Awkwafina’s 2018 was an impressive year that featured the rapper-turned-actress appearing in major films such as Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s 8, and her 2019 is already looking pretty rosy as well; she has signed on to join the sequel 2017’s surprise smash hit, Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle, where she will star alongside the likes of Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart.
It’s unclear what her role in the sequel will be, but it is expected to be a significant one as Sony has pounced quickly to sign her up for this, as many studios were circling her for big roles.
Jake Kasdan is returning to direct the sequel, which he has co-written with Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinkner. The Jumanji series was originally based on the picture book by Chris Van Allsburg, and first adapted into the 1995 fantasy movie starring Robin Williams. It originally revolved around a magical board game, while the rebooted franchise centres on a video game that transports players into its world.
The sequel is set to release this December, and Sony will be hoping it fares similarly to Welcome To The Jungle’s performance in December 2017, where the film began rumbling to a hugely surprising $962 million worldwide.
Awkwafina‘s addition isn’t totally surprising, as her name was rumoured in connection to the franchise back in October. She was also linked to the next instalment of the Jump Street franchise. She also has two new films debuting at the Sundance Film Festival later this month, and is also prepping an autobiographical TV series for Comedy Central.
So while 2018 was good, 2019 has the potential to be an even bigger year for this new, rising star.
#Peace.Love.Jumanji
