'Jungle Cruise' Follow-Up Hits Dead End as Disney Pulls Back, Says Dwayne Johnson
Disney’s plans for a “Jungle Cruise” sequel appear unlikely to move forward, according to new comments from stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Their 2021 adventure film, inspired by the classic Disney theme park attraction, introduced audiences to riverboat captain Frank Wolff and explorer Dr. Lily Houghton on a journey to locate the Tree of Life.
Disney shifts focus as Dwayne Johnson says the “Jungle Cruise” sequel is unlikely, reflecting the studio’s reassessment of the 2021 adventure franchise.
Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection
Entertainment Weekly asked the duo whether the sequel remained in development, prompting Johnson to state, “I don’t think so.” The actor noted that changes in Disney’s leadership and the broader post-pandemic landscape influenced the studio’s evolving priorities. He said the company evaluated the property and questioned whether it should be revisited, even with the strong on-screen dynamic between the lead actors.
Blunt shared a similar sentiment, explaining that the studio opted not to “set sail again.”
Variety initially reported the sequel in August 2021, shortly after the film surpassed $100 million at the domestic box office. Johnson and Blunt were expected to return, and director Jaume Collet-Serra was anticipated to rejoin the project. Further updates never materialized, leaving the sequel’s status uncertain for several years.
Johnson later told Variety at the Oscars red carpet in March 2024 that he “possibly” would return for a second film, expressing interest in continuing the story at a later time. Blunt and Johnson echoed that enthusiasm at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Smashing Machine” in September, though Blunt suggested exploring new creative directions.
“Jungle Cruise” debuted July 30 in theaters and through Disney Plus Premier Access. The film generated $34.2 million in its opening weekend from theaters and an additional $30 million via streaming purchases. Its worldwide box office total concluded at $221 million.
