Central Intelligence 2 Chances Were Hurt By Jumanji Movies

The chances of making a Central Intelligence sequel were harmed by the Jumanji movies, according to director Rawson Marshall Thurber. The original movie, Central Intelligence, Thurber’s fourth movie, was released in 2016 and became a theatrical hit, grossing $217 million dollars against a production budget of $50 million. The movie marked the first on-screen collaboration between its two stars, Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, and the success of the movie saw further collaborations between the two actors. 

The storyline of Central Intelligence follows two former high school buddies who reconnect as adults, when one, a CIA agent, and the other, an accountant, are thrust together on a mission of national security. With Amy Smart, Jason Bateman, and Aaron Paul in supporting roles, the movie marked the start of a successful working relationship between Thurber and Johnson, and was praised for the chemistry between Johnson and Hart. The success of the movie led to speculation that a sequel would emerge, but this now seems unlikely. 

As revealed via THR, during a sit down with Thurber, the Red Notice director revealed that he feels that Jumanji movies hurt the possibility of a second Central Intelligence film, at least in the near future. According to the director, the audience appetites for a reunion between the two stars were most likely sated when they went on to work together again in future movies. When asked about a Central Intelligence sequel, Thurber said: “We had an idea, but when Kevin and Dwayne went to do Jumanji, that itch was scratched for most people.”

Indeed, Hart and Jungle Cruise star Johnson have now appeared in four movies together, including the former’s uncredited appearance in Hobbs & Shaw, and they will be star in voice roles in the upcoming animated superhero comedy, DC League of Super-Pets. The pair, who enjoy a close friendship off screen, have given many interviews together discussing their experiences working together, as well as their bonding away from the screen, and this camaraderie that was first apparent in Central Intelligence was further explored just a year later with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, as well as its 2019 sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level. Thurber’s comments suggest that he believes any audience desire to see the two actors reunite would have likely been satisfied by the Jumanji films.

Of course, the success of the original movie, as well as the growing success of Thurber’s career, means that audiences cannot rule out the possibility of a Central Intelligence sequel at some point down the line. The director and Johnson evidently have a good working relationship, seeing their most recent collaboration, Red Notice, enjoy Netflix’s biggest ever opening day, and it seems likely the two would want to work together again at some point. The most likely explanation is that it will come down to schedules, and with all three men enjoying a successful year, and several new projects in the pipeline, it could be some time before any chance of a Central Intelligence sequel even becomes possible.

Source: THR

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