As the next Jumanji sequel approaches its 2026 release, director Jake Kasdan addressed questions about Kirsten Dunst’s absence from the rebooted films, explaining the narrative challenges of including her character.

Director Jake Kasdan of Jumanji explains why Kirsten Dunst did not appear in the sequels and what exactly he meant by shrinking Dwayne Johnson. Even though Kirsten performed as one of the main actors in the 1995 film version of Jumanji,

Director Jake Kasdan is still looking for the right way to bring Kirsten Dunst back into the Jumanji franchise. Dunst starred in the original 1996 film when she was a child star, but she recently told The Hollywood Reporter that she has never been approached about the newer movies – not even for a cameo.

Kasdan also disputes Johnson’s reported misbehavior on set while talking about their Christmas action-comedy also starring Chris Evans.

This bit of information does clear up a lot for those who loved the classic Jumanji and have always wondered why that cast hadn’t been included in the new movies. Although, as the Bad Teacher director shared,

Director Jake Kasdan has shared why Kirsten Dunst has not returned to the Jumanji franchise. Dunst starred in the original 1995 film as Judy Shepherd but has not been part of the sequels that began in 2017.