Dwayne Johnson has commenced filming for Jumanji 3 in Los Angeles and marked the occasion by paying tribute to Robin Williams, the original star of the franchise. As cameras began rolling on November 11, 2025, Johnson made sure his Dwayne Johnson Jumanji 3 tribute was both visible and meaningful for fans and cast alike.
Production Launches with Homage to Robin Williams
The start of principal photography for Jumanji 3 drew attention not just for the anticipated sequel, but also for the gesture Johnson made to the legacy of Robin Williams. In a behind-the-scenes video shared from the Universal Studios lot, Dwayne Johnson revealed a subtle tribute: his character, Dr. Smolder Bravestone, will wear a necklace featuring dice linked directly to the original 1995 film starring Robin Williams.
“little day one of Jumanji excitement”
– Dwayne Johnson
Johnson explained the significance of this prop by stating,
“This is the dice from the original Jumanji with Robin Williams, as a show of respect and a way of honoring Robin and this entire franchise that he started, as we film our very last Jumanji, the big finale,”
making clear his intention to honor both Williams and the broader Jumanji legacy.
Cast Reunion and New Franchise Direction
The Jumanji team’s official Instagram account heightened anticipation by posting the first cast photo since production began. Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black, all in full costume, posed in front of an urban landscape, accompanied by the caption: Look who’s on the loose. This visual marks the return of the film’s core cast, delighting longtime fans and teasing the next chapter in their adventure.
Ahead of release, hints have emerged about the film’s new direction. The next Jumanji movie will transition from its usual virtual world setting into reality, following up on the ending of Jumanji: The Next Level. In that post-credits scene, viewers witnessed game elements, like giant ostriches, entering the real world after a character known as the repairman inadvertently activates the game console. This twist suggests the sequel will blur lines between the game and human worlds more than ever before.
Release Date and Production Details
Dwayne Johnson reunites with frequent collaborators for the latest installment, including director Jake Kasdan and co-stars Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Filming began on November 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. The production maintains partnerships with studios such as Sony and Universal Studios, building on the robust box-office track record of previous releases—Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle in 2017 and Jumanji: The Next Level in 2019. The movie is scheduled for theatrical release on December 11, 2026, according to recent industry reports from Devanshi Basu.
Legacy and Anticipation Surrounding Jumanji 3
By integrating a respectful nod to Robin Williams through a symbolic dice necklace, Dwayne Johnson is bridging generations of the Jumanji franchise. The return of beloved characters like Smolder Bravestone, and the involvement of actors such as Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan, underscores both continuity and evolution in the series. With familiar faces, a renowned director, and a fresh storyline that carries the game into the real world, the film aims to both honor the past and captivate new audiences. Fans are eagerly awaiting more developments as production continues in Los Angeles, building anticipation for the movie’s December 2026 premiere.
