Actor Dwayne Johnson marked the completion of filming for Jumanji 3 by paying tribute to his co-star Danny DeVito, who has confirmed this installment will be his final appearance in the Jumanji franchise. Johnson shared heartfelt messages and photos on social media to honor DeVito’s contributions to the series.
A Fond Farewell to Danny DeVito’s Role in the Jumanji Series
Danny DeVito, who joined the Jumanji films starting with 2019’s Jumanji: The Next Level, plays Eddie Gilpin, the grandfather of Johnson’s character Spencer. With the wrap of Jumanji 3’s production, DeVito has officially said goodbye to the franchise that reimagined the original 1995 supernatural board game story. Dwayne Johnson expressed his deep respect for DeVito’s presence on set and friendship off-screen.
“That’s an official Jumanji wrap on the one and the only, Danny DeVito,”
Johnson wrote on Instagram alongside photos of himself, DeVito, and their fellow co-star Kevin Hart.
“To work with you, and learn from you has been an honor ~ and to call you my friend, will always be a privilege. Thank you, brother for your anchoring heart and JOY throughout our Jumanji franchise. Let’s tell more stories together. Ps, please keep smilin’ and please keep exfoliating the top of your head.”
Jumanji Franchise: From Classic Origins to Modern Reboots
The Jumanji story began with the 1995 film starring Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst, centered around a mysterious and supernatural board game. This was followed by Zathura: A Space Adventure in 2002, a related story exploring another enigmatic game. The franchise was revitalized with 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, transitioning the board game into a video game world concept. Its sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level, further expanded the universe with stars like Johnson, Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, and Nick Jonas.
DeVito’s character was introduced in The Next Level movie and became an integral part of the dynamic ensemble. Now, with Jumanji 3 nearing release, the familiar cast returns to face their newest challenges both in and out of the game world.
New Twists and Anticipation for Jumanji 3’s Release
The first teaser for Jumanji 3 has revealed an intriguing plot change where the video game characters enter the real world, a twist that adds fresh excitement to the series’ formula. However, many details about the storyline remain closely guarded. Fans look forward to discovering how this new dimension will unfold on screen.
Jumanji 3 is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 11, positioning it as one of the anticipated movies in the upcoming holiday season. This sequel promises to continue the blend of adventure, humor, and heart that has defined the franchise’s recent successes.
The End of an Era and the Promise of Future Stories
The conclusion of filming for Jumanji 3 marks a significant moment for the cast and fans alike, especially with Danny DeVito stepping away from his role. Dwayne Johnson’s tribute highlights the bonds formed throughout the making of these films and hints at possible future collaborations outside the franchise. As the movie approaches release, audiences can expect a blend of nostalgic elements and novel surprises that honor the series’ legacy while pushing it forward.
