This interview with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle cast was part of a Sony-sponsored press trip junket. All opinions remain my own.
I love when actors are as nice in person as they seem on the big screen, and when Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Jack Black, Joe Jonas and Karen Gillan from Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle walked into the room for our interview, they were as nice as nice could be. In fact, Joe Jonas made it a point to greet and shake hands with all of us before we got started.
Beyond the action and comedy, there’s a lot of heart in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and when asked which theme in the movie was their favorite, all four of the actors chose something that reflected that.
Interview with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Cast
On Their Favorite Themes in the Movie
Karen Gillan — Embracing Who You Are
“These four teenagers have difficulty doing that and it’s not until they inhabit the body of other people that they’re able to appreciate their own attributes and personalities and then they just have to find a way back to them… Embrace all of your weirdness and awkwardness.”
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson – Embracing Who You Are & Friendship
Yes, he chose two but he smolders, so he can do whatever he wants. “The ideology of being who you are and understanding that… it’s the hardest thing to do… being ok with who you are.” Also, “the notion of friends who are from different pockets in high school and different cliques and wouldn’t necessarily get along or be together but end up coming together and realizing they do like these people.”
Jack Black — Not Judging People By Their Outward Appearance
“The use of avatars in our movie lent itself to that theme. Looking outside of people’s cliques.. but looking deeper into their hearts to see their strength of character…”
Joe Jonas – Irony of Technology
“The irony that they get sucked into the game, but once they’re in there, there are no phones, no technology. It’s all disconnected.” He went on to talk about the importance of unplugging and how he encourages everyone around him to do more of it and poked fun at his 17-year old brother who clearly struggles with that.
Jack piped up to say he likes to unplug and jump in the pool with his boys because his phone is only water-resistant, so he’ll swim until it’s back to 100. Ha! This is why we love you, Jack.
Go see Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle in theaters beginning December 20th.
Alicia says
I am a HUGE fan of the original Jumanji movie, so I will have to watch this one. It won’t be the same, but I love Dwayne Johnson, so I know it’ll be a good one to see! I loved following along with this trip for the activities and interviews you did.
Angie says
I can’t decide how I feel about this movie… On the one hand, I’m kind of sad they remade such a classic Robin Williams staple from my childhood… but on the other it looks kind of fun. I know we’ll be seeing it, the kids already let us know they want to go.
Alissa Apel says
That’s so amazing! I’m glad you got to go. How fun. My sister is taking my boys and their cousins to see this movie shortly after Christmas. It’s their Christmas present.
randa says
This looks like such a fun movie! I can’t wait to go see it.
Carol Cassara says
OH WOW! It’s really awesome that you had the chance to meet them and interview them as well! I’m sure it was an amazing experience!
Kristyn says
I didn’t realize they were making a new movie! I remember watching this as a child! I’ll have to check this new one out!
Our Family World says
I am a fan of Dwayne Johnson because he is a very versatile actor. I would love to watch this new Jumanji movie. It would be another worthwhile film. I would also get a copy of the DVD once its out.
Marielle Altenor says
How cool you got to interview the cast! I saw the trailer for this a few weeks ago and I almost peed laughing! I’m so excited to see some of my favorite actors all together in one movie!
rika says
A great interview.. I can’t wait to see this movie! I love Dwayne Johnson,.. he is so talented!
Sherry says
I have been looking forward to seeing this movie. Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black are two of my favorite actors.
Stacie says
I like that there is more meaning behind the movie. This is such a great cast of actors.
Debra Hawkins says
Oh my word. I would die a little bit! I absolutely adore Karen Gillan. She is all kinds of fabulous.
Kita Bryant says
I want to see this so bad. It looks so cool and I love the actors they chose!
Serena hale says
Great interviews and the movie I am sure will be good. Jumanji was always a hit, so this one has to be just as good.
susan5minutesformom says
This movie looks really fun – and it looks like you had a great time with the interviews! It’s a great ensemble cast.
Sarah Bailey says
What an awesome interview, I loved the first film and at first I was worried they were making another but it really sounds absolutely fantastic I am looking forward to getting to see it.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I’ve heard such great things about this movie! Looks so fun! Can’t believe it’s been so long since the original came out.
Dawn Lopez says
I can’t wait to see this movie. I loved the original Jumanji movie so I’m excited to see this one with my family.
