The 1995 "Jumanji" film that starred Robin Williams is getting a remake, and according to a report from Variety, Sony Pictures is now circling Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Kevin Hart to star in the film. As of the moment, schedules are still being worked on but it is stated that they are close to sealing a deal with the two actors.
Despite this being the second film bearing the "Jumanji" name, it will be more of a second adaptation of the original Chris Van Allsburg children's book instead of simply following the beats of the 1995 film, hinting that the new film will follow a very different story from the one before it.
The original book focused only on two children but the 1995 film had several adults as part of the main cast, including Robin Williams's Alan Parrish. Given that these characters were not from the children's book, it is now speculated that Johnson and Hart will be playing new characters.
"Bad Teacher" director Jake Kasdan, son of "Empire Strikes Back" writer Lawrence Kasdan, will be helming the remake with a script by Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinker.
According to the report, Johnson is working around to get production started this fall as the goal is to film "Jumanji" before he moves on to shoot the third season of "Ballers." Johnson is currently busy with the "Fast and Furious 8" project while production for his other film, "Rampage," is potentially being pushed back to 2017.
Kevin Hart's schedule with the "Intouchables" film, where he will star opposite Bryan Cranston, is reportedly where difficulties in rescheduling may prove difficult. His next film "Kevin Hart: What Now" will be released this October and the actor will be lending his voice for the animated film "The Secret Life of Pets."
The pair already showed great chemistry together when co-hosting the recent MTV Movie Awards and will be starring together in the film "Central Intelligence."
"Jumanji" will open in theaters on July 28, 2017.
