The Jumanji Sequel Plans to Honor Robin Williams With a Touching Tribute

Get the Full StoryThere has been a lot of chatter about the upcoming Jumanji sequel, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. While no one can replace Robin Williams's beloved character, the upcoming movie definitely looks promising. Not only does it have a stellar cast lined up hello, Dwayne Johnson , but it also seems like it will do the original film justice. Check out the handful of details we already know below!

The Story

Johnson took to Instagram to clarify the film's plot with his fans. "This new movie will NOT be a remake or reboot of the original," he said. "It will be a CONTINUATION of the awesome JUMANJI adventure 20 years later." It follows four high school students who stumble upon an old video game console, which promptly sucks them inside the game's jungle setting and literally transforms them into the adult avatars they initially chose. They have to survive Jumanji's dangerous challenges in order to beat the game and return to the real world, or else be trapped in the jungle Alan Parrish played by Williams in the original escaped years earlier.

The Stars

Johnson confirmed Kevin Hart's and Jack Black's roles via Instagram. Nick Jonas also revealed he would be joining the movie at the MTV Video Music Awards, and Karen Gillan was cast as one of the avatars, Ruby Roundhouse. Johnson, Hart, and Black will play the rest of the avatars named Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Moose Finbar, and Professor Shelly Oberon, respectively .

The Director

Jake Kasdan, who previously worked on Bad Teacher and Sex Tape, is lending his creativity for the film.

The Rest of the Team

Matt Tolmach will serve as the lead producer, with Johnson helping out as a coproducer.

Yo.. Lots of positive chatter now on something I should've clarified months ago when we announced we were making JUMANJI. This new movie will NOT be a remake or reboot of the original. It will be a CONTINUATION of the awesome JUMANJI adventure 20 years later. As a producer on this movie and someone who loves the original, you have my word we'll honor the legend of "Alan Parrish" and properly introduce a whole new generation to the fun and crazy JUMANJI universe that so many of us loved and grew up on. Our director Jake Kasdan and lead producer Matt Tohlmach are focused and ready go. They also have no f cking idea what they've gotten themselves into by hiring Me, Kevin Hart and Jack Black aka "The Cray Cray Triplets" as the stars of this movie. Shooting begins in 4 weeks. And on a personal note, it's such a cool thing for me to bring the production of this movie to Hawaii. The positive ripple effect it has on local businesses and families in terms of creating jobs and additional income makes me very happy. I grew up on the island thru hard times and good times, so it means a lot to this local boy. Hell, I used to steal a Snickers candy bar every day from 7-11 when I walked to the gym as my pre workout meal when I was 14yrs cause I was too broke to buy one. When I return to Hawaii, I will go back to that 7-11 on Kapiolani Blvd and finally buy that Snickers bar after all these years. Then I'll proceed to my psychiatric therapy session cause clearly I'm still messed up over that broke time in my life. #JUMANJI #HAWAII #SonyPictures #SnickersForTheWholeCrew

A photo posted by therock therock on Aug 22, 2016 at 9:50am PDT

A Sneak Peek at Dwayne Johnson's Character

In an exclusive first look from Johnson himself, we got to meet his new character, Dr. Bravestone. Pretty exciting!

EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK: Concept art of my #JUMANJI character. "The Smoldering" Dr. Bravestone. not sure where my pecs went; . This is gonna be fun.. Me, kevinhart4real, Jack Black, NickJonas and the Ginger Assassin karengillanofficial can't wait to "play the game that plays you". #JUMANJI #DrBravestone #KingOfTheSmolder #TheAdventureContinues JUMANJI Costume Designer Laura Jean Shannon

A photo posted by therock therock on Sep 1, 2016 at 10:12am PDT

The First Cast Photo

Hart followed suit by posting a sneak peek of the cast in costume!

Day 1 of shooting "Jumanji" is officially in the can. We had a amazing first day. The chemistry & energy of our cast & crew was beyond amazing!!!! This movie is going to be dope as hell....Can't wait to get back to work tomorrow therock karengillanofficial & jack black!!! #Jumanji

A photo posted by Kevin Hart kevinhart4real on Sep 19, 2016 at 8:49pm PDT

The Tribute to Robin Williams

While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Jack Black revealed Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle will indeed honor the OG Alan Parrish at some point within the film. "We're exploring this jungle and trying to conquer the game; it's life or death. But while we're there, we find clues left behind by Williams' character Alan Parrish ," he explained. "He built up a full-blown jungle house, similar to a Swiss Family Robinson situation. It's like he's there helping us without actually being there. In the original you never got to see the inside world. But this one takes place primarily inside the jungle of Jumanji. That's the coolest part of the film - we're able to transport the audience to that secret and wondrous land, with the danger and the beauty."

The Release Date

The film is set to hit theaters on Dec. 22, 2017.

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