Hollywood is abuzz once again as two beloved franchises—Jumanji and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia—move forward with new chapters, sharing a common thread: the inimitable Danny DeVito. In a whirlwind of production updates, wrap parties, and heartfelt tributes, DeVito’s recent work on both projects has captured the attention of fans and industry insiders alike.
On February 16, 2026, Dwayne Johnson, known to millions as "The Rock," took to his social media channels to announce a significant milestone: Danny DeVito had officially wrapped filming for Jumanji 3, the latest installment in Sony’s blockbuster adventure saga. Johnson’s Instagram post, brimming with affection and camaraderie, read, "That’s an official Jumanji wrap on the one and the only, Danny DeVito. To work with you, and learn from you has been an honor ~ and to call you my friend, will always be a privilege. Thank you, brother for your anchoring heart and JOY throughout our Jumanji franchise. Let’s tell more stories together." Johnson couldn’t resist adding his trademark humor, "ps, please keep smilin’ and please keep exfoliating the top of your head."
This emotional sendoff was more than just a status update—it was a testament to the creative energy and genuine friendship that has flourished behind the scenes. As reported by MixVale, Johnson highlighted DeVito’s role as a source of constant joy on set, noting that his presence fostered a spirit of creativity and improvisation. The chemistry between the two actors, so evident in their on-screen antics, appears to have translated into a lighthearted and collaborative work environment—a hallmark of the Jumanji reboot era.
The completion of DeVito’s scenes signals the end of principal photography for one of the film’s key characters and marks a smooth transition into the post-production phase. According to multiple outlets, including Box Office Mojo and Sony Pictures, Jumanji 3 began filming in November 2025 in Los Angeles and maintained an intense, well-coordinated schedule. The cast, which includes returning stars Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Alex Wolff, Madison Iseman, Ser’Darius Blaine, Morgan Turner, and Awkwafina, gathered for a memorable table read before cameras rolled—a moment Johnson described as both grand and emotional.
Director Jake Kasdan, who has steered the franchise since its 2017 revival, continues to balance high-octane action with moments of family-friendly humor. This formula has proven wildly successful: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle grossed an impressive USD 962.5 million worldwide, while its 2019 sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level, pulled in another USD 800 million. The franchise, originally based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1981 picture book and immortalized by the 1995 Robin Williams classic, has become one of Hollywood’s most reliable box office draws in recent years.
Adding a touch of nostalgia, Johnson revealed an Easter egg for longtime fans: his character, Dr. Smolder Bravestone, will don a necklace featuring the original dice from the 1995 Jumanji board game—a subtle tribute to Robin Williams and the film’s enduring legacy. As Johnson put it, "Feels emotionally appropriate for our beloved 'Jumanji' franchise to end on this beautiful grace note of our final film."
While DeVito’s journey in the jungles of Jumanji may have wrapped, his work is far from over. As soon as the dust settled on the Jumanji set, DeVito turned his attention to another iconic project: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The long-running FXX comedy, which has built a cult following over 17 seasons, began filming its eighteenth season in late January 2026, as confirmed by series creators Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day via social media. A clapperboard photo posted by McElhenney, captioned "Back in the kitchen," signaled the return to Paddy’s Pub, the show’s infamous bar set.
DeVito’s involvement in Season 18 was never really in doubt. Back in July 2025, he told Collider, "We start at the end of January. We’re going to go again next season. We just talked about when we’re going to start. And it’s something that you look forward to because it really is so much fun. I love these guys and Kaitlin [Olson] and Mary Elizabeth [Ellis] and Artemis [Pebdani], and everybody that’s on the show. And Lynne [Marie Stewart], we miss." The mention of Stewart, who played Charlie’s mother and passed away earlier in 2025, was a poignant reminder of the show’s tight-knit cast and the personal bonds forged over nearly two decades.
Kaitlin Olson, who plays Dee Reynolds, also wrapped filming on the second season of her ABC series High Potential before joining her Always Sunny colleagues on set. In a recent appearance on Chelsea Handler’s podcast, Olson reflected on the show’s longevity and the surreal experience of breaking television records. "It’s getting weird. Like… a few years ago, it was exciting. We’re like, ‘Oh, we’re breaking records.’ And now it’s like, ‘Well, now we’re just old and weird,’" she joked. Yet Olson made it clear that the series holds a special place in her heart: "I have zero mixed feelings about it [‘Always Sunny’]. I met my husband. I’ve got two kids. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me. But also, you don’t want to overstay your welcome. You know what I mean? So, at what point am I like, ‘I should probably Irish exit. Should I just leave the show and not tell anyone?’"
The new season’s filming is underway at the Fox lot in Los Angeles, with a charity auction experience noting that visits to the set are scheduled between February 12 and February 28, 2026. As with all productions, dates are subject to change, but the momentum is undeniable. Fans eager for a behind-the-scenes glimpse or a chance to walk through the doors of Paddy’s Pub will need to keep an eye on updates as the schedule evolves.
It’s rare for an actor to be so integral to two major projects at once, but DeVito’s enduring appeal and work ethic have made him a linchpin in both Hollywood’s big-budget adventure circuit and its edgiest sitcom. As Jumanji 3 heads into post-production and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia readies its latest season, audiences can look forward to seeing DeVito’s trademark blend of humor, heart, and unpredictability on screens both big and small.
With the worlds of jungle adventure and irreverent comedy colliding, 2026 is shaping up to be another banner year for Danny DeVito—and for the fans who can’t get enough of his singular style.