Emily says
My kids and I are soooo excited for this movie! What an awesome group of people you got to interview! Jack Black + Dwayne Johnson AND Kevin Hart? Amazing!
Shannon Gurnee says
That sounds like it was such an awesome press trip! I would love to meet Dwayne Johnson in person someday! We can’t wait to see Jumanji in the theater!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
Love the original Jumanji so much! I really want to see this one. This is one that reminds me of my childhood.
Sara Welch says
What an amazing group of people. This movie is going to be an instant classic.
Sue Reddel says
It sure sounds like a great time was had by all. Jumanji sounds like it would be a fun movie to see.
Cat says
I have always had a celebrity crush on Jack Black! Something about a man with scruff who can make you laugh haha
Cathi says
What an awesome opportunity Liz! I am SO excited to see this film. We’ve watched the original so many times our kids and grandkids can recite the whole thing.
Cyn Gagen says
I can’t wait to see this movie. I have always loved the Jumanji franchise but couldn’t imagine anyone could step into Robin Williams shoes. I think they made some great casting choices and it’s going to be really fun.
Theresa says
All of the cast does seem like really lovely people in real life. I am sure they all had such wonderful chemistry on the set. I am taking my daughter to see this on her birthday next week. We can’t wait!
AnnMarie John says
Isn’t it exciting! I really cannot wait for this movie and the kids are also looking forward to it! The cast is really awesome, love the actors that they picked for the roles!
Amber Myers says
So fun! We’ll be seeing this movie for sure. The previews alone make us giggle. Plus Kevin Hart is hilarious.
Brianne says
What an incredible event and interview! We cannot wait to see the movie!
Trish says
This looks like a really fun movie, and I enjoyed reading about your great experience meeting these actors!
Monica says
The movie looks so great and the experience you had is priceless. Also, is this the press trip to HAWAII?!!! I am so jealous!
jamie says
The previews on this one look really funny. We are planning to take the kids to see it over the holiday break,
travel blogger says
I cannot wait to see this movie! I am so jealous you got to go to this! I love the cast variety, and I think the movie will definitely be hilarious because of it!
Heather says
I heart Jack Black so much! I am excited to see this film. We loved the original – great story.
Scott says
Seems like a bunch of good ones coming out this week. Between this, Downsized and Pitch Perfect, I’ll be getting my fill of popcorn!
Sinisa says
This will be so much fun to watch. Great cast and story
Jenny says
My family can’t wait to see this movie!!! What a fun interview to get to do, I love they remade it!
Christie says
The kids have been bugging me about going to see Jumanji! We watched the original one, but they’re more into Duwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. Your interviews were awesome!
Neely Moldovan says
I actually really want to see this! It looks so much better than the first one!
Vera Sweeney says
I’ve heard this movie’s plot is more based on today, with video games. I think that’s pretty cool! Loved your interviews!
Amy Desrosiers says
My kids have never seen Jumanji! I would love for them to possibly watch this one to get them started!
Rachel Ferrucci says
Love this interview and I can’t wait to go see the movie. I’m so happy they were all nice, especially Dwane because I too would think he would be awesome in person and glad my bubble didn’t burst.
Deborah Pucci says
That must have been so much fun!
Stacie says
This was so much fun to read! I’m so excited to see this movie. Not only do I love this modern reboot of one of my favorites, but I adore the cast! WOOT
Jenny Finney says
I really want to see this movie! And OMG….and interview with Dwayne Johnson! How lucky. I try to see every movie that he is in an used to watch WWF wrestling, when he wrestled.
candy says
We saw the original movie and are looking forward to seeing the new one that is coming out. Great to learn more about the cast .
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
I have seen commercials for this and totally can’t wait to check it out. Brings back childhood memories that’s for sure.
Jeanette says
I want to see this movie! It looks like it is REALLY funny and I love movies that are just fun to watch! This had to have been such a great opportunity for you! I would have loved to interview them!
Alli Smith says
I love Jack Black and I try to see every movie he’s starring in. This is a great family movie to watch over the holidays.
Bill Sweeney says
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart are super funny. I love the plot of this remake. Your interviews with the actors were really awesome!
Krystal Butherus says
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart have a real good chemistry. It’s not a surprise they’re a hit in this movie. I love the plot. Your interviews were really awesome!