Dwayne Johnson might finally be returning to theFast & Furioussaga, but his other big franchise revival sounds more fun. Johnson seemed poised for stardom during his WWE days, but most of his starring vehicles likeThe Rundownnever became big hits. His film career changed forever thanks to his supporting role as Hobbs inFast Five, who reappeared in the next threeFast & Furiousmovies. Of course, Johnson’s offscreen feud with co-star Vin Diesel and subsequent departure from the main series became headline news.
This clash of egos became great media fodder, but in truth, Johnson was doing just fine without the series.Dwayne Johnson moviesbecame a license to print money for a time - but he never quite found a series to replaceFast & Furious. This is what made his shockFast Xcameo such a pleasant surprise, which set up both a comeback to the mainline sagaanda solo movie. However, the disappointment that greeted the tenth entry poured cold water on the property’s future.
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Fast & Furious’ Hobbs Return Isn’t As Exciting As Another Dwayne Johnson Jumanji Movie
A Jumanji comeback sounds more fun than Fast 11
Fast Xwas incredibly expensive (budget estimates place it at $378 million), but only took back $704 million (viaBox Office Mojo); the reviews weren’t much better. Despite its overloaded cast and bombastic action, the tenth entry felt tired.The return of Hobbs should have felt like a major event, but in the wake ofBlack Adam’s2022 failure, it just felt like a savvy businessmove by Johnson instead. What’s more exciting is the belated return oftheJumanjimovie series, with the third in the Johnson-led series confirmed to arrive in December 2026.
The last outing wasJumanji: The Next Levelin 2019, which nabbed an eyewatering $801 million. It’s a surprise it’s taken so long for the lucrative franchise to come back, though considering how busy Johnson and the cast have been, maybe a seven-year wait is fair.It could be argued thatJumanjiis a better suit for Johnson than Hobbs; it plays to his strengths as both an action staranda comic performer, and he bounces perfectly off co-stars Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan.
Dr. Xander “Smolder” Bravestone allows Dwayne Johnson to unleash his full charm as a performer, in a way another Fast & Furious just can’t.
If anything,the character seen inHobbs & Shawbarely resembled the one introduced inFast Fiveand felt more like a generic Dwayne Johnson action hero. Future Hobbs appearances could fix that, but regardless, a newJumanjifilm feels like the more entertaining option. Dr. Xander “Smolder” Bravestone allows Johnson to unleash his charms as a performer, in a way anotherFast & Furiousjust can’t.
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Hobbs' return is a case of not-so-Fast & Furious
Universal is clearly concerned by the tepid response toFast X. This signaled that the movies weren’t as popular as they used to be, and the inflated budget only compounded that disappointment. Over a year later, it’s still unclear when or how Johnson’s Hobbs will return.Fast X’scredit scene set up a confrontation between Hobbs and Jason Momoa’s villain Dante Reyes, but those plans have seemingly changed. Also, instead of two more planned sequels,Fast & Furious 11is set to be the final official entry in the main series.
Johnson’s standalone movie was said to be Hobbs & Reyes, though there have been no official updates on this spinoff since it was announced.
The next sequel is set to strip back on the scale and lean closer to the tone of the earlier movies too. How Hobbs fits into any of this isn’t clear yet, though it appears Dante won’t be the main antagonist of the next film now. Johnson’s standalone film was said to beHobbs & Reyes, though there have been no official updates since it was announced. Excitement over Johnson’s return now feels premature, since it has become clear the overseers of the saga didn’t have a clear roadmap in mind for Hobbs' future.
At this stage, it feels like the next film should just beHobbs & Shaw 2insteadsince the highlight of the previous solo film was the chemistry between Johnson and co-star Jason Statham. A direct sequel could still feature Momoa’s Reyes as the villain - and maybe even wrap up that storyline soFast 11has a clean slate.
Dwayne Johnson finally found a series to call his own
Black Adamflopping was a humbling moment for its star, who had big plans for this DCU introduction before its big reset.There are many would-be Dwayne Johnson franchises, but despite sequels to the likes ofRed NoticeorJungle Cruisehaving been mooted, none have happenedjust yet. Hobbs returning toFast 11would be great, but the series ultimately isn’t Johnson’s either. That just leaves him withJumanji- which is the way it should be.
Jumanji: The Next Level(2019)
Jake Kasdan
They are big, broad adventure movies that appeal to the whole family, and are just a better fit for Johnson’s brand. The incredible success of the previous entries only confirms this, soJumanjishould be Johnson’s priority over other potential series. It ticks all the boxes he seeks as a movie star - and they just fit him better than the likes ofRed Noticeor even theFast & Furiousmovies.
Dwayne Johnson is still linked to a legacy sequel to John Carpenter’sBig Trouble in Little Chinathat has yet to move ahead.
Jumanji
TheJumanjifranchise originated with the 1995 fantasy adventure film about a magical board game that unleashes real-life jungle dangers into the world. The franchise was revived in 2017 with a modern twist, transforming the game into a video game that traps its players inside an adventurous jungle world. The series blends action, comedy, and fantasy, attracting a broad audience and becoming a major box office success.
Fast & Furious
The Fast & Furious franchise revs through the adrenaline-fueled lives of Dominic Toretto and his crew of street racers turned global heroes. From the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles to the bustling cities and remote outposts worldwide, they take on high-stakes heists, espionage, and the underground world of street racing. Bound by loyalty and driven by the need for speed, they confront mercenaries, corrupt officials, and personal vendettas all in the name of their found family.
