Jumanji 3 Announces December 2026 Release Date: Original Cast Set to Return
Sony Pictures has officially announced the return of the beloved Jumanji franchise, with the third installment of the rebooted series set to hit theaters on December 11, 2026. Following a five-year hiatus, the film promises to bring back the stellar ensemble cast that made the previous movies such huge box office successes.
Star-Studded Cast and Production Team
The familiar faces of Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan are all set to return for another adventure in the video game world. Behind the scenes, the production team includes heavyweight producers:
Matt Tolmach
Dwayne Johnson
Jake Kasdan
Dany Garcia
Hiram Garcia
The screenplay is being crafted by the talented duo of Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg, while Jake Kasdan is expected to return to the director's chair after helming the previous two installments.
A Grand Finale in the Making
In a revealing interview with Variety, Kevin Hart hinted that Jumanji 3 might serve as the series' conclusion, promising a satisfying resolution to his character's relationship with Dwayne Johnson's role. Producer Hiram Garcia has also teased the team's "big vision" for the film, with production scheduled to commence after Johnson completes his work on "Red One."
Box Office Giants
The franchise has proven to be a massive commercial success:
"Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" (2017) - Over $960 million worldwide, ranking as the fifth highest-grossing film of its year
"Jumanji: The Next Level" (2019) - Exceeded $800 million globally
Strategic Release Window
The December 2026 release date appears strategically chosen, with minimal competition during the holiday season. The only major announcement for that period is an unnamed Warner Bros. and Legendary project. Earlier in the season, moviegoers can expect:
"Sunrise on the Reaping"
A new "Hunger Games" installment
An untitled Disney Animation project
The Evolution of Jumanji
The franchise has come a long way since the 1995 original, which starred Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst in a story about a safari-themed board game coming to life. The modern reimagining, led by Jake Kasdan and Dwayne Johnson, transformed the concept into an action-packed adventure where teenagers become trapped inside a video game, taking on different avatar personalities.