Forecasts forJumanji: Welcome to the Junglemay have been optimistic, but few could have predicted the runaway box office success of the legacyquel. Last night, the movie crossed $403.714 million at the domestic box office, which makes it Sony Pictures’ highest-grossing picture domestically, beating out a record set bySpider-Manway back in 2002. To put that in even greater perspective, that means on its way to the top,Jumanjibeat out every singleSpider-Manmovie,Skyfall,Men in Black, andGhostbusters.
This is a massive accomplishment for everyone involved, and when you see the movie, it’s not too surprising.Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungleis a crowdpleaser, and it’s a fun film to watch. It makes sense that families would not only see the movie during the crowded holiday season, but also treat it to repeat viewings. It’s a movie where you’re able to take your kids to enjoy it and not have to worry about anything too dark or disturbing upsetting them. Plus you’ve got the star-power ofDwayne Johnson,Kevin Hart, andJack Blackand the comic chops of directorJake Kasdan. We shouldn’t be surprised thatWelcome to the Jungleis a hit, but it’s still a bit stunning that it turned out to be such a massive hit.
The film also fared well overseas, pulling in $950 million worldwide, landing at the 42nd highest grossing film worldwide of all-time. Not too bad for a movie with no superheroes and only a single movie from the mid-90s to help promote the brand (and, let’s be honest,Robin Williamswas the big draw for that movie).
Unsurprisingly,a sequel is currently in developmentwith Dwayne Johnson and his co-stars set to return.Scott RosenbergandJeff Pinknerare writing the script, and I hope that Sony also gets Kasdan back on board. No word yet on when the sequel might hit theaters, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it land in either late 2019 or summer 2020.
