Jumanji: The Next Level, out in theaters on December 13, brings some veteran actors onboard to play its fantastical game. The Rock and Kevin Hart wind up embodying Danny DeVito and Danny Glover, and the two legends were full of praise for their younger costars. DeVito and Glover also spoke to Screen Rant about working with director Jake Kasdan and carrying on Robin Williams’ legacy.

First of all, amazing job. I love the relationship between Eddie and Milo. It obviously is a lot more heartfelt than I thought it was going to be in a Jumanji movie. Did you guys have any advice for Dwayne and Kevin as they were portraying you? 

Danny, you worked with two generations of Kasdans. Lawrence Kasdan and now obviously Jake. Can you talk to me about the similarities or differences between the two directors?

Danny DeVito: Well, we worked together on stuff. Kevin was watching him like a hawk and all of his movies. And Dwayne and I, I would just do stuff and he would go on it. He was on it all the time. So, he’s really studied it. It’s not like I gave him advice. He just hung out, and we got with the program.

The great Robin Williams laid the groundwork and the foundation for the Jumanji franchise. Can you talk to me about what it means to be a contributing factor in Jumanji: The Next Level?

Danny Glover: They have the same smile. The same kind of ease, you know. There was really an easiness working with his dad; it’s really wonderful to be around it. And I want to say it was one of the great collaborative experiences that I’ve had, working with his father. He had an idea in both films that I worked with him in, and we were able to talk about those ideas in a much broader sense.

But there’s something… The moment you hear him, you know that’s Larry’s son. The kind of slow, really even tone in his voice and everything.

I just talked to Eddie Murphy a few months ago, and he’s still up for the idea of Triplets. Which I’m excited for; if it happens, it happens. Arnold just did Terminator. Any chance that we get cameras rolling on Triplets any time soon?

Danny DeVito: Well, Robin’s movie was a mind-blowing movie. It was groundbreaking and terrific. What Jake and Dwayne and Kevin and the rest of the folks have done is they’ve exponentially made it [bigger].

So, for us to come in on this movie, it feels really like a gift to us because we’re already riding on something that they have created anew. And now what we’re going to do is, as it says in the title, bring it to the next level.

There’s rumors that Colin Farrell got cast as the Penguin. You’re iconic in that role. Any advice?

Danny DeVito: As soon as we have what you call - there’s this thing that we get; actors get and directors get. It’s called a screenwriter. There’s an idea, and then there’s a screenplay. So, when that happens, we’re going to be rolling.

Danny Glover: Yeah, absolutely. And then, when the studio says, it’s a go.

More: Dwayne Johnson & Kevin Hart Interview for Jumanji: The Next Level

Danny DeVito: Well, I mean, Colin’s a great actor. We just worked together Dumbo. He’s a good friend of mine; known him for many years. I think he’s gonna do great job as Penguin. It’s gonna be really interesting to see his take on it.

  • Jumanji 3 Release Date: 2019-12-13