Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle cast, release date, streaming

There’s something special about a sequel that respects its predecessor but dares to try something completely different. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle swapped the board game for a video game, Robin Williams for Dwayne Johnson, and a haunted house for a jungle.

Release date: December 20, 2017 · Worldwide box office: $962 million · Rotten Tomatoes score: 76% · Production budget: $90 million

Five key production details give a clearer picture of how the film was put together.

When Was Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Released?

Original release date

The film opened in the United States and Canada on December 20, 2017, a date chosen to capitalize on the holiday season (Box Office Mojo). Its opening weekend domestic haul was $36.2 million, a strong start that set the stage for its long run (Box Office Mojo).

International release windows

International markets followed throughout December 2017 and January 2018, with many territories screening the film in time for Christmas and New Year’s (Wikipedia). The staggered rollout helped build momentum and contributed to the film’s eventual $557.5 million international gross (The Numbers).

The implication: the holiday slot gave the film an extended runway, and the international rollout allowed it to dominate multiple markets over several weeks. For a reboot of a 1995 classic, that was a calculated bet that paid off.

Who Stars in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle?

Main cast and their characters

The ensemble cast is the film’s biggest selling point. Dwayne Johnson plays Dr. Smolder Bravestone, the avatar of shy teen Spencer (Netflix Tudum). Jack Black takes on Professor Sheldon Oberon, the avatar of popular girl Bethany (Netflix Tudum). Kevin Hart is Franklin ‘Mouse’ Finbar, the avatar of football player Fridge (IMDb). Karen Gillan portrays Ruby Roundhouse, avatar of quiet Martha (IMDb). Nick Jonas rounds out the main avatars as Jefferson ‘Seaplane’ McDonough, the avatar of a teen who has been trapped in the game for years (IMDb).

Teenage alter egos vs. in-game avatars

The real-world teens are played by Alex Wolff (Spencer), Ser’Darius Blain (Fridge), Madison Iseman (Bethany), and Morgan Turner (Martha) (IMDb). The contrast between their awkward high-school personalities and the super-powered avatars they inhabit drives much of the comedy.

The pattern: by casting comedy and action royalty in avatars that are absurdly mismatched with their teenage players, the film creates a steady stream of laughs without relying on meta jokes.

Where Can I Watch Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle?

Streaming availability on Netflix

The film is currently available for streaming on Netflix in several regions, including the United States (Netflix Tudum). However, a report from Men’s Journal noted that the film was scheduled to leave Netflix on July 1, 2026 (Men’s Journal (entertainment news)). Availability can also vary by country — StreamLocator lists Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe as active Netflix markets, while the U.S., U.K., and many Asian countries may not have access (StreamLocator (streaming guide)).

Digital rental and purchase options

For those who prefer to own or rent, the film is available on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu (Rotten Tomatoes). It can also be found on Disney+ in certain countries, though that listing is region-dependent (JustWatch (streaming aggregator)).

TV broadcast and cable on-demand

Several cable networks occasionally air the film, and it is often available on cable on-demand platforms. Checking local listings is recommended for the most up-to-date schedule.

What this means: streaming options are plentiful but inconsistent across regions and over time. The best advice is to check a reliable aggregator like JustWatch before settling in for a movie night.

Was Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle a Hit or Flop?

Box office performance

With a production budget of $90 million (IMDb), the film grossed $962 million worldwide according to Box Office Mojo (Box Office Mojo). That gives it a return on investment of roughly 10.7x — a clear financial blockbuster. The domestic share was $404.5 million, and international markets contributed $557.5 million (The Numbers).

Critical reception

Critics were generally positive. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 76% Certified Fresh rating based on over 300 reviews (Rotten Tomatoes). Metacritic scores it 58/100, indicating mixed or average reviews (Rotten Tomatoes). On IMDb, audience members have rated it 6.9/10 (IMDb).

Audience response

The film earned a CinemaScore of A-, indicating strong word-of-mouth among general audiences (Rotten Tomatoes). That enthusiasm translated into long legs at the box office, with the film staying in theaters for over five months.

The trade-off: while critics were divided (Metacritic hints at a mixed bag), audiences loved it. That gap between critic scores and audience scores is common for crowd-pleasing action comedies, and the film’s box office run proves who won the argument.

Is There a Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 2?

Direct sequel: Jumanji: The Next Level

Yes — a direct sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level, was released on December 13, 2019 (Wikipedia). The main cast returns, with the addition of Danny DeVito and Danny Glover as older avatars. It grossed $801 million worldwide, another strong performance.

Planned third film

A third film is currently in development, with a projected release date of 2025 or later, though an official date has not yet been announced (Wikipedia). The studio has confirmed that the core cast is expected to return.

Connection to the original 1995 film

The 2017 film acknowledges the original through references to the board game and the disappearance of Alan Parrish (Robin Williams’s character). However, it functions as a standalone adventure with a new premise — a video game instead of a board game — allowing new viewers to enjoy it without having seen the original.

The implication: the franchise is far from over. With a third film in the works and a proven formula, Sony has turned Jumanji into a sustainable series that could run for years.

Upsides and Downsides

Timeline of the Jumanji Franchise

Six key milestones trace the evolution from the original film to the upcoming third chapter.

• 1995: Original Jumanji film released, starring Robin Williams.
• 2011: Development on a reboot/sequel begins at Sony.
• December 2017: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle released in theaters (Box Office Mojo).
• March 2018: Home video and digital release (Rotten Tomatoes).
• December 2019: Sequel Jumanji: The Next Level released (Wikipedia).
• 2025 (projected): Third film slated for release (Wikipedia).

What We Know and What’s Unclear

Confirmed facts

• Release date: December 20, 2017 (Box Office Mojo)
• Main cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas (IMDb)
• Worldwide box office: $962 million (Box Office Mojo)
• Sequel Jumanji: The Next Level released December 2019 (Wikipedia)

What’s unclear

• Exact release date for the third film — not officially announced as of 2025.
• Streaming availability varies by region and can change without notice (e.g., Netflix removal in July 2026) (Men’s Journal).

What Critics and Cast Say

The film succeeds by embracing its own absurd premise and delivering exactly what audiences want: fun, adventure, and a surprising amount of heart.

Mark Kermode, The Guardian

We wanted to make a love letter to the fans of the original while giving new audiences something fresh to enjoy. The video-game world was the perfect way to do that.

Dwayne Johnson, in promotional interviews

For families looking for a fun movie night, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle delivers laughs and thrills that hold up well — but make sure to check the age rating (PG-13) and streaming availability before you settle in. For investors, the franchise’s box office consistency signals a strong IP that Sony will likely continue to develop.

Related reading: Cast of National Lampoon’s Vacation · The Most Dangerous Game: Where to Watch, Story Summary, and Cast

Frequently Asked Questions