Jumanji Reboot Will "Honor" Robin Williams, The Rock Says

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who will appear in and produce Sony's upcoming Jumanji reboot, has spoken up to let fans know the movie aims to "honor" Robin Williams. He wrote on Instagram that Williams' character, Alan Parrish, will be "forever immortalized, and teased that he has "an idea" for how to do this that will make Williams' family proud.

"An important thing that I want to be honest [about] and bring up is Robin Williams," Johnson said. "The love and respect I have for this man is boundless. You have my word: we will honor his name and the character of 'Alan Parrish' will stand alone and be forever immortalized in the world of Jumanji in an earnest and cool way.

"I have an idea of what to do and I think his family will be proud," he added. "I also think Robin is somewhere lookin' down and laughing, remember the first time we met backstage and I (for the first time ever) was a starstruck bumbling idiot that couldn't even get my words out. He literally calmed me down with that smile and laugh."

Johnson also revealed that, whereas the original Jumanji had three main characters--played by Williams, Kirsten Dunst, and Bradley Pierce--the reboot will have five major roles. He didn't provide any further details on these characters or the actors who will play them, but teased that an announcement is coming soon.

"Been so damn cool to see all my actor buddies push their projects aside so hopefully they can come play in our world," Johnson said. "Should have cool casting announcements this week."

Jake Kasdan, the son of legendary Star Wars writer Lawrence Kasdan, is directing the Jumanji reboot for Sony. Variety, which originally reported that Johnson was in talks to appear in the film before he confirmed it, has heard from a source that actor and comedian Kevin Hart will also have a role in the film.

The Jumanji remake opens on July 28, 2017.

In the 1995 original, Williams' character became stuck in a board game as young boy before being set free (along with other creatures and characters) in the modern day. Lots of craziness ensues, including elephants charging down main street.

Johnson has pledged not to "screw up" the reboot. In his recent Instagram post, Johnson said the story will be inspired by the source material, which was written by Chris Van Allsburg. He also wrote The Polar Express. Johnson said he hopes the Jumanji reboot can be "something great" that appeals to the whole family.

Williams was found dead in his home in August 2014. Authorities determined that he committed suicide by hanging himself with a belt.