Dwayne Johnson, the star of the beloved ‘Jumanji’ franchise, has recently opened up about a sentimental prop he took from the set of the third film, ‘Jumanji: Open World’, which is set to be released on December 25. During an interview for the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine, Johnson revealed that he still possesses a pair of dice originally featured in the 1995 film starring Robin Williams.
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These particular dice hold substantial historical and emotional value, as they are directly tied to the franchise’s origin. Johnson stated that the prop he took home was part of a pair used in the original ‘Jumanji’. “That is one half of a pair of dice that they used in the original, OG Jumanji,” he explained, labelling the choice to incorporate the prop an “ode” to Williams, who tragically passed away in 2014.
In his character’s dramatic scenes, the dice play a significant role as they are featured in slow-motion sequences that heighten the film’s tension. Johnson fondly reflected, “There’s a big scene where the dice are slow rolling, and it’s slow motion and it’s so dramatic. One half of those dice—Die? Dice?—my character wears in the film.” With a hint of humour, he confessed, “And I took that home… Props, they’re always amazing, but you gotta give that s— back.”
Johnson acknowledged the unwritten rule among actors about returning props after filming. He shared a light-hearted incident, recounting how crew members inquired about the missing dice, which prompted him to feign ignorance. “They were like, ‘Hey DJ, do you have the…?’ And I was like, ‘Nah, I gave it—I don’t—ah, I got to go,’” he recalled with a sheepish smile.
The journey of the ‘Jumanji’ franchise began with the 1981 children’s book and was solidified by the success of the 1995 film, which also starred notable actors such as Kirsten Dunst and Bonnie Hunt. Johnson has since become the franchise’s leading man, having portrayed Dr. Xander “Smolder” Bravestone in all three modern iterations of the series. The next installment, ‘Jumanji: Open World’, follows the previous films ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017) and ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ (2019).
In addition to the dice, Johnson confessed he has “stolen” other props from film sets. He notably mentioned Maui’s magical fishhook from the live-action adaptation of Disney’s ‘Moana’. Johnson participated in the film, which will premiere on July 10, and revealed that multiple versions of the fishhook were produced, allowing him to take one home legally.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming release of ‘Jumanji: Open World’, Johnson’s glimpse into the nostalgic elements of the franchise—especially the connection to Robin Williams—reminds fans of the legacy of the original film. The heartfelt tribute, expressed through the use of the props, encapsulates the spirit of camaraderie and continuity between the two generations of ‘Jumanji’ films.
With a stellar cast that includes Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Nick Jonas alongside Johnson, the new film promises to deliver the same blend of adventure and comedy that fans have come to love. Directed by Thomas Kail, this latest entry not only seeks to entertain but also pays homage to the beloved characters and the journey they have taken since their inception.
As ‘Jumanji: Open World’ anticipates its festive release, viewers are reminded of the impact of the original film and the enduring legacy left by Robin Williams. Dwayne Johnson’s heartfelt revelations provide a glimpse into the meaningful connections formed during filmmaking, showcasing how stories transcend time and continue to resonate with audiences.