As excitement grows for the upcoming addition to the Jumanji franchise, collectors and fans alike are eager to see how the classic series continues to evolve and honor its legacy. The production team of the forthcoming Sony sequel, colloquially referred to as ‘Jumanji 3’, recently unveiled the first photo featuring franchise stars in costume, signaling the start of production and indicating significant cultural investment in nostalgic properties.
On social media, Kevin Hart shared a glimpse of the cast, including Karen Gillan, Dwayne Johnson, and Jack Black, with the caption, “Look who’s on the loose.” Hart expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Back in action and loving it… I missed you Jumanji… This one will be our biggest!” This positive sentiment points to the robust appeal of the franchise, suggesting continued demand for collectible merchandise among both new fans and long-time enthusiasts.
This installment follows the previous films, including 2017’s ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’, which successfully rebooted the franchise after the beloved performance of Robin Williams in the original 1995 adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s acclaimed children’s book. Director Jake Kasdan, who helmed both the previous films, is back at the helm of this untitled third installment, which is scheduled to hit theaters on December 11, 2026.
Dwayne Johnson documented his day one on set with an Instagram video, where he expressed his excitement about filming in Los Angeles and paid homage to the franchise’s roots. He revealed a key element of his character’s look: a necklace featuring the dice from the 1995 film, as a tribute to Robin Williams, emphasizing his respect for the original film that birthed the franchise. Johnson’s gesture reflects a commitment to honoring the history of Jumanji, which can resonate with collectors who appreciate the lineage of toys and memorabilia tied to the franchise.
Joining the cast are returning faces such as Nick Jonas, Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, and newcomers like Danny DeVito. In recent posts, Johnson shared behind-the-scenes glimpses from the table read, highlighting the camaraderie and humor that have defined the Jumanji series. Notably, ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ garnered over $950 million at the global box office, while its sequel, ‘The Next Level,’ grossed over $801 million, solidifying the franchise as a major player in the toy and collectibles market.
As release dates approach, retailers and collectors should prepare for renewed interest in related merchandise likely to accompany the film’s promotion, creating unique opportunities for both product launches and collector engagement.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jumanji-3-first-look-dwayne-johnson-robin-williams-1236431835/.