The Jumanji adventure continues! Sony Pictures has officially confirmed the release date for the next instalment in the action-packed Jumanji franchise, with fans marking their calendars for December 11, 2026.
As the fourth overall entry in the Jumanji series and the third movie in the rebooted franchise headlined by Dwayne Johnson, this new film promises to bring back the beloved characters, gripping jungle escapades, and a fresh twist on the thrilling Jumanji world.
A Powerhouse Cast Reunites
Sony’s rebooted Jumanji series, which transformed the iconic 1995 board game into an interactive video game world, has been a monumental hit, thanks in large part to its dynamic cast. The studio has confirmed that key figures from the previous films are set to return, including Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black. Together, they bring to life the eccentric avatars of Dr. Xander “Smolder” Bravestone, Franklin “Mouse” Finbar, Ruby Roundhouse, and Professor Sheldon “Shelly” Oberon.
The actors’ chemistry and comedic timing were essential to the massive success of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), and audiences are eager to see what new adventures lie ahead. Director Jake Kasdan, who helmed the previous two films, will also return to lead the project, assuring continuity and a consistent creative vision for this beloved series.
A Strategic December Release
The new Jumanji movie joins a competitive holiday lineup, positioned to be a major box-office draw during the 2026 holiday season. It’s slated for release on December 11, strategically positioned one week before Denis Villeneuve’s anticipated event film (rumored to be another entry in the Dune saga) and just two weeks after an untitled Disney animated feature, which debuts on November 25. This timing could give the Jumanji film a strong opening weekend, capturing holiday audiences ahead of these other highly-anticipated releases.
This December launch mirrors the release strategy of previous Jumanji films, both of which premiered in mid-December and successfully captivated audiences with their thrilling mix of action and humor.
The Vision for Jumanji’s Next Chapter
Hiram Garcia, series producer and President of Production at Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions, has hinted at the team’s vision for the new film, describing it as “fun, smart, and full of surprises.” During a 2021 interview with ComicBook, Garcia spoke about their plan to re-enter the Jumanji universe once production on Red One — a Christmas-themed comedy starring Johnson — was complete. Garcia also praised Kasdan’s creative direction, promising fans a film that will both honor the legacy of the series and introduce exciting new elements to the beloved jungle world.
In previous installments, audiences were transported to exotic jungle landscapes and introduced to a unique premise where teenagers found themselves trapped in a video game as adventurous avatars, each with specialized skills and vulnerabilities. While details about the new plot remain under wraps, Kasdan’s involvement and Garcia’s comments suggest another clever narrative twist that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Rock’s Busy Schedule: An Action-Packed 2026
Dwayne Johnson’s schedule is filled with exciting projects beyond Jumanji. Before reuniting with Kasdan and the cast for this sequel, Johnson stars in Red One, a Christmas comedy releasing on November 15, 2024. Set in a magical, action-packed world, Red One pairs Johnson with Kasdan once again and follows the story of Santa’s North Pole security, where Johnson plays Callum Drift, a member of the elite E.L.F. division.
Additionally, Johnson will lend his voice to Disney’s Moana 2, set for a November 2027 release, and is slated to return as Maui in a live-action adaptation of Moana, scheduled for July 10, 2026.
Expanding the Jumanji Universe
With the original 1995 Jumanji film starring Robin Williams, Sony introduced a mystical board game concept that transported players into a perilous jungle. Kasdan’s reimagined Jumanji trilogy swapped out the board game for a video game with immersive avatars, captivating a new generation. Each installment elevated the stakes, with players encountering new environments and challenges each time they entered the game. Fans are eager to see where the new film will take the characters, as Sony has hinted at even more daring scenarios and expansive settings.
The Road Ahead
With a carefully planned release date and a proven creative team, Sony’s confidence in this new Jumanji adventure is clear. The return of the main cast and the involvement of Kasdan bring continuity and promise that the film will build upon the elements that fans have come to love. The untitled sequel is not only set to offer the classic humor and action sequences but is also expected to introduce new layers and character developments, ensuring the series remains fresh and relevant.
As audiences await the December 2026 release, excitement is building for a film that promises thrills, nostalgia, and beloved characters. The Jumanji franchise has continually reinvented itself while staying true to its adventurous spirit. With a stellar cast, skilled direction, and a release date strategically timed for the holiday season, Sony’s latest Jumanji film is set to offer a journey into the jungle like never before.
