The Jumanji Sequel That Deserves Its Own Franchise

Boredom, be gone! When two squabbling brothers, Danny and Walter, discover a dusty old board game named Zathura in their basement, they’re about to get way more excitement than they bargained for. 