Get ready—another Jumanji adventure is officially gearing up! The Hollywood Reporter recently revealed that production on the next Jumanji movie is set to begin this November in Los Angeles. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the beloved cast members Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan are all returning, with Jake Kasdan stepping back into the director’s chair.
But here’s where it gets exciting: the film will introduce some fresh faces to the franchise. According to the report, Brittany O’Grady, known for her work in The White Lotus, and Burn Gorman, who appeared in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, have joined the cast. While plot details remain under tight wraps, the screenplay is crafted by Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg, promising something new yet familiar.
For those who might not know, Jumanji originated as a children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The original film, starring the late Robin Williams, focused on a magical and dangerous board game. The series took a modern twist in 2017 with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, where the board game transformed into a video game, trapping four teenagers in the bodies of adult avatars played by the current core cast. That reboot was a major hit, earning over $962 million globally. Its sequel in 2019, Jumanji: The Next Level, followed up strongly, grossing over $800 million.
Given those huge successes, some might wonder why it's taken this long to craft a new installment. Producer Hiram Garcia shed some light on this in 2021, explaining that the project was still in its early brainstorming phases. He described the cast and crew as an incredibly close-knit family, calling it "one of those rare groups where the cast and crew genuinely love working together." Garcia hinted at "big ideas" and "exciting plans" brewing for the new movie but remained tight-lipped on specifics, building anticipation for fans.
Sony Pictures officially announced last year that the new Jumanji film is slated for a December 11, 2026 release. With such a long wait ahead, excitement is sure to build—but will the next chapter live up to the juggernaut reputation? And here’s the question that might stir up debate: could the franchise risk feeling repetitive, or will the new cast additions and fresh storytelling breathe new life into the saga?
Are you ready to dive back into the Jumanji universe? What are your thoughts on the direction this sequel might take? Feel free to share your opinions—do you think the franchise should keep evolving, or is it time to let the game rest? Let’s discuss!
