Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart are in early talks to star in Sony’s “Jumanji,” a new adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s original 1981 adventure book.
Schedules are still being worked out, as both Johnson and Hart have heavy production loads ahead, but insiders say things are moving toward a deal.
Johnson has an opening this fall with his New Line pic “Rampage” possibly shifting to 2017. The plan would be to shoot “Jumanji” before the third season of his HBO series “Ballers.” Johnson will also shoot “Fast 8” this summer, reprising his role of Agent Hobbs.
Hart is expected to shoot “The Intouchables” remake for Weinstein this summer opposite Bryan Cranston, and according to sources, working out this part of the schedule could prove difficult.
The pair showed great chemistry after co-hosting the MTV Movie Awards, and with anticipation high for their upcoming New Line action comedy “Central Intelligence,” Sony sees this as the perfect opportunity to pair the two up again for a tentpole.
Jake Kasdan is on board to direct with Matt Tolmach producing. The pic set to bow on July 28, 2017.
William Teitler is also producing with Ted Field, Mike Weber and Van Allsburg will executive produce. Principal photography is expected to start this August in Honolulu, HI.
The reboot’s script has been written by Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinkner, based on a draft by the original writers, Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers.
The 1995 “Jumanji” movie starred Williams, Kirsten Dunst, David Alan Grier, Bonnie Hunt, Jonathan Hyde and Bebe Neuwirth. The story centers on a 12-year-old boy who becomes trapped in a board game in 1969 and is released 26 years later.
While the original was heavy on action elements, Williams’ comedic talents helped deliver the light-hearted family adventure pic the studio wanted. Hart has demonstrated his physical comedy abilities in films like “Ride Along.”
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