Back in August, Sony Pictures issuedrelease datesfor a number of high-profile projects, all set to hit theaters between 2016 and 2017. One of those movies is theirJumanjiremake, which has been in development for several years, withZach Helmcoming aboard to write the script back in 2012. Today,Deadlinereports that the studio has hired screenwriterScott Rosenberg(Con Air) to rewrite the script in hopes that it makes its announced holiday release next year.
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.
Jumanjiwill 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.
Jeff Pinkner, who co-created CBS' summer TV series Zoo withScott Rosenberg,André NemecandJosh Appelbaumare coming aboard to consult on the script withScott Rosenberg.Ted Fieldand Mike Weber are serving as executive producers. It isn’t known when production may begin, but it will probably be sooner rather than later, given its release date. That will likely all depend on how quicklyScott Rosenbergcan get the script done.
Scott Rosenberg’s other writing credits include Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead, Beautiful Girls,Con Air, Disturbing Behavior, High Fidelity,Gone in Sixty Seconds, Impostor and Kangaroo Jack. In recent years, he’s spent most of his time working on the small screen, writing forOctober Road,Life on MarsandHappy Town. Are you happy theJumanjiremake is finally happening?
