Just a few months after Sony Pictures set theirJumanjiremake for aChristmas 2016release, the studio has finally found its director.Deadlinereports thatJake Kasdan(Sex Tape) has signed on to direct, although it isn’t known when production will get under way. With the studio still sticking with its July 01, 2025 release, date, filming will most likely have to begin fairly soon.
The project has been in development for several years, withZach Helmcoming aboard to write the script back in 2012. The most current version of the script was written byScott Rosenberg(Con Air) andJeff Pinkner. Our report from October revealed thatJeff Pinkner, who co-created CBS' summer TV series Zoo withScott Rosenberg, was coming on board to consult with the script, alongsideAndré NemecandJosh Appelbaum(Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).
Theremakeis said to be a high priority for the studio, described as a “re-imagination” of the original 1995 blockbusterJumanji, which starredRobin Williams,Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt and Bebe Neuwirth. The original movie was spawned from theboard gameand book by writer Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express,Zathura). The movie earned a whopping $262.7 million worldwide at thebox office, from a $65 millionproductionbudget.
Jumanji will hit theaters on Christmas Day 2016, which puts it up againstMiss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, starringKim Dickens,Eva Green,Samuel L. JacksonandAsa Butterfield.Matthew Tolmachand William Teitler are set to produce, although the project doesn’t have a director attached at this time. It isn’t known how much this “re-imagined” story will change from the original movie, but it seems likely that the story will still center on a board game that comes to life.
Jake Kasdan, the son ofStar Wars: The Force Awakensco-writerLawrence Kasdan, most recently directed the 2014 comedySex Tape. His other directorial credits includeOrange County,Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox StoryandBad Teacher. Are you excited this project is finally coming back to life after years in development?
