Danny DeVito Jumanji role explained as he wraps Jumanji 3: Here’s what fans need to know
Danny DeVito wraps Jumanji 3 filming. Image Credit: TheRock/X
Production on Jumanji 3 has officially wrapped for Danny DeVito, marking another milestone for the beloved adventure franchise. The announcement came from co-star Dwayne Johnson, who shared behind-the-scenes photos and praised DeVito for his presence and impact on the series.
As anticipation builds around the third installment, fans are asking one key question: What role does Danny DeVito play in Jumanji, and how important is he to the story? Here’s everything to know about his character, his contribution to the franchise, and what it means for the upcoming film.
Danny DeVito Role in the Jumanji Franchise
Danny DeVito joined the rebooted Jumanji universe in Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). He plays Eddie Gilpin, the estranged grandfather of Spencer Gilpin. Eddie is a sharp-tongued, stubborn, and old-school character who adds emotional depth and generational tension to the story.
When the teens return to the dangerous video game world, Eddie is accidentally transported into the game. However, in a twist that fuels much of the film’s humor and heart, Eddie’s in-game avatar becomes Dr. Smolder Bravestone, the muscular, heroic character played by Dwayne Johnson.
This body-swap dynamic created one of the film’s most memorable performances, with Johnson channelling DeVito’s voice patterns and mannerisms inside Bravestone’s action-hero persona.
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How the Body-Swap Twist Elevated the Sequel
The body-swap mechanic is central to the rebooted Jumanji series, first introduced in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017). But DeVito’s involvement took the concept further.
Instead of teens inhabiting exaggerated avatars, audiences watched an elderly man navigating a high-adrenaline jungle adventure inside a larger-than-life action hero. The contrast delivered both comedic gold and heartfelt moments.
Eddie’s arc also helped repair fractured family relationships, particularly between him and his grandson Spencer. This emotional layer gave the sequel more depth than a typical adventure-comedy.
What to Expect from Danny DeVito in Jumanji 3
With filming underway since late 2025 and now officially wrapped for DeVito, Jumanji 3 is expected to continue the franchise’s blend of humor, heart and spectacle.
While full plot details remain under wraps, returning cast members include Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Nick Jonas, alongside the younger actors who portray the real-world teens. Director Jake Kasdan is once again helming the project.
Given DeVito’s popularity in the previous installment, fans expect Eddie Gilpin to play a meaningful role in what is rumored to be the franchise’s concluding chapter. The emotional tone suggested by cast members indicates the film may serve as a reflective send-off.
The Legacy of the Jumanji Reboot
Originally inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s 1981 picture book, the first Jumanji film debuted in 1995. The reboot in 2017 reimagined the magical board game as a video game world, modernizing the concept for a new generation.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide, while Jumanji: The Next Level surpassed $800 million globally. The franchise has become one of Sony’s most successful properties.
DeVito’s inclusion added veteran star power and broadened the film’s appeal across generations, strengthening its box office success.
Why Danny DeVito Involvement Matters
Danny DeVito is known for his versatility across film and television, from comedy classics to dramatic roles. His presence in Jumanji signaled the franchise’s commitment to character-driven storytelling rather than relying solely on spectacle.
His portrayal of Eddie Gilpin added authenticity, humor and emotional resonance. Combined with the physical comedy of the body-swap dynamic, it became one of the standout elements of the sequel.
As production wraps on his scenes for Jumanji 3, audiences are eager to see how his character’s journey concludes.
FAQ
What role does Danny DeVito play in Jumanji?
Danny DeVito plays Eddie Gilpin, the grandfather of Spencer Gilpin. In Jumanji: The Next Level, Eddie is transported into the game and inhabits the avatar Dr. Smolder Bravestone.
Is Danny DeVito in Jumanji 3?
Yes. Danny DeVito has filmed scenes for Jumanji 3, and production on his role has officially wrapped.
Who is Eddie Gilpin in Jumanji?
Eddie Gilpin is Spencer’s estranged grandfather. His character adds emotional depth and humor to the sequel through the body-swap storyline.
Why does Dwayne Johnson act like Danny DeVito in Jumanji?
In Jumanji: The Next Level, Johnson portrays the avatar Dr. Smolder Bravestone, but the character is inhabited by Eddie Gilpin. Johnson mimics DeVito’s voice and mannerisms to reflect the body-swap concept.
Is Jumanji 3 the final movie?
While not officially confirmed, cast comments suggest Jumanji 3 may serve as the concluding chapter of the rebooted trilogy.
When is Jumanji 3 being released?
An official release date has not been publicly announced, but filming began in late 2025 and is progressing steadily.
How successful is the Jumanji reboot?
The 2017 reboot grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide, while its sequel earned over $800 million, making it one of the most successful adventure franchises of the past decade.
Who else is returning for Jumanji 3?
Returning cast members include Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas and the younger actors who portray the teens in the real world.