This week, Dwayne Johnson announced that production on the highly anticipated Jumanji 4 will begin soon, and he highlighted a special Robin Williams Jumanji tribute as filming returns to Los Angeles. The veteran actor expressed his admiration for Williams and the film’s legacy, confirming that the forthcoming movie will serve as the closing chapter of the franchise.
Johnson, known for his successful crossover from wrestling to acting, recently impressed audiences with his dramatic turn in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, portraying wrestler Mark Kerr—a performance generating Oscar discussions despite modest box office results. As he prepares to star in the upcoming live-action Moana remake, Johnson informed fans that Jumanji 4 is set to film before he proceeds to Safdie’s next project, Lizard Music.
Production Moves Forward with Homage to Robin Williams
Using his social media platforms, Dwayne Johnson shared the news that the new installment will be filming in Los Angeles, making a point to reference the original movie’s connection to the city. He was seen wearing a dice necklace in a behind-the-scenes update, which he clarified was an important nod to Robin Williams, original Jumanji icon. This heartfelt gesture was meant, as Johnson explained, as
bringing the production back home to Los Angeles
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor—and as a personal tribute, saying it was his way of
honoring Robin and this franchise that he started as we film our very last Jumanji.
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor.
Fans responded enthusiastically to the announcement, celebrating not only the continuation of the adventure but also Johnson’s tribute to Williams, whose portrayal in the 1995 film left a lasting impression. The buzz around this Robin Williams Jumanji tribute adds emotional depth to the project, strengthening its connection to both past and present cast members.
The Cast Reunites for the Final Chapter
The new film brings familiar faces back to the Jumanji universe. Johnson will reunite with co-stars Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black, reprising their roles as Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Franklin “Mouse” Finbar, Ruby Roundhouse, and Professor Sheldon “Shelly” Oberon, respectively. Also returning are Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman, and Ser’Darius Blaine, who play the real-world teens pulled into the game’s world. The sequel will introduce newcomers Awkwafina, Brittany O’Grady, and Burn Gorman, with Gorman reportedly cast as the film’s main antagonist.
Although plot specifics remain under wraps, the mix of returning and new characters has fueled anticipation for fresh adventures and high stakes in what Johnson confirmed would be the franchise’s final entry.
Legacy and Box Office Success of the Jumanji Series
Robin Williams’s original 1995 Jumanji set the stage for a franchise that has continued to thrive for almost three decades. The series was revitalized with 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, which introduced Johnson, Hart, Gillan, and Black, and gave the premise a modern twist by taking the action inside the game’s jungle environment. The Jake Kasdan-directed reboot achieved global box office earnings of $962 million alongside a 77% approval rating from critics and an 87% score among audiences.
The momentum continued with Jumanji: The Next Level, which reunited the cast and director for another blockbuster performance, earning $802 million worldwide and nearly matching the previous audience rating while maintaining strong critical support. With this legacy of success, both fans and industry watchers are closely monitoring the progress of the fourth—and now final—installment.
Anticipation for Jumanji 4’s Arrival
Jumanji 4 is officially scheduled for a theatrical release on December 11, 2026. With a cast featuring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and returning ensemble members, the production has generated substantial excitement. The careful acknowledgment of Robin Williams’s impact ensures that his legacy will be front and center as the series approaches its conclusion.
With Johnson’s genuine tribute and the return of beloved characters, Jumanji 4 promises to blend nostalgia, action, and heartfelt recognition for its origins, truly honoring both the franchise and its late star.
