'Jumanji 3' begins production; Dwayne Johnson-starrer targets Christmas 2026 release
What's the story
Dwayne Johnson has announced that the third installment of the Jumanji franchise is officially in production. The actor shared updates on Instagram, revealing that this is the first time a modern Jumanji film is being shot in Los Angeles. The previous films were shot in Hawaii and Atlanta. "Feels emotionally appropriate for our beloved JUMANJI franchise to end on this beautiful grace note of our final film," he wrote.
Reunion
Cast and crew of 'Jumanji 3' reunite for table read
The cast and crew of Jumanji 3 recently gathered for their first table read, marking the official start of what Johnson calls the "final adventure" in the beloved franchise. Director Jake Kasdan, who helmed Welcome to the Jungle and The Next Level, is back at the helm. Fan favorites Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan are all returning to their roles.
Release date
'Jumanji 3' to hit theaters Christmas 2026
The third installment of the Jumanji franchise is set to hit theaters on Christmas 2026, making it a major holiday release for Sony Pictures. The original writing team of Kasdan, Jeff Pinkner, and Scott Rosenberg is returning to pen the screenplay. In his announcement post, Johnson also teased an Easter egg from the original 1995 film starring Robin Williams.
Tribute
Johnson teases Easter egg from original 'Jumanji'
Johnson revealed that his character, Dr. Smolder Bravestone, will wear a necklace with dice from the original 1995 Jumanji film in the final installment. "It's a way of paying homage, love and respect to the great Robin Williams," he wrote. The franchise started with the 1995 film but saw a resurgence in 2017 with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level in 2019.