Nearly four months after beginning production, Jumanji 3 has officially wrapped filming. Dwayne Johnson announced the news on his social media handles, sharing a few behind-the-scenes pictures from the shoot featuring other leading stars Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan. Jake Kasdan, who helmed Welcome to the Jungle and The Next Level is directing the third part, which is slated for a release for Christmas day.
Calling it the the "most fun and pure creative joy experiences" he's had in his "entire career", Johnson wrote, "I’m a grateful and lucky sob to have had a front row seat to witness this insanely talented cast showcase their comedy chops combined with heart and mana across this 10 year+ long adventure."
Expressing his gratitude to the Kasdan, he noted that it was a "privilege" to be directed by him. Further, Johnson wrote a short tribute to noted late actor Robin Williams who headlined the original 1995 Jumanji. "This finale is for you. The character of Dr Smolder Bravestone was my absolute honor to play in your spirit with the deepest respect, love and joy," he added. For the unversed, he had earlier revealed that his character Bravestone will be wearing a pair of dice as a necklace which are from the original film, a homage to the veteran star.
Besides Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan are also reprising their roles as Franklin Finbar, Professor Sheldon "Shelly" Oberon and Ruby Roundhouse respectively. Danny DeVito, Nick Jonas, Marin Hinkle, Bebe Neuwirth, Lamorne Morris and Rhys Darby also return for the next installment, with Dan Hildebrand and Jack Jewkes joining as new cast members.
The reboot series follows a group of teenagers who find themselves trapped inside a video game. Actors Alex Wolff, Madison Iseman, Ser’Darius Blaine, and Morgan Turner, who played the real-world teens in the previous two films, are also expected to return, along with Awkwafina.
Produced by Matt Tolmach, Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Kasdan, Jumanji 3 has a screenplay by Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg, who also wrote the earlier installments.
