After a six-year hiatus, filming has commenced on the final movie in the current Jumanji series, with Dwayne Johnson confirming the production has begun. The announcement came from Johnson’s Instagram, where he shared images and video from an initial table read, marking the start of this concluding chapter for the franchise featuring the familiar ensemble cast. This development brings closure to the ongoing story that reinvigorated the Jumanji brand during the 2010s.
The return of this franchise is significant, as the Jumanji reboot began with the 2017 hit Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, which combined the talents of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. That film earned widespread acclaim, holding a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and grossed $962.5 million globally. Following this success, the sequel Jumanji: The Next Level continued the momentum, generating over $800 million worldwide and maintaining solid reviews. Now, fans will witness the story’s conclusion as the final installment moves forward into production.
Final Cast Gathering Signals a Meaningful Farewell
Johnson’s social media update struck an emotional note, emphasizing the heartfelt nature of their journey. He described the project as a “massive, fun, heartfelt adventure,” adding that it feels fitting to conclude the beloved franchise with this film. The actor underscored the importance of delivering a graceful sendoff to the series that has brought joy and laughter to audiences over the years.
This installment will mark the last time this particular group of actors—Johnson, Hart, Black, and Gillan—will collaborate on a Jumanji film. Despite the excitement surrounding the return, this news carries a bittersweet weight for fans invested in the group’s chemistry and the franchise’s comedic tone.
Strategic Timing for Johnson’s Box Office Comeback
The lengthy gap between Jumanji films may bode well for audience anticipation. The delay allows fans to reignite their enthusiasm, reducing the risk of franchise fatigue while increasing demand for the concluding movie. With the Jumanji cast reuniting after a significant break, the film is positioned as a high-profile event slated for a holiday season release on December 11, 2026.
This timing is also strategic for Dwayne Johnson, who has faced challenges with recent projects. His 2022 film Black Adam failed to spark a new superhero franchise, and The Smashing Machine recorded the worst opening of his career as a lead actor. With this in mind, Johnson’s return to Jumanji represents an opportunity to reclaim box office success through a proven and dependable franchise.
In addition to rekindling audience interest, Jumanji 4 will honor the series’ legacy. Johnson revealed a subtle nod to the original film by including his character’s necklace featuring the dice, paying tribute to Robin Williams, whose portrayal of Alan Parrish remains beloved.
Upcoming Release Faces Intense Competition
The December 2026 release date positions Jumanji 4 just one week before major blockbusters Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three, both highly anticipated films likely to draw large crowds. The holiday season will be a crowded battlefield at the box office, prompting speculation about whether Sony might adjust the release window to avoid direct clashes with these tentpoles.
Despite this fierce competition, the previous Jumanji sequels demonstrated resilience, coexisting with major franchises such as the Star Wars sequel trilogy without significant impact on their performance. This history suggests there may be room for Jumanji’s final chapter to thrive alongside other blockbusters during the holiday season.
Potential for Future Jumanji Projects Beyond This Cast
While Johnson makes clear this film represents the end of their iteration of Jumanji, the franchise itself could continue in other forms. If the final film proves successful, Sony may explore relaunching the series with a new cast and storyline. Johnson’s use of “our” Jumanji underscores that this conclusion applies specifically to his ensemble, leaving open the possibility of future adaptations.
Hollywood studios have repeatedly shown willingness to extend successful franchises beyond original casts and creative teams—similar to how Warner Bros. manages the Conjuring Universe—so Jumanji’s legacy might persist in new incarnations. Fans should remain cautiously optimistic that the adventure may yet continue for new generations.
“What a massive, fun, heartfelt adventure,” Dwayne Johnson, Actor
“Feels emotionally appropriate for our beloved JUMANJI franchise to end on this beautiful grace note of our final film.” Dwayne Johnson, Actor
