A new Jumanji movie is on its way, and the dice are about to roll again. According to The Hollywood Reporter, filming begins in Los Angeles this November, with a release date set for December 11, 2026. Fans can expect the familiar mix of adventure, comedy, and chaos, but this time with a few fresh faces in the jungle.
Who’s Returning for the New Jumanji Movie
The good news for fans is that the core cast is back. Dwayne Johnson returns as Dr. Xander “Smolder” Bravestone, Kevin Hart as Franklin “Mouse” Finbar, Jack Black as Professor Sheldon “Shelly” Oberon, and Karen Gillan as Ruby Roundhouse. These characters will once again team up as the avatars caught inside the game’s unpredictable world. Their chemistry has been the franchise’s biggest strength, driving Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle to nearly a billion dollars worldwide and ensuring The Next Level was also a global hit.
Director Jake Kasdan is also returning. Having helped with both previous films, he knows how to juggle slapstick comedy with action. His involvement suggests Sony is aiming for another crowd pleaser rather than an experimental detour.
New Additions to the Cast
The new Jumanji movie is expanding its lineup. Brittany O’Grady, known for White Lotus, and Burn Gorman, a familiar face from Pacific Rim and Game of Thrones, are joining the adventure. Their roles are being kept under wraps, but their casting signals the film won’t recycle the old formula. New characters mean new dynamics, and in a game world that constantly reinvents itself, that feels like the right move.
The Challenge of Keeping Jumanji Fresh
Ever since Robin Williams starred in the original 1995 film, Jumanji has thrived on blending fantasy with human drama. The rebooted version flipped the rules, pulling teenagers into the video-game avatars played by Johnson, Hart, Black, and Gillan. It worked brilliantly, but sequels always face the risk of diminishing returns.
The challenge for the new Jumanji movie will be pushing the concept forward. Reports and fan speculation suggest the boundary between game and reality may be even more blurred. This raises the stakes beyond moving jungle pieces. It opens doors for new storylines while keeping the spirit of danger and discovery that made the original Jumanji memorable.
What’s at Stake for the Franchise?
Jumanji is a billion-dollar franchise that has proven its staying power over decades. The new installment has the potential to be more than a safe sequel. By introducing new cast members, updating the world’s rules, and embracing humor and adventure, the film could evolve the series into something bigger than a nostalgic act.
But there are risks. Overloading the movie with too much action at the expense of character development could dull its charm. Likewise, failing to make the new additions matter could make the story feel like a rerun. The sweet spot lies in honoring the legacy of Jumanji while finding new tricks to surprise longtime fans and newcomers.
Looking Ahead
The cameras are set to roll on the new Jumani movie in November, with a year-long journey before it hits theaters. That’s plenty of time for speculation about plot twists, returning characters, and whether the game’s world will again spill over into the real world. What’s certain is that the franchise isn’t slowing down.
Will audiences be ready to play again? And where will the new storyline take beloved characters? Will Jack Black have a run-in with another hungry hippo?
With Johnson and his co-stars returning, Kasdan back in the director’s chair, and fresh cast members adding intrigue, the new Jumanji movie has the pieces in place to extend an unlikely comeback story.