Dwayne Johnson has introduced a heartfelt Dwayne Johnson Jumanji tribute as filming begins for the fourth installment in the beloved adventure series. The actor revealed a special nod to Robin Williams, the original Jumanji star, during a video marking the movie’s first day of production in Los Angeles.
Symbolic Costume Piece Pays Homage to Robin Williams
Dwayne Johnson, best known recently for his role in Moana, highlighted an accessory from his new Jumanji costume that serves as a tribute to Robin Williams. In a social media post, Johnson shared a close-up of a woven necklace adorned with a weathered board game die at its center.
“This is the dice from the original Jumanji with Robin Williams as a show of respect,”
Dwayne Johnson said, displaying the accessory.
“It’s a way of honoring Robin and this entire franchise that he started as we film our very last Jumanji. The big finale. Here we go, let’s shoot.”
— Dwayne Johnson, Actor
The dice is more than just an accessory; it connects directly to Williams’ iconic character, Alan Parrish. In the 1995 film, Alan is drawn into the world of the board game following a fateful roll, setting off the story’s fantasy adventure. The influence of Williams’ character echoes throughout the Jumanji series, both old and new.
Jumanji’s Enduring Legacy and Evolving Cast
The Jumanji franchise originally centered around the mystery and chaos emerging from a magical board game, with Robin Williams’ Alan Parrish at the heart of the 1995 tale. Decades later, the series was revived with a modern twist: the magical game transforms into an old-school video game console, introducing a new generation of high school gamers—portrayed by actors including Alex Wolff, Madison Iseman, Morgan Turner, and Ser’Darius Blain—who choose video game avatars played by Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Nick Jonas.
The legacy of Alan Parrish was also woven into the new franchise. In Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Johnson’s first film in the series, the group visits a treehouse originally constructed by Alan in the game world. A carved message inside reads, “Alan Parrish was here,” serving as a tribute for fans and a symbol of continuity between the films. In its sequel, The Next Level, Alex, played by Nick Jonas, mentions living in Alan’s treehouse, further linking the adventures across generations.
Bringing Production Home to Los Angeles
Dwayne Johnson expressed his excitement about returning to Los Angeles for filming.
“I have not shot a film in Los Angeles in…I don’t know when,”
he said as he addressed fans about the milestone.
“So it feels so good to bring a production back home to Los Angeles and have our hardworking crew sleep in their own bed every night. Very cool, and especially just a big, fun movie like Jumanji.”
— Dwayne Johnson, Actor
This marks a return to familiar territory for Johnson and the cast, bringing new energy to a project celebrated for its blend of nostalgia and action. The film will once again unite the main ensemble: Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Nick Jonas. The younger cast members—Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Ser’Darius Blain, and Madison Iseman—are also set to reprise their roles as the real-world counterparts of the game characters.
Returning Stars and Creative Team Confirmed
The upcoming Jumanji film will feature the return of several notable supporting cast members. Awkwafina and Danny DeVito, who both joined in The Next Level, are confirmed to reprise their roles. Additionally, Bebe Neuwirth, a familiar face from the original 1995 storyline, once again steps into her longstanding role, having previously made a cameo in The Next Level.
The directorial reins remain with Jake Kasdan, who helmed the last two highly successful Jumanji movies. The sequel is targeting a theatrical release date of December 11, 2026, promising fans a major cinematic event.
The Ongoing Journey and Lasting Impact
As Dwayne Johnson and the ensemble cast embark on what is billed as the final chapter of the Jumanji saga, the inclusion of tributes and returning stars underlines the franchise’s respect for its origins and its ongoing evolution. With the Dwayne Johnson Jumanji tribute at the forefront, the film not only honors Robin Williams but also brings a sense of closure and celebration for both cast and fans. The legacy that began with Williams and continued through stars like Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Danny DeVito, Awkwafina, Bebe Neuwirth, and others will reach a new milestone as Jumanji prepares for its highly anticipated conclusion in theaters.
