Disney unveils a new featurette for the forthcoming Jungle Cruise exploring the journey to bring the iconic Disneyland ride to the screen. The film centers on 20th-century riverboat captain Frank as he embarks on a journey with British scientist Dr. Lily Houghton and her brother McGregor to search for the Tree of Life. To find the mystical landmark that could benefit modern medicine, the trio must face off against wild animals, a dangerous environment, and a competing German expedition.
Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt lead the cast of the action-adventure that also stars Paul Giamatti, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, and Édgar Ramirez, with Black Adam's Jaume Collet-Serra at the helm. As with many films last year, including Blunt's other major title, A Quiet Place Part II, the Disney film saw numerous delays in its release plan due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the studio eventually settling on a simultaneous theatrical and Disney+ Premier Access release. The time is drawing nearer for its long-awaited release, and the House of Mouse is looking to build anticipation even further for the film.
With only three weeks remaining until the film arrives in theaters, Disney has unveiled a new featurette for Jungle Cruise. Full of behind-the-scenes and film footage, the video also explores the journey the cast and crew took to bring Disney's iconic attraction to life on the screen. Check out the video below:
When Disneyland first opened over 65 years ago, the Jungle Cruise was one of its first attractions. Though rides such as Space Mountain and the newly-opened Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge sees the longest wait times today, it remains one of the most popular today. Though the long development cycle of the film created some skepticism of how it would turn out, especially after the polarized response to the long-gestated Tomorrowland, footage seen from Jungle Cruise has certainly proved promising. One of the more critical elements to bring over from the ride to the screen was its sense of lighthearted adventure, and the new featurette points towards the filmmakers and cast understanding this.
The new video and other trailers have displayed a tone harking back to the Brendan Fraser-led Mummy franchise, creating high anticipation for those longing for a return to the pulpy adventures of old. While no plans have been discussed for Jungle Cruise, the film is undoubtedly looking to be a good change of pace for the generally inconsistent lineup of Disney ride adaptations. Only time will tell when the film arrives in a few weeks.
Source: Disney
