Rapper-turned-actressAwkwafinais coming off one hell of a year betweenCrazy Rich AsiansandOcean’s 8and it didn’t go unnoticed by Hollywood, as Sony has signed up the red-hot star for itsJumanjisequel, Collider has confirmed.
Awkwafina, whose real name isNora Lum, will joinDwayne Johnson,Kevin Hart,Jack BlackandKaren Gillanin the film, which remains untitled and is still slated for release in December. That month proved lucky for Sony in 2017, whenJumanji: Welcome to the Junglegrossed an eye-opening $962 million worldwide.
Jake Kasdanwill return to direct the sequel, which he co-wrote withScott RosenbergandJeff Pinkner. Kasdan is also producing withMatt Tolmachand Johnson’s Seven Bucks banner. It’s unclear where Awkwafina will figure into the plot, which is being kept under wraps, thoughTHRreports that she is expected to have a significant role in the sequel.
TheJumanjiseries is based on the picture book byChris Van Allsburgthat was previously brought to the big screen in a 1995 movie starringRobin Williams, whose character was lovingly referenced inWelcome to the Jungle. Once centered around a magical board came that comes to life, the franchise now concerns a video game that transports players into its world
Awkwafina’s name has mentioned in connection with theJumanjisequel as far back as October, according to sources. Sony’s interest in the actress wasfirst reported by Colliderin December, when theCrazy Rich Asiansscene-stealer was also linked to the next installment in Sony’s popularJump Streetfranchise, which will be led byTiffany Haddish.
Awkwafina has two movies debuting at the Sundance Film Festival later this month, and she’s also prepping an autobiographical TV series for Comedy Central, having recently hostedSaturday Night Live. She’s represented by UTA and Artists First.
