A Touching Tribute: ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ Honours Robin Williams
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black are gearing up to return to the wild world of Jumanji in the highly anticipated sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level. At CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the stars debuted the first footage, revealing a title that promises even more adventure: Jumanji: Open World. The excitement was palpable as Hart expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “We are pumped about being back for another Jumanji.”
Jack Black echoed the sentiment, declaring, “I’ve never had more fun working on a movie. This is my favorite so far.” Hart, ever the comedian, playfully disagreed, joking about the experience of filming alongside Dwayne Johnson: “It was work.”
A Moment of Remembrance
Amidst the laughter and excitement, a deeply moving moment unfolded. Dwayne Johnson shared a heartfelt tribute to the late, great Robin Williams, who starred in the original 1995 Jumanji. He revealed that half of the dice used in the new film were the very same ones used by Williams decades ago. “Robin, as we like to say, this one’s for you,” Johnson said, a gesture that resonated deeply with the audience and underscored the enduring legacy of the comedic icon. Robin Williams’ impact on the film industry continues to be celebrated.
What to Expect in ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’
The trailer offers a glimpse into the chaos and humour that fans have come to expect from the Jumanji franchise. Johnson, Black, Hart, and Karen Gillan are shown in the real world, appearing as glitchy versions of their in-game avatars. Alex Wolff’s character explains that they are “stuck in demo mode.” Black adds with a knowing grin, “I’m beginning to suspect we’re not in Jumanji.”
The action ramps up as Johnson, behind the wheel, defiantly warns, “I’d like to see them try” when told to slow down. This sequel builds upon the success of 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, which revitalized the franchise after the original film starring Robin Williams, based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1981 children’s book. The Hollywood Reporter provides further coverage of upcoming film releases.
The Expanding Cast and Creative Team
Joining the returning cast are Nick Jonas, Morgan Turner, Ser’Darius Blain, Madison Iseman, Lamorne Morris, and the always-hilarious Danny DeVito. Jake Kasdan, who directed both Welcome to the Jungle and The Next Level, returns to helm the third installment, co-writing the script with Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was a massive box office hit, exceeding $950 million worldwide. The 2019 sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level, followed suit, grossing over $801 million globally. Fans eagerly await the continuation of this thrilling adventure when Jumanji: Open World hits theaters on December 25th.
CinemaCon, the annual gathering of exhibitors and Hollywood studios, ran from April 13-16 this year, serving as the official convention of Cinema United.
