Hollywood superstar Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has delivered a poignant homage to the late Robin Williams as production commences on what he confirms will be the final Jumanji film.
A Nostalgic Tribute on Instagram
The 53-year-old actor shared an emotional Instagram clip with his 391 million followers on Thursday, filmed while travelling via tram through the Universal Studios lot in Southern California. In the footage, Johnson can be seen wearing a significant piece of cinematic history around his neck - the original dice from the 1995 Jumanji film that once passed through Robin Williams' hands.
Johnson, who portrays Dr Smolder Bravestone in the modern franchise, described this gesture as "a show of respect and a way of honouring Robin and this entire franchise that he started as we film our very last." The action star called it "a little Easter egg" for fans as filming began on the highly-anticipated fourth installment.
Returning to Los Angeles Production
The wrestler-turned-actor expressed his enthusiasm for what he termed "a little day one of Jumanji excitement" as production got underway. Notably, Johnson revealed this marks his first time filming in Los Angeles for years, something he clearly relishes.
"So good to be shooting in Los Angeles," Johnson stated. "I have not shot a film in Los Angeles in I don't know when. It feels so good to bring a production back home to Los Angeles." He particularly emphasised the importance of having "our hardworking crews sleeping in their own bed every night - it's very cool - and especially just a big, fun movie like Jumanji."
Jumanji's Enduring Legacy
The original Jumanji film, which premiered nearly 30 years ago on December 15, 1995, starred Robin Williams as Alan Parrish. The film's premise involved "a magic board game summons jungle perils and a missing boy" and featured a cast including Kirsten Dunst, Jonathan Hyde, Bradley Pierce, Bebe Neuwirth, David Alan Grier and Bonnie Hunt.
The franchise was revived with 2017's Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and 2019's Jumanji: The Next Level. For this final chapter, Johnson reunites with director Jake Kasdan and co-stars Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan.
Robin Williams, whose performance in the original film remains beloved by fans, tragically died by suicide in August 2014 at age 63. Johnson's tribute serves as a powerful connection between the franchise's past and present, honouring the comedian's enduring legacy as production begins on what promises to be an emotional conclusion to the adventure series.
