The game is back on, and fans couldn’t be more excited. After years of speculation, delays, and teases, Jumanji 4—the untitled sequel to 2019’s Jumanji: The Next Level—has officially kicked off production. Dwayne Johnson broke the news in late 2025, sharing that the cast had gathered for their first table read in Los Angeles, marking the start of filming for what promises to be the most ambitious entry yet in the rebooted franchise. With a confirmed theatrical release date of December 11, 2026, the adventure is charging toward a holiday blockbuster slot, ready to deliver the high-energy chaos, humor, and heart that made the previous films massive hits.
The core quartet is back and better than ever. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the fearless avatar Dr. Smolder Bravestone, the muscle-bound explorer whose strength and bravado hide a surprisingly vulnerable side. Kevin Hart returns as the zoologist-turned-baker Franklin “Mouse” Finbar, bringing his signature rapid-fire comedy and physical comedy to the mix. Karen Gillan is once again Ruby Roundhouse, the kick-ass martial artist whose dance moves and deadly precision make her one of the most beloved characters in the series. Jack Black completes the group as Professor Sheldon “Shelly” Oberon, the quirky, overweight zoologist whose intelligence and unexpected agility often steal the show.
The excitement boiled over when the cast reunited for the table read. Johnson posted updates hyping the energy in the room, while Hart shared behind-the-scenes glimpses that showed the group laughing and reminiscing like old friends. Gillan captured the mood perfectly with her playful Instagram story: “Anyone wanna dance…? Yeah… we are so back.” The quote, a cheeky nod to Ruby’s iconic dance-fighting style, sent fans into a frenzy, signaling that the chemistry that fueled the franchise’s success remains intact. Production photos and first-look images soon followed, teasing the stars in character—Johnson looking leaner and more focused, Hart cracking jokes, Gillan striking a fierce pose, and Black bringing his trademark enthusiasm. One image even showed the group in what appears to be the “real world,” hinting at a major plot shift where avatars and players might cross over in unprecedented ways.
Director Jake Kasdan returns to helm the project, having guided the reboot from Welcome to the Jungle onward. He co-wrote the script with Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg, building on the video-game-meets-reality formula that turned the series into a global phenomenon. The first two rebooted films grossed nearly $1.8 billion combined, with Welcome to the Jungle earning $962 million and The Next Level adding $800 million despite a pandemic release. That track record gave Sony the confidence to push forward, even as scheduling conflicts and other projects delayed progress.
The story details remain tightly under wraps, but early indications point to a bigger scope. The previous film ended with the group facing new challenges inside the game, including body-swaps, new avatars like Danny DeVito’s Eddie and Danny Glover’s Milo, and unresolved threads involving the teens—Spencer (Alex Wolff), Bethany (Madison Iseman), Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain), and Martha (Morgan Turner). Many of those actors are expected to return, blending real-world drama with in-game action. Newcomers add fresh energy: Awkwafina joins the cast, Brittany O’Grady brings her rising-star charisma, and Burn Gorman appears poised to play a formidable antagonist. Returning favorites like Nick Jonas, Bebe Neuwirth, Lamorne Morris, and possibly Danny DeVito round out an ensemble that promises both nostalgia and surprises.
One surprising twist: this installment may serve as the finale for the current reboot era. Johnson and Hart have hinted that the team views it as a potential capstone, wrapping up character arcs while delivering the spectacle fans crave. The shift toward “real world” elements in promotional images suggests a narrative where the boundaries between game and reality blur even further—perhaps avatars escaping into the physical world or players getting pulled in deeper. This evolution could allow for epic set pieces blending CGI jungles, urban chaos, and high-stakes chases.
The franchise’s appeal lies in its blend of family-friendly adventure, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartfelt moments. The games within the game—literal video-game mechanics like switching avatars, collecting lives, and facing bosses—provide endless invention, while the themes of friendship, self-discovery, and teamwork resonate across generations. Johnson’s larger-than-life presence anchors the action, Hart’s banter keeps the pace brisk, Gillan’s athleticism delivers thrilling fight scenes, and Black’s comedic timing turns every line into gold.
As filming progresses in Los Angeles, the cast has shared glimpses of the grind: long days, physical training, and plenty of fun between takes. Hart’s posts of napping on set highlight the demanding schedule, but the enthusiasm shines through. With a holiday 2026 release, expect trailers to drop in summer, building hype for what could be the biggest Jumanji yet.
The game is back on, and the stakes feel higher than ever. Whether this is the final level or just another chapter, Jumanji 4 has the cast, crew, and momentum to deliver an unforgettable ride. Roll the dice one more time—the jungle awaits.
