When news of a Jumanji sequel (which has since been titled Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) first came out, no one knew if it would be possible to give the Robin Williams cult classic justice, even with stars like Dwayne Johnson in tow.
However, Jack Black, another star of the film, has assured audiences that the late actor’s performance in the film will not be forgotten.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at a photo call held on the side-lines of CineEurope in Barcelona, Jack Black explained that the film does pay tribute to the legend.
“We’re exploring this jungle and trying to conquer the game; it’s life or death,” he said. “But while we’re there, we find clues left behind by [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.”
Black also explained one key difference between Jumanji and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle: “[In the original] you never got to see the inside world,” he said. “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.”
Mind you, fans of the 1996-99 animated TV series Jumanji will remember that that saw the characters enter the actual world of the board game too.
