Dwayne Johnson has honored the legacy of Robin Williams in a deeply personal way as production begins on the fourth Jumanji film in Los Angeles. In a video shared with his fans, Johnson showcased an accessory from his costume, linking the present and past of the franchise, and continuing the tradition of tribute established in previous films—a move that underscores the enduring bond between the original and rebooted Jumanji universes, as the Dwayne Johnson Jumanji tribute takes on new significance.
Honoring Robin Williams with a Symbolic Nod
As cameras rolled on the next installment of the adventure series, Johnson took to Instagram to reveal that a necklace he wears for his character serves as more than a simple prop. It features a well-worn die from the board game central to the 1995 film, which starred Robin Williams as Alan Parrish—the child who becomes ensnared within the game’s world after a fateful dice roll.
“This is the dice from the original Jumanji with Robin Williams as a show of respect,”
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor
Johnson explained to fans that this die is a direct link to Williams’ classic role, reinforcing the respect and affection the current cast holds for the film’s origins. As Johnson remarked,
“[It’s] a way of honoring Robin and this entire franchise that he started as we film our very last Jumanji. The big finale. Here we go, let’s shoot.”
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor
This subtle nod, worn close during the shoot, signals both the emotional and creative connection the new entries in the franchise maintain with Williams’ legacy—an attachment felt keenly by both fans and cast.
How Previous Jumanji Films Paid Homage
Robin Williams’ character, Alan Parrish, was essential to the soul of the original Jumanji, his story beginning with a chance roll that traps him in the mystical world for decades before his eventual return. When the series was revived in the late 2010s, it did so with a cast of characters who faced new perils within a video game version of Jumanji, a reinvention that brought new actors such as Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Nick Jonas into the fold alongside Johnson.
The team behind the newer films, particularly in 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, ensured references to the original were woven throughout. The film included a memorable moment where Nick Jonas’s character, Alex, explains to his fellow players that his treehouse was previously constructed by Alan Parrish, and even sports a heartfelt carving: Alan Parrish was here.
Casting and Characters Set to Return
The new film aims to reunite the core group from Welcome to the Jungle: Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Nick Jonas will all reprise their video game avatar roles. The actors who portray the main characters’ real-world counterparts—Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Ser’Darius Blain, and Madison Iseman—are also returning, reinforcing the sense of continuity the franchise values.
The lineup is bolstered by Awkwafina and Danny DeVito, who joined the team in 2019’s Jumanji: The Next Level, and by Bebe Neuwirth, known for her part in the original 1995 film and her memorable cameo in the most recent sequel. Their return helps to further bridge the generations of Jumanji fans.
Returning Home to Los Angeles for Filming
This latest production marks a homecoming of sorts for Johnson and the crew, as they shoot in Los Angeles, a city steeped in movie history. Johnson expressed particular satisfaction about working in his hometown, saying:
“I have not shot a film in Los Angeles in…I don’t know when,”
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor
“So it feels so good to bring a production back home to Los Angeles and have our hardworking crew sleep in their own bed every night. Very cool, and especially just a big, fun movie like Jumanji.”
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor
This emotional return speaks to the importance of location not only for logistics but for morale, as the cast and crew find themselves able to balance the rigors of a big-budget adventure production with the comforts of home.
The Creative Team and the Franchise’s Future
Jake Kasdan, who previously directed two installments in the modern Jumanji series, is stepping back into the director’s role to helm this new adventure. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on December 11, 2026, promising another blend of humor and adventure set within the beloved, ever-evolving game world.
With its nod to legacy, emotionally charged tributes, and the promise of reuniting its dynamic ensemble, Jumanji 4 is poised not just as a culminating chapter for its characters, but as a heartfelt salute to all those—past and present—who have brought Jumanji to life. As the Dwayne Johnson Jumanji tribute continues to resonate, the film stands ready to celebrate both its storied past and adventurous future.
