3 Minutes
Filming Milestone: What happened
Dwayne Johnson has shared an emotional social-media post confirming that filming for Jumanji 3 has reached a poignant milestone: Danny DeVito has finished shooting his scenes. The announcement — posted on February 17, 2026 — came with behind-the-scenes photos featuring DeVito alongside Kevin Hart, giving fans a rare glimpse into the set camaraderie.
Johnson described DeVito as the "heartbeat" of the franchise and thanked him for his warmth and mentorship on set. The message mixed gratitude with a touch of humor, a tone that reflects the franchise's balance of large-scale adventure and affectionate comedy.
Cast, crew and the road to release
Director Jake Kasdan returns to helm the third installment after directing the 2017 and 2019 revivals that reshaped the Jumanji franchise. The core ensemble is back: Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart lead alongside Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Nick Jonas. Young cast members Alex Wolff, Madison Iseman, Ser'Darius Blain, Morgan Turner and Awkwafina are also reprising their roles, keeping continuity with the previous films.
Production began in November 2025, and the studio has scheduled the film for release on December 11, 2026. Johnson has framed this installment as "a big, fun, heartfelt adventure," hinting that the movie's emotional stakes could serve as a fitting finale for this chapter of Jumanji.
Why this matters for the franchise
The younger Jumanji films revitalized a dormant IP by blending classic board-game mythology with modern video-game beats and an ensemble comedy sensibility. Jumanji 3 appears to lean into that same mix while promising more emotional payoffs — something that distinguishes the sequels from many action-comedy franchises that prioritize spectacle over sentiment.
Compared with other ensemble adventure franchises, Jumanji's strength has always been its chemistry — the interplay between seasoned stars and younger actors. With DeVito wrapping his scenes, the production signals both an end to a creative chapter and potential narrative closure.
Behind the scenes & fan reaction
Fans responded enthusiastically online, sharing nostalgia for earlier films and excitement for the new installment. On-set photos, candid jokes and Johnson's heartfelt tone have kept anticipation high. Little details — like the lighthearted jab about DeVito's scalp-care routine in Johnson's post — show the playful rapport that helped make the previous entries so beloved.
If Jumanji 3 indeed closes this era, it will do so under a director who has overseen the franchise's modern rebirth and with a cast that has matured alongside the series. Whether it becomes a definitive finale or simply another high point in the saga, audiences can expect the trademark blend of action, humor and heart.
In short: filming continues toward a December 2026 release, but the emotional wrap on DeVito's work is a notable moment for cast, crew and fans alike.
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