Release Date for "Jumanji 3" Announced
The movie could move away from its usual setting
1.7 billion dollars at the box office: The first two parts of the "Jumanji" reboot were clearly a success. Naturally, another sequel must follow: The theatrical release date for "Jumanji 3" has now finally been announced.
The new blockbuster will hit movie theaters on December 11, 2026. The competition in this month is quite notable: on the one hand, a currently unknown "Star Wars" movie is scheduled for release, and on the other, there are plans for the release of "Dune 3".
According to The Hollywood Reporter magazine, Jake Kasdan is in talks to direct the film, as was the case with the previous movies. The main actors Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan are also expected to reprise the roles of their beloved avatars.
No details are known about the plot of "Jumanji 3" so far. In the first two parts, the characters had to overcome challenges together in order to escape from a video game. It is possible that the concept will be further developed this time with new elements being added. For example, it could be that the new movie is no longer taking place in the jungle, but in a different setting. We'll keep an eye on the project!
All Jumanji films at a glance
The "Jumanji" film series, with its unique blend of adventure, comedy and supernatural elements, has undergone an extraordinary development. From the cult classic from the 1990s to the modern sequel, Jumanji has reinvented itself time and again and won over a wide audience. Here is an overview of the Jumanji films and their development.
Jumanji (1995) – The beginning of a cult classic
The first "Jumanji" film from 1995, directed by Joe Johnston, is based on the children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. The film tells the story of young Alan Parrish (played by Robin Williams) , who is drawn into a dangerous jungle world by a magical board game called Jumanji. Decades later, two children, Judy and Peter (Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce) , unwittingly free him when they start the game again. Together with Alan, they must finish the game to escape the dangerous creatures and challenges the game unleashes on the real world.
The movie was a huge success and became a cult hit not only because of the spectacular special effects, but also because of Robin Williams' charismatic performance. "Jumanji" from 1995 was an adventurous family film that took the audience into an unpredictable and exciting world. To this day, the film remains a classic that is also remembered for its moral message about courage and friendship.
Zathura (2005) – The unofficial space sequel
While "Zathura" is not officially part of the "Jumanji" series, the film is still considered a spiritual successor to the original, as it is also based on a story by Chris Van Allsburg. Directed by Jon Favreau, Zathura tells the story of two brothers who find a mysterious space game and suddenly become embroiled in an intergalactic adventure that propels their house through space.
The film received good reviews, but was unable to match the success of "Jumanji". Nevertheless, Zathura's creative story and impressive visual effects make it a remarkable film and an exciting twist on the Jumanji theme.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) – The modern sequel
In 2017, Sony Pictures ventured into a new interpretation of the classic with "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle". Directed by Jake Kasdan, the film was given a modern update: the original board game was replaced by a video game that catapults four teenagers into the digital jungle world of "Jumanji". There they slip into the avatars Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), Moose Finbar (Kevin Hart), Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan) and Professor Shelly Oberon (Jack Black).
This reimagining expertly combines action and comedy, and the interplay between the lead actors and the humor of the film was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. The film proved to be an enormous box office success, grossing almost a billion dollars worldwide. Welcome to the Jungle opened up the series to a new generation of fans and proved that the "Jumanji" concept still works today.
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) – Back in the game
After the success of its predecessor, "Jumanji: The Next Level" followed in 2019. Once again directed by Jake Kasdan and starring the same actors, the film continues the story of the friends who must once again venture into the dangerous game to save their friend Spencer. The player characters experience new challenges and landscapes, including hot deserts and snow-capped mountains. The film also introduces new figures and characters to the game, providing additional humor and excitement.
The Next Level was able to build on the success of its predecessor and proved that the modern "Jumanji" series still has a lot of potential. The film grossed over 800 million dollars and finally established Jumanji as a successful franchise.
