Jumanji: Open World Announced for 2026 Release
Sony Pictures presented the first footage for "Jumanji: Open World," the next installment in its action-comedy franchise, at the CinemaCon event on April 8, 2024. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 25, 2026. Key cast members and the director from recent franchise entries are set to return, and the film will include references to the original 1995 "Jumanji" film.
Announcement and Release Details
The studio unveiled initial footage for "Jumanji: Open World" at the annual CinemaCon convention for theater owners. The film is officially slated for release on December 25, 2026.
Director Jake Kasdan, who directed the previous two films in the series, is returning to helm the project.
Cast and Character Details
The lead actors from "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" (2017) and "Jumanji: The Next Level" (2019) are reprising their roles. Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black will return, with each actor playing a different character than in prior films.
- Dwayne Johnson's character, Dr. Bravestone, is described as Spanish.
- Kevin Hart and Jack Black's characters are described as being "stuck in demo mode."
Additional returning cast members include Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, and Danny DeVito.
Film Description and Background
The plot involves the boundaries between the world of the Jumanji game and the real world becoming blurred. Footage shown at CinemaCon included scenes of jungle beasts appearing in a New England town.
"Jumanji: Open World" is the latest entry in the franchise that began with 2017's "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," followed by 2019's "Jumanji: The Next Level." The series is inspired by the 1995 film "Jumanji" starring Robin Williams.
The new film will include an Easter egg tribute to the 1995 film, featuring the original dice from that movie.
Statements from Cast
During the presentation, several cast members made remarks:
- Dwayne Johnson stated, "Robin, this one's for you," in reference to Robin Williams.
- Jack Black called the filmmaking experience his favorite.
- Kevin Hart commented on the production, saying, "This was not a good time for me. It was work!" One source quoted Hart as saying, "It was fucking work!"
Dwayne Johnson has indicated that "Jumanji: Open World" may conclude his involvement in the franchise.
Franchise Context
The "Jumanji" franchise is described as one of Sony Pictures' most successful film series. One source noted that if the new film achieves box office success comparable to previous installments, Sony may continue the franchise in other forms.