Dwayne Johnson is set to return to the adventurous world of Jumanji, officially confirming that the production of Jumanji 3 will begin this November. The announcement highlights the continuation of the popular franchise, with Johnson reprising his role as one of the central characters in the series.
Reunion with Kevin Hart and Longtime Franchise Collaborators
In a recent interview with Variety, Johnson shared that the upcoming film will reunite him with Kevin Hart, his frequent comedic partner. Alongside Johnson and Hart, original cast members such as Karen Gillan and Jack Black are also expected to return, continuing the dynamic ensemble that helped make the series a global hit.
Johnson Balances Franchise Success with New Artistic Challenges
While Johnson has been pursuing more intense and dramatic roles, like his work in Benny Safdie’s upcoming film The Smashing Machine, he remains connected to the Jumanji franchise. Johnson has expressed gratitude for the films that established him as a global star, stating,
The films that I made in the past, I love them… I’ll go back to making them again.
—Dwayne Johnson, actor
Background and Development Delays of Jumanji 3
Johnson originally appeared as Dr. Xander Smolder Bravestone in the 2017 reboot Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, followed by the 2019 sequel Jumanji: The Next Level. The movies follow a unique concept where real players become avatars inside a video game, blending humor and action. Despite enthusiasm, production for the third installment faced several delays due to the pandemic, with intermittent updates before Sony confirmed its ongoing status and a targeted release date in December 2026.
Potential Plot Directions and Anticipated Release
Though plot details for Jumanji 3 remain confidential, the ending of The Next Level hinted at the game’s virtual world spilling into the real world, introducing the possibility that characters like Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Mouse Finbar, Ruby Roundhouse, and Dr. Shelley Oberon will encounter a new reality filled with unexpected challenges. Fans can look forward to seeing the continuation of this storyline when the film premieres in theaters on December 11, 2026.
