Excitement is reaching fever pitch for the next chapter in the Jumanji franchise, and a heartfelt homage to the late, great Robin Williams has fans even more eager. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson recently pulled back the curtain on how the upcoming movie will pay its respects to the beloved star of the original 1995 film.
An Emotional Easter Egg from the Original Set
During a conversation at the Golden Globes First-Time Nominee Celebration in Beverly Hills, California, Dwayne Johnson opened up about the film's special dedication. He revealed that the idea to honor Williams was personal. "It was my idea to honor him in some way, and I didn't know how to do it," Johnson told People magazine. The perfect solution came from the film's costume designer, Laura Jean Shannon. She suggested using the original dice from the first Jumanji movie starring Robin Williams, a poignant idea that was immediately embraced by the cast and crew.
Dwayne Johnson's Behind-the-Scenes Revelation
The tribute was first hinted at by Johnson himself back in November, coinciding with the start of production for this new installment. In a social media video, the 53-year-old actor and producer gave fans a glimpse of the meaningful prop. "As you see, a little Easter egg for Dr. Bravestone. This is the dice from the original Jumanji with Robin Williams, as a show of respect. And a way of honoring Robin and this entire franchise that he started as we film our very last Jumanji. Big finale. Here we go, let's shoot!" he announced enthusiastically.
This upcoming film marks the final chapter in the current Jumanji series, which was rebooted with 2017's 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle'. The previous movie, 'Jumanji: The Next Level', released in 2019, concluded on a cliffhanger that cleverly circled back to the core concept of the original. It depicted animals from the game breaking into the real world and causing chaos, observed by the main characters from a coffee shop.
A Fitting Farewell to a Franchise Icon
The decision to incorporate a physical piece of cinema history—the original dice—serves as a powerful bridge between the franchise's past and its present. It acknowledges Robin Williams' irreplaceable role in launching the magical and dangerous world of Jumanji into the public's imagination. For fans who grew up with the 90s classic, this gesture adds a layer of nostalgia and emotional depth to the new adventure, promising a finale that respects its roots while delivering the high-octane fun the newer films are known for.
As production moves forward, this tribute ensures that the spirit of Robin Williams will be a tangible part of the game's next roll, making the anticipation for the film's release even greater for audiences in India and around the world.
