Robin Williams’ Classic Jumanji Was Originally Envisioned as “An Extended Twilight Zone Episode”

by

Submitted for your approval: a board game that comes to life.

Instead of asking “Why not?”, you could rephrase as a statement like this: Rod Serling’s original run of The Twilight Zone, which is consistently broadcast on SYFY, features a collection of timeless episodes where inanimate objects come to life and cause chaos in the real world. Some of the most memorable instances include “The After Hours,” “The Fever,” “Five Characters in Search of an Exit,” “Living Doll,” and “The New Exhibit.

Chris Van Allsburg, the renowned author/illustrator, aimed to convey that unique atmosphere when he was tasked with transforming his Caldecott-winning book “Jumanji” into a feature film (the 1995 movie is currently available for streaming on the SYFY app).

For More on Jumanji

1. Is the movie “Jumanji” Based on a Real-Life Board Game?

2. What Became of the Children Featured in the Movie ‘Jumanji’?

How Jumanji‘s big screen adaptation started off as an extended Twilight Zone episode

Van Allsburg often imagined something akin to a longer version of a classic ‘Twilight Zone’ episode, he shares with SYFY WIRE.

Initially, the script was compelling enough to attract Joe Johnston as director and Robin Williams as the main actor. However, Johnston felt it needed more action and excitement, as Van Allsburg recalls. Consequently, the script underwent numerous revisions by three additional writers: Jonathan Hensleigh (known for Die Hard with a Vengeance), Greg Taylor (Harriet the Spy), and Jim Strain (Space Warriors). Each of them contributed to the final version of the script.

Van Allsburg mentions, “The final product was a screenplay, developed through multiple collaborations,” he says. “I didn’t receive a screenwriting credit, however, I did get a story credit which suits me just fine. People might assume the story credit is given because the film’s foundation lies in my book, but in reality, the story credit is for unique narrative material that the screenwriters utilized to craft the screenplay.

Among the significant impacts made by subsequent creators was the introduction of the famous catchphrase that echoes through the titular jungle adventure: “A game for those yearning to escape their reality,” I found myself saying. They aimed to establish a bond between the game’s potency and its players, appealing to individuals longing for an escape from their mundane lives. The game calls out to the restless hearts.

In a different turn of events, it was Van Allsburg who introduced the pivotal plot twist – Alan Parish being granted another chance at his childhood once the game reached its end, instead of leaving adult Alan stranded in a realm devoid of all he once knew and loved. Essentially, if you’ve got a character who stirs your emotions, one who’s been through hardships, lost something but remains heroic, it’s essential to give such a character some form of compensation for their struggle… And so, the boy is compensated by getting his life back again.

1. “You can currently stream Jumanji on the SYFY app.”

2. “Regularly on SYFY, you’ll find classic episodes of The Twilight Zone.”

3. “For a full schedule of The Twilight Zone airings, click here!” (This sentence is slightly different but maintains the same meaning.)

Read More

2025-02-12 22:01