Awkwafina, who had a breakout year with scene-stealing work in “Ocean’s 8” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” is in talks to join the “Jumanji” sequel, sources confirmed to Variety.
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan are all expected to return, with Jake Kasdan coming back as director.
“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” was a smash hit, hauling $962 million worldwide. It followed a group of four teens transported into the world of Jumanji, where they turn into their adult avatars. The setting is now a video game instead of a board game — what the book and original 1995 film, starring Robin Williams, were focused on.
Kasdan, Scott Rosenberg, and Jeff Pinkner penned the script. Matt Tolmach is producing the pic along with Johnson’s Seven Bucks banner and Kasdan.
Awkwafina’s “Ocean’s 8” grossed more then $140 million and “Crazy Rich Asians” made $174 million at the domestic box office.
The rapper-turned-actress can next be seen in two Sundance movies, “The Farewell” and “Paradise Hills.” She is also prepping an autobiographical TV series called “Awkwafina” for Comedy Central.
Awkwafina is repped by UTA, Artists First, and attorney Isaac Dunham of Schreck Rose. The Hollywood Reporter first broke the news.