Dwayne Johnson is at the helm of a $2 billion franchise that many fans eagerly anticipate a sequel for. However, recent news about Jumanji 4 raises concerns regarding its production. The franchise began with the beloved 1995 film starring Robin Williams, but new life was infused into it with the release of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle in 2017, featuring a fresh cast including Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan. Their performances drew acclaim and led to impressive box office figures, with the movie grossing nearly $962.5 million globally. This success paved the way for a sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level, just two years later.
The 2019 iteration also garnered a healthy $801.7 million at the box office, buoyed by positive reviews. Yet, it’s been six years since that release, and the production of Jumanji 4 has faced multiple setbacks. Despite Sony’s announcement that the fourth installment would hit theaters in 2026, recent remarks from cast member Jack Black have caused fans to question if the film will ever come to fruition.
Jumanji 4 is Scheduled for 2026, but Jack Black’s Comments Raise Doubts
Jack Black Remarks “It’s Been A Great, Great Ride”
During a promotional interview with Deadline regarding the upcoming A Minecraft Movie, Jack Black touched on his potential return for Jumanji 4. He expressed cautious optimism, noting, “Well, we’ll see. I hope so.”However, his subsequent comments hinted at uncertainty, indicating that he is unaware of any filming schedule or if the project will proceed. Black stated, “My feeling is always, ‘I’ve already done my last film. I’m pretty sure I’m done. I’m pretty sure I’m retired.’ I’ll let you know if someone pulls me out of retirement, but it’s been a great, great ride.”
Jack Black talks about upcoming film ‘Anaconda’ and ‘Jumanji 3’ pic.twitter.com/LCauJIypt6 — Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 30, 2025
Black’s uncertainty about his involvement raises concerns regarding the future of Jumanji 4. As one of the pivotal members of the cast, his absence would profoundly affect the franchise’s appeal, particularly given the rapport built with audiences over the last few films. With the release date looming yet no concrete production timeline or updates, many fear that Jumanji 4 may never materialize.
Reasons Behind the Delay of Jumanji 4
Scheduling Conflicts and Other Challenges
Several factors contribute to the prolonged wait for Jumanji 4. The COVID-19 pandemic halted many film productions worldwide, significantly affecting the industry’s timeline. Additionally, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023 created further delays.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Karen Gillan mentioned scheduling conflicts as a potential reason for the hold-up. She humorously noted, “If you find out [who’s to blame for it taking so long], can you let me know? Because I don’t know… I haven’t heard anything about it other than the fact that we will be doing it at some point.”Her comments reflect enthusiasm among the cast, who are eager for the project to move forward.
Although Jumanji 4 was expected to begin production shortly after Jumanji: The Next Level’s release, unforeseen circumstances have pushed the timeline significantly. Producer Hiram Garcia confirmed in 2021 that the film was on the agenda for the future, post-release of Red One, but with recent events, a seven-year hiatus since the last film is now likely.
The Imperative for Jumanji 4 (Especially for Dwayne Johnson)
Addressing Box Office Challenges and Typecasting Through Jumanji 4
The urgency for Jumanji 4 is compounded by Dwayne Johnson’s recent challenges at the box office. The actor has faced criticism for typecasting, especially following a few costly flops, including Red One, which performed poorly against its $200 to $250 million budget, earning only $185.7 million. Ironically, this project contributed to the delays for Jumanji 4.
In a similar vein, Jack Black’s most notable successes in the past decade have been largely tied to the Jumanji franchise. Although The Super Mario Bros. Movie earned a higher gross, the Jumanji installments closely trail. With Black’s apprehensions regarding upcoming projects like A Minecraft Movie, the pressure mounts for him, akin to Johnson, to diversify their roles through Jumanji 4. Given its history of commercial success, the film could revitalize their careers, making the wait for its release potentially worthwhile.
Sources: Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, ComicBook.com