TheJumanjifranchise is a beloved family-friendly classic, but there is one sequel that is unfairly overlooked.TheJumanjifranchisestarted with the classic 1995 adventure movie starring Robin Williams. The movie introduced the titular board game, which saw its jungle setting literally come to life with animals and other dangers coming into the real world.
More than 20 years afterthe originalJumanjimovie, the franchise returned with a new cast and modern approach. Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart led the sequel as video game avatars whom the players turn into when they are sucked into the Jumanji game. The success ofJumanji: Welcome to the Jungleled to its follow-up,Jumanji:The Next Level.
While fans are still waiting forthe fourthJumanjimovieto arrive, many of them don’t even realize the franchise actually has a sorely overlooked sequel. Not only that, but this forgotten sequel may be the franchise’s best entry.
Zathura Is A Sequel To The Original Jumanji
The Sequel Took The Adventure To Space
BeforeDwayne Johnson and Kevin Hartcame into the franchise,Zathurawas actually the firstJumanjisequel, released in 2005.It is often forgotten as part of the franchise, partially because it has a different title. This is due to the fact that the movie is a standalone sequel, dealing with a new set of characters as well as a new magic board game.
1995
2005
2017
Jumanji: The Next Level
2019
The movie follows two young boys who find a space-themed board game.When they start playing, their house is sucked up into space, where they find themselves on an intergalactic adventure. The movie stars Josh Hutcherson, Dax Shepard, and Kristen Stewart. The movie was also the last movie directed by Jon Favreau before helaunched the MCU withIron Man.
The movie received solid reviews from critics, scoring 77% onRotten Tomatoes. Unfortunately,audiences did not show much enthusiasm for the movie, and it ended up disappointing at the box office, only matching its budget of $65 million (viaBox Office Mojo).
Zathura’s Case As The Best Jumanji Movie
The Jumanji Franchise Should Have Followed Zathura’s Lead
Despite the fact that it is overlooked by many fans of the franchise,Zathuramight actually be the best of theJumanjimovies. It captures the fun of the original as the kids are transported on this adventure.The later sequels leaned into the talented cast to emphasize the humor of the movie, feeling like a comedy first and foremost.
The idea of other board games out there that unleash other wild and dangerous worlds on the players makes for endless possibilities.
Zathuracertainly has comedy, but it also maintains the sense of danger and adventure of the original movie. The tone is consistent with Jon Favreau finding a similar balance next inIron Man.It allows the audience to get swept up in the stakes of the movie while kids can still have a good time.
TheJumanjifranchise never managed to top Robin Williams in the lead role of the original, but the cast ofZathuraadds a lot of charm to the movie. They all share a fun dynamic, and the character relationships actually have an impact on the story itself.
Looking back onZathura, it is a shame thattheJumanjifranchisedidn’t follow this path with standalone sequels. The idea of other board games out there that unleash other wild and dangerous worlds on the players made for endless possibilities, with a medieval-themed sequel, a prehistoric sequel, and a pirate-themed sequel all possibilities.
In actuality,Jumanjiis one of the rare movie franchises that does really have any weak entries. However,Zathuramanaged to be a faithful sequel that was actually bold enough to try something new, and it is a shame more people haven’t recognized that.
