Only a few days ago, audiences received confirmation that a new chapter in the ever-evolving Jumanji saga is officially on the way. Although this forthcoming film has been labeled as *Jumanji 3*, it occupies an intriguing space within the franchise’s chronology—being, in fact, the fourth entry overall if one counts from the 1995 Robin Williams classic. Nevertheless, fans and producers alike often differentiate the modern video game–themed installments from the original board game adventure, treating them as a distinct, interconnected trilogy that will soon draw to a satisfying close. The announcement suggests that this movie is intended to serve as a narrative culmination, effectively placing a metaphorical bow on the exhilarating run of Jumanji films inspired by virtual gaming worlds.
The film reunites the core ensemble cast whose dynamic chemistry has been a cornerstone of the series’ appeal. Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black—all of whom brought the previous films to life through their signature blend of humor, heart, and adventurous spirit—are confirmed to return once more. Fans can expect their on-screen camaraderie to anchor the story as they face new challenges and comedic chaos within the unpredictable Jumanji universe. Yet they will not be journeying alone. According to *The Hollywood Reporter*, an impressive group of supporting actors from *Jumanji: The Next Level* is also officially set to reprise their roles. Among them are industry veterans Danny DeVito and Bebe Neuwirth, along with Lamorne Morris, Marin Hinkle, Nick Jonas, and Rhys Darby—all of whom contributed memorable performances in the previous installment.
Each of these returning stars played significant roles in *The Next Level* (released in 2019), enriching the expanding mythology of the series. Within that film’s narrative, Nick Jonas and Rhys Darby embodied the game’s internal characters—Seaplane McDonough and the ever-energetic guide, Nigel Billingsley—offering invaluable support to the main heroes trapped inside the treacherous digital world. Outside the confines of the game, Danny DeVito and Marin Hinkle took on the parts of Eddie’s spirited grandfather and caring mother, respectively, thus linking the real world and the virtual one through emotional depth and generational perspective. Meanwhile, Lamorne Morris appeared briefly in a humorous cameo as a repair technician—affectionately known as the “Heater Guy”—whose small role nonetheless triggered pivotal consequences for the plot. Veteran actress Bebe Neuwirth also made a notable reappearance, stepping once again into the shoes of Nora Shepard, a familiar character last seen in the original Robin Williams–led *Jumanji*, thereby bridging the old and new eras of the franchise.
Adding further intrigue to the upcoming production, two fresh faces are joining the ensemble: Dan Hildebrand, known for his gritty work on *Sons of Anarchy*, and Jack Jewkes from *Criminal Minds*. Although their specific characters remain tightly under wraps, their inclusion hints at new dimensions of storytelling and fresh energy being infused into the established group dynamic. Both their roles—and indeed the overall narrative direction—are currently being kept secret by the studio, preserving a sense of mystery surrounding how this next adventure will unfold. What is known is that the plot will pick up precisely where *The Next Level* concluded, continuing the aftermath of the last chaotic event in which the boundaries between game and reality began to blur in dazzling—and dangerous—ways.
For those who may not recall the exact ending, the prior film closed on a surprising twist: a well-meaning repairman inadvertently restored power to the Jumanji console, unknowingly setting off a chain reaction. As a result, the digital world’s exotic wildlife—and potentially even the player avatars themselves—began spilling into the real world. The implication was clear: the once-contained magic of Jumanji could no longer be restrained, setting the stage for even greater mayhem in the installment to come. The new film is expected to explore the consequences of that cliffhanger, delving deeper into the interplay between the characters’ dual identities and the unpredictable forces of the game now unleashed upon their everyday lives. Beyond these narrative seeds, however, the creative team has successfully kept additional plot details under lock and key, leaving audiences eager to discover what comedic and adrenaline-fueled escapades await.
Production on this ambitious sequel—alternately referred to as *Jumanji 3* or *Jumanji 4*, depending on one’s preferred chronology—officially began this week. The filming marks the start of an extensive creative process that will unfold over the coming months, with post-production and marketing phases expected to lead up to a grand premiere on December 11, 2026. As that date approaches, more concrete information will gradually emerge, including the film’s official title, story details, and first glimpses at its adventurous world through trailers and promotional materials. For now, the only certainty is that fans can look forward to another blockbuster journey combining high-energy action, clever humor, and heartfelt moments that have defined the Jumanji series across decades.
For readers hungry for additional entertainment updates, there is plenty to explore beyond the jungles of Jumanji. Keep an eye on the latest news surrounding major franchises such as *Marvel*, *Star Wars*, and *Star Trek*, each poised for bold new releases in the years ahead. Likewise, those curious about the evolving landscape of the *DC Universe*—both in film and on television—will find exciting changes unfolding under new creative leadership. And, of course, longtime science-fiction enthusiasts can stay tuned for future developments in *Doctor Who*, as the iconic series continues to expand its imaginative universe. Together, these upcoming projects paint a vivid picture of the cinematic and televisual adventures awaiting audiences around the world.
Sourse: https://gizmodo.com/the-next-jumanji-movie-is-becoming-a-franchise-reunion-2000686357
