In exciting news for fans of the original Jumanji film, David Alan Grier, who played Carl Bentley in the 1995 classic, recently spoke about the possibility of returning for new sequels. While there has been a resurgence of the beloved franchise with the success of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and its subsequent sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level, Grier revealed that he has not yet been approached to reprise his role.
Grier shared his enthusiasm for the prospect of starring in a new Jumanji sequel but acknowledged that the decision ultimately lies with the studio. He described the current trend of reboots, where the original property is divorced from the new iteration, likening it to keeping a last name after a divorce. Although Grier has not been asked to join any new Jumanji films, he remained open to the possibility.
It's worth noting that the Jumanji franchise has seen a bit of a departure from the original storyline. The first 'sequel,' Zathura: A Space Adventure, came out in 2005 and was considered a spin-off. While it shared similarities in plot and was also based on a book by Chris Van Allsburg, it did not reference the events of Jumanji.
In 2017, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle hit theaters and introduced a fresh cast, featuring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Bobby Cannavale. The film took a more modern approach, with the characters getting trapped in a video game version of Jumanji as adult avatars. The success of Welcome to the Jungle led to the release of its sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level, in 2019, where Bebe Neuwirth made a cameo appearance, reprising her role as Nora Shepherd.
Despite Grier's absence from the recent Jumanji films, fans can still look forward to Jumanji 4. The fourth installment of the franchise has been confirmed and is currently in development. It will see the return of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Unfortunately, a release date for Jumanji 4 has yet to be announced, as Johnson's prior filming commitments have delayed the project.
While details about Jumanji 4 remain under wraps, the mid-credits scene in Jumanji: The Next Level hinted at an escape from the game into the real world. This leaves the door open for potential cameos from original cast members like Grier, although nothing is confirmed at this point.
The Jumanji franchise has found immense popularity with its modern reimagining, blending action, adventure, and comedy to captivate audiences. It's exciting to see the story continue to evolve in new and unexpected ways while still paying homage to the original film.
As fans eagerly await updates on Jumanji 4, it's evident that the legacy of Jumanji, with its extraordinary adventures and unforgettable characters, will endure. Whether or not David Alan Grier returns to the Jumanji universe, the franchise will surely continue to entertain audiences with its unique blend of excitement and humor.
