Dwayne Johnson used to be one of Hollywood’s safest choices for a big action-adventure release. Between Fast & Furious, San Andreas and the Jumanji films, he could sell a movie built around spectacle almost by himself. The last major live-action solo hit in that run was Jumanji: The Next Level in 2019. Since then, several expensive projects have struggled to turn his name into a box-office guarantee.
Jungle Cruise, Black Adam and Red One all arrived with large budgets and familiar blockbuster ingredients, but none matched the success of the earlier Jumanji films. The Smashing Machine was a different kind of project, with Johnson playing real-life MMA fighter Mark Kerr in a dramatic role. It earned attention for his performance, but its theatrical numbers were modest. The 2026 live-action Moana also fell short of the kind of return expected from a major Disney release, despite bringing in more than $300 million worldwide.
There is an important distinction here. Johnson has appeared in successful films during the decade, including Fast X, but that was an ensemble franchise entry rather than a movie built around him. His animated work has also remained commercially strong, particularly as Maui in Moana 2. The question is whether audiences still show up in large numbers for a live-action film where Dwayne Johnson is the main attraction.
That makes Jumanji: Open World an unusually important test. The new film reunites Johnson with Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan for the final chapter in the modern trilogy. Jake Kasdan returns as director, having also made Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level. The chemistry between the four leads helped turn the 2017 reboot into a worldwide hit, and the 2019 sequel also performed strongly.
This time, the game breaks out of its console and brings its chaos into the real world. That reversal gives the series a new visual hook instead of simply sending the same group back into another jungle. Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman and Ser’Darius Blain also return as the real-world players, while Nick Jonas and Danny DeVito are part of the cast.
Sony Pictures is positioning Jumanji: Open World as the final installment of this action-adventure trilogy. The Christmas release date gives it access to family audiences, but the competition is not light. Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday are both scheduled for the same holiday period, giving moviegoers several large-scale options.
The earlier Jumanji movies benefited from strong word of mouth and a simple pitch that worked across age groups. The new film needs that same appeal, especially because nostalgia alone cannot guarantee a hit after a seven-year gap between sequels.
Dwayne Johnson is not suddenly without an audience. His career still includes major franchises, voice roles and a willingness to try more dramatic parts. But Jumanji: Open World may be his clearest chance to prove that he can once again lead a live-action blockbuster that becomes a genuine theatrical event.
Also Read: Jumanji: Open World Brings Game Chaos Into Reality