Dwayne Johnson posted a photo on Instagram last month showing him, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan in jungle costumes with the caption “The gang’s back.” But the surprise was who stood behind them – Nick Jonas, Rhys Darby, Danny DeVito, and Lamorne Morris, all returning for Sony’s new Jumanji movie.
Full Reunion
Nick Jonas Jumanji return marks his third film in the franchise after Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and The Next Level (2019). Jonas plays Alex Vreeke, the video game avatar Jefferson “Seaplane” McDonough. His character’s romantic storyline with Bethany (Madison Iseman) apparently continues in this new installment.
The Hollywood Reporter exclusively revealed the full returning cast list. Rhys Darby reprises Nigel, the friendly NPC guide who assists players. Danny DeVito returns after stealing scenes in The Next Level as Eddie Gilpin, grandfather to Alex Wolff’s Spencer. Lamorne Morris joins after appearing briefly in the previous film.
The Jumanji franchise has earned $2.3 billion across four films (including Robin Williams’ 1995 original and 2017’s Zathura). Sony’s decision to reunite the entire ensemble demonstrates confidence in the property’s continued commercial viability.
December 2026 Release
Sony scheduled the untitled Jumanji movie for December 11, 2026, the same prime holiday slot that made Welcome to the Jungle a surprise $962 million hit. The studio hopes replicating that release strategy yields similar results.
Jake Kasdan returns to direct his third Jumanji film. His previous entries demonstrated skill at balancing action, comedy, and genuine emotion. The reported $125 million budget matches The Next Level, suggesting similar scale and spectacle.
The Nick Jonas involvement required working around his Music of the Spheres tour dates with the Jonas Brothers. Production scheduled around his availability from March-June 2026, with his scenes concentrated into a 6-week shooting block.
New Game
Story details remain secret, but The Hollywood Reporter’s sources suggest the film introduces a new video game within the Jumanji universe. Previous films used jungle adventure and desert racing games. This installment allegedly features a fantasy RPG setting with dragons, castles, and medieval weapons.
Danny DeVito’s return suggests the real-world framing device continues. The Jumanji movie reportedly explores what happens when the characters can’t escape the game world, forcing them to complete impossible quests to earn their freedom.
Kevin Hart told press at a separate event that this film is “the most ambitious yet” with action sequences requiring extensive wire work and stunt training. He spent 4 months preparing for physical comedy bits that push beyond previous films.
Chemistry Matters
The returning cast’s chemistry drove previous films’ success. Johnson and Hart’s comedic timing, Jack Black’s physical comedy as teenage girl trapped in adult man’s body, and Karen Gillan’s action skills created perfect ensemble dynamics.
Nick Jonas Jumanji appearances have been limited but effective. His character provides romantic subplot and additional comic relief. Expanding his role in this film suggests Sony recognizes his contribution to the franchise’s appeal.
The Jumanji success story represents Hollywood’s ability to revive dormant properties with fresh approaches. The 2017 reboot could have been cynical nostalgia cash-grab, but Jake Kasdan’s direction and the cast’s commitment created something genuinely entertaining that honored Robin Williams’ original while establishing its own identity.
Whether this new installment maintains that quality depends on the script and whether the video game premise remains fresh. But reuniting the full cast suggests Sony isn’t taking shortcuts. Sometimes the secret to franchise success is simply giving audiences more of what worked before.
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