The release of Sony Pictures' fantasy adventure film "Jumanji 2" was pushed back a few months, from summer to the holiday season, and lead actor Dwayne Johnson believes it's a good thing.
"'Right down Dwanta Claus lane..' Excited to share this great news: CHRISTMAS of 2017 comes early for our #JUMANJI SEQUEL," reads Johnson's post on Instagram. "We were always slated to be released summer of 2017, but after months of shooting and editing our movie together, we realized we have a big family franchise on our hands, that's full of Christmas wish fulfillment, fun and heart."
This is the second time that the screening of "Jumanji 2" was rescheduled. It was initially slated for December this year. It was moved to July 2017, and then to December 2017. According to Coming Soon, it will be released on the same day as "Ferdinand," "Pitch Perfect 3," and "The Six Billion Dollar Man" — a week after "Star Wars: Episode VIII."
In his post, Johnson also says, "Like so many of us, it's my FAVORITE time of the year and I LUV delivering holiday entertainment. From MOANA this Thanksgiving, to ROCK THE TROOPS this Christmas, to JUMANJI next Christmas! Calling Rudolph now to get our sleigh and fanny packs."
"Jumanji 2" is not a reboot but a continuation of the original "Jumanji" film, released in December 1995, which starred the late comedian Robin Williams. According to film reporter Jeff Sneider, the movie is said to center on four teenagers who are in detention. While there, they are sucked into the Jumanji game. They then take on the form of grownups — their avatars — and their adventure focuses on their quest to find a jewel.
Apart from Johnson, who plays the role of Dr. Smolder Bravestone, "Jumanji 2" also stars Kevin Hart as Moose Finbarr, Jack Black as Professor Shelly Oberon, Karen Gillan as Ruby Roundhouse, and Ser'Darius Blane as Anthony "Fridge" Johnson.
"Jumanji 2" is scheduled to premiere in theaters on Dec. 22, 2017.
