As the anticipation builds for the next installment of Columbia Pictures’ Jumanji, noteworthy additions to the cast are paving the way for a potential surge in collectible merchandise that can accompany the film’s release.
Alongside Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Rhys Darby, and Danny DeVito are returning for this latest chapter in the beloved franchise, which commenced shooting this week in Los Angeles under the direction of Jake Kasdan. The ensemble also includes Bebe Neuwirth, Lamorne Morris, Marin Hinkle, and new cast members Dan Hildebrand and Jack Jewkes.
The Jumanji franchise, initially inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s 1981 picture book, saw a modern resurgence with the 2017 film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. This film cleverly transformed the enchanted board game concept into a video game format, where four teens are transported into an adult playthrough, embodied by well-known actors. This reinvention led to a remarkable $962.5 million in global box office revenue and expanded the brand’s reach.
The follow-up, Jumanji: Next Level, released in 2019, also received a positive reception, grossing approximately $800 million worldwide. As the production of this new film begins, script contributions from Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg remain under wraps, yet anticipation for toy and collectible tie-ins continues to grow.
Jonas will reprise his role as “Seaplane” McDonough, while Darby returns as Nigel Billingsley, the game’s field guide. DeVito will portray Eddie, the grandfather of Spencer, whose avatar is played by Johnson, and Hinkle appears as Spencer’s mother. Neuwirth, a veteran of the original 1995 film, returns as well.
With the lineage of Jumanji firmly rooted in the collectibles market, retailers are likely to see a rise in demand for related merchandise as the release date of December 11, 2026 approaches. This could mean significant opportunities for collectors to expand their collections ahead of launch.
Producers Matt Tolmach, Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Kasdan spearhead this production. Representation for the cast members indicates strong industry connections, further hinting at a well-supported venture aimed at revitalizing interest in collectible items from the Jumanji brand.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/nick-jonas-new-jumanji-movie-1236427364/.