Original Jumanji Connection Revealed by Jack Black

Jack Black Reveals Connection to Original Jumanji in Upcoming Sequel

WARNING: Potential spoilers for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle below!

Dwayne Johnson himself previously said that the upcoming Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle won’t be a reboot of the popular film but rather a sequel, and now we have a better idea of how the two connect thanks to his co-star, Jack Black. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Black revealed one of the big connections to the original Jumanji in the upcoming sequel, saying:

“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 (Robin Williams’ character Alan Parrish). 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.”

As you may recall, Williams’ character was trapped inside the board game for 26 years where he survived and grew up, which Black says we will get a taste of in the film.

“(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 new Jumanji cast also includes Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart, Nick Jonas, Ser’Darius Blain, Madison Iseman, Alex Wolff and Morgan Turner. As we previously reported, Johnson, Hart, Black and Gillan are playing the “avatars” of the kids actually playing the Jumanji game in the film.

Bad Teacher and Sex Tape helmer Jake Kasdan is directing from a screenplay by High Fidelity and Con Air scribe Scott Rosenberg, with frequent Bad Robot executive producer Jeff Pinkner serving as a consultant. Matt Tolmach and William Teitler are producing with David Householter, Jake Kasadan, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Ted Field and Mike Weber executive producing.

Sony Pictures will release Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle in theaters on December 20, 2017.