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Jumanji is once again in action as production for Sony’s latest sequel in the beloved franchise is slated to commence this November in Los Angeles.
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan are set to reprise their iconic roles, continuing their journey in the fantastical realm of Jumanji. This installment will be directed by Jake Kasdan, who has helmed the previous entries with great success.
A notable addition to the cast is Brittany O’Grady, recognized for her role in the acclaimed HBO series, The White Lotus, which has showcased her considerable talent.
Joining O’Grady is Burn Gorman, known for his performances in Beetlejuice and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, further expanding the ensemble for this exciting feature.
Produced by Matt Tolmach, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Kasdan, the project has swiftly moved from the development phase to active production following its recent greenlight, generating significant anticipation.
While the plot details remain under wraps, it is known that Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg are contributing to the script, drawing from the franchise’s rich history of combining adventure with humor.
Jumanji is rooted in the classic 1981 picture book by Chris Van Allsburg, which introduced a magical board game that comes to life. The franchise saw a successful revival with the 1995 film featuring Robin Williams, followed by a modern reimagining in 2017 with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. This version transformed the traditional board game into a video game, effortlessly engaging a new generation of fans.
The success of Welcome to the Jungle earned more than $962.5 million worldwide, establishing a thriving franchise that continued with Jumanji: The Next Level, which grossed $800 million globally.
This upcoming installment can be considered the fourth chapter in the Jumanji saga, as it connects back to the original story while serving as the third entry in the renewed Johnson-led series.
Alex Wolff, Madison Iseman, Ser’Darius Blaine, and Morgan Turner, who portrayed the “IRL” characters in prior films, are expected to return, alongside Awkwafina, who appeared in the 2019 outing.
The details regarding O’Grady’s and Gorman’s characters remain undisclosed, captivating fans’ curiosity. O’Grady has been generating buzz with her upcoming role in Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite, set for release on Netflix on October 24. She previously starred in It’s What’s Inside, Netflix’s largest sale at Sundance, and shared the screen with Daisy Ridley in Sometimes I Think About Dying.
O’Grady’s impressive range is further highlighted by her role in Amazon’s The Consultant, showcasing her capabilities alongside seasoned actors like Christoph Waltz. She is represented by CAA and Suskin/Karshan Management while Gorman is represented by Verve and Management 360.
With its star-studded cast and exciting premise, this new Jumanji installment is poised to delight audiences and continue its legacy as a mainstay in family entertainment.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.