instead of a recycled water gun, he comes with:

• A massive Capture Pack: A grey mechanical backpack that actually opens up to reveal... a piece of meat. Yes, a plastic steak with a bone in it to "lure" dinosaurs.
• A Brachiosaurus Hatchling: This baby dino is spotted and, quite frankly, looks a bit ridiculous, but it's unique to this set.
• Realism: The camera he carries is much more detailed than the Series 1 version. You can actually look through the viewfinder.

Finding a Series 2 Nick Van Owen today is a nightmare. In 2026, a Mint on Card (MOC) Series 2 Nick can easily fetch over $300. Even a loose, complete one is pushing $150. Compare that to the $15 you’d pay for a loose Series 1 figure, and you see why people are digging through their attics.

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The High Hide Playset Connection

There’s one more place you might find a Nick Van Owen action figure, and that’s the "High Hide" playset. This was based on the scene where the characters sit in a metal cage in the trees to watch the dinosaurs.

The figure included with the High Hide is basically the Series 1 Nick, but it’s often overlooked by collectors who focus on the single-carded releases. The playset itself is awesome—it has a grappling claw and a firing missile (because why not?). If you find a Nick figure with a slightly different plastic feel or paint shade, there’s a good chance it was plucked from this playset rather than a blister pack.

What Most People Get Wrong About Value

I see people on eBay all the time listing the Series 1 Nick for $200 because it’s "vintage." Don't fall for it.

The "Hat" version of the Series 1 Nick is basically worthless unless it's in a perfect, unpunched box. The real money is in the "No Hat" variant of Series 1 or anything from Series 2. If the figure has green pants and a grey vest, check the legs. If he has "mechanical" looking orange shoes with silver frames, you’ve hit the jackpot—that’s the Series 2 Tracking Specialist.

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Is He Worth Collecting in 2026?

Honestly, yeah. The Jurassic Park fandom is huge, and the Kenner era is considered the "golden age" of movie toys. While Mattel makes great stuff now, they don't have that chunky, durable, slightly weird 90s charm.

If you’re looking to start collecting, here is how you should prioritize your search:

1. Identify the line: Look at the back of the card. If it shows the "Thrasher T-Rex," it's Series 1. If it shows the "Bull T-Rex," you're likely looking at Series 2 or a late-run re-release.
2. Check the accessories: A Nick Van Owen action figure without his camera or his "meat pack" loses about 70% of its value. Those tiny accessories were the first things kids lost in the backyard.
3. Inspect the joints: Kenner figures were known for getting "loose knees." If he can't stand up on his own, he's a "display only" piece.
4. Verify the Hatchling: Make sure the baby dinosaur included is the right one. People often swap them out with cheaper JP3 or Jurassic World minis.

The market for these figures isn't slowing down. As people who grew up in the 90s get more disposable income, the demand for "complete" versions of these niche characters is skyrocketing. You might not like Nick Van Owen the character, but you’ve gotta respect the toy.

Next Steps for Collectors:

• Check your bins: Look for a 4.5-inch figure with a grey vest and orange-topped shoes.
• Verify the variant: If you have a no-hat version, get it in a protective case immediately.
• Join a community: Sites like JPToys.com are still the best places to see high-res photos of the variants so you don't get scammed on a "Rare" listing that isn't actually rare.