Sony Pictures has unveiled an exciting first glimpse of Jumanji 3, bringing Dwayne Johnson back as Dr. Xander Smolder Bravestone for another action-filled adventure. Fans eager for more Dwayne Johnson Jumanji 3 news can expect familiar faces and surprises when the movie debuts during Christmas 2026.
Beloved Characters and New Additions Join the Adventure
The third installment gathers an impressive ensemble, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his charismatic role alongside Jack Black as Professor Sheldon Shelly Oberon, Kevin Hart as Franklin Mouse Finbar, and Karen Gillan as Ruby Roundhouse. Returning cast also features Nick Jonas in the role of Jefferson Seaplane McDonough, Danny DeVito portraying Edward Eddie Gilpin, Lamorne Morris as Heater Repair Man, Marin Hinkle as Janice Gilpin, Bebe Neuwirth as Nora Shepherd, and Rhys Darby as Nigel Billingsley. The team expands with new arrivals Brittany O’Grady, Burn Gorman, Dan Hildebrand, and Jack Jewkes.
Fans of the franchise will also see the teenage characters return: Alex Wolff as Spencer Gilpin, Morgan Turner as Martha Kaply, Ser’Darius Blain as Anthony Fridge Johnson, and Madison Iseman as Bethany Walker. Additionally, Awkwafina is expected to reprise her role as Ming Fleetfoot, further building anticipation for the latest adventure.
Creative Direction Continues Under Jake Kasdan
Jake Kasdan, who steered both previous Jumanji movies to success, directs Jumanji 3, working from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg. Sony Pictures brings back the creative energy that helped rejuvenate the Jumanji franchise and invigorate its growing cast of memorable characters.
A Legacy That Evolved Over the Years
The Jumanji story began in 1995 with the original film starring Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, and Kirsten Dunst, following a magical board game that released untamed chaos into the real world. In 2005, the spin-off Zathura: A Space Adventure, directed by Jon Favreau, provided a new twist on the magical game concept.
The franchise experienced a resurgence in 2017 with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan led audiences on a journey inside a video game, helping the film become a global hit with over $962 million in box office revenue. Its popularity continued with Jumanji: The Next Level in 2019, which earned $801 million worldwide and established the series as a modern blockbuster phenomenon.
Release Date and Anticipation for the Sequel
Jumanji 3 is scheduled to premiere on Christmas 2026, setting high expectations for its blend of comedy, action, and fantasy. With a dynamic returning cast featuring stars like Madison Iseman, Rhys Darby, and many others, along with new faces joining the jungle adventure, audiences worldwide anticipate another thrilling chapter in the Jumanji saga. The enduring appeal of the story, from Robin Williams’s original portrayal to today’s ensemble, demonstrates its lasting impact on both new and devoted fans.
