Jumanji: The Next Level Producer on Expanding the Universe and Connected Worlds

While most Jumanji fans think of the ‘90s classic and the newer Jumanji movies as two entirely different things, franchise producer Hiram Garcia explains that the movies are actually connected to one another.

Speaking in an interview with Cinema Blend on the ReelBlend podcast to help promote the newest Jumanji movie, The Next Level, Hiram explained why the franchise decided against remaking the original ‘90s movie starring Robin Williams.

According to the producer, the original film was so beloved and so important to everyone, the studio didn't want to remake the film when they released Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle in 2016. Instead, they wanted to build upon the film and expand the universe.

"Because you want to let such a beloved film like that, that means so much to so many people, stand on its own. And we wanted to build upon it. We wanted to expand that universe. So that's why we always acknowledge the movie," the producer elaborated during the interview with the entertainment news outlet, "That world existed. What happened there, you know, you feel elements of it, even in this movie. And so for us, the idea of expanding the Jumanji universe, and the idea of there [being] different versions of the game, there's different ways the game can challenge you."

Right now, the studio is creating a newer and bigger version of the Jumanji game that they introduced in Welcome to the Jungle.

The Next Level has more places to explore, and more challenges. Not only does it bring back its star studded cast featuring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan, but it's also bringing in Danny DeVito and Danny Glover.

Hiram also teases the opportunity for other Jumanji worlds out there, saying that the film there's a place in the Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle World which serves as a "hub for little tastes of other Jumanji worlds over there."

We wonder whether we'll be able to explore those worlds soon.

Jumanji: The Next Level is set to premiere on December 4, 2019.

Read: Jumanji: The Next Level Director Isn't Worried About Competing With Star Wars