Mere Days After 'The Smashing Machine' Box Office Flop, Dwayne Johnson Enters Proven IP
The cinematic gods apparently did not smile upon The Smashing Machine, as Dwayne Johnson faced the rare misfortune of a box office flop. Despite glowing reviews and the star power of one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors, the film opened to a meager $5.9 million domestically, ranking third behind surprisingly formidable competitors, including a Taylor Swift concert film. Distributor A24 now faces projected losses between $10 million and $15 million. Yet, as any seasoned performer knows, a stumble on the mat only sets the stage for a stronger rebound, and Dwayne Johnson is already charting his next move.
With his characteristic determination, Dwayne Johnson is pivoting to a proven franchise, ensuring a safer box office landing.
Dwayne Johnson returns to proven territory
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Dwayne Johnson is set to return to familiar territory with the next Jumanji installment, reuniting with Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan under the direction of Jake Kasdan, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Scheduled for a December 11, 2026 release, the film adds Brittany O’Grady to the ensemble, best known for her work on the first season of Mike White’s The White Lotus. The Jumanji franchise has proven a reliable safety net for Johnson, offering consistent box office returns and fan approval.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that production on the new Jumanji film will commence in November, marking the start of Dwayne Johnson’s latest return to the franchise. Fans can expect the familiar mix of chaos, humor, and adventure that has made the series a dependable hit, reinforcing the franchise as one of Hollywood’s most lucrative and secure vehicles for the actor.
With a fourth installment on the horizon, Jumanji is primed to meet sky-high fan expectations.
What to expect from Jumanji 4?
The Jumanji jungle is preparing for another round of mayhem as production begins in Los Angeles this November. Newcomers Brittany O’Grady and Burn Gorman add fresh faces to the established chaos. Set to release on December 11, 2026, the film promises the wild combination of humor, action, and video game-inspired adventures that have made the franchise beloved worldwide.
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Returning supporting players Alex Wolff, Madison Iseman, Ser’Darius Blaine, Morgan Turner, and Awkwafina provide continuity, while inventive plot twists and body-switching antics guarantee the familiar laughter and thrills fans adore. With a script by Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg, the fourth installment is set to reaffirm Jumanji as a reliably entertaining adventure for all ages and bring back Dwayne Johnson from his blockbuster dud.
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How excited are you for the fourth installment of Jumanji on a scale of 1 to 10? Let us know in the comments below
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Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui
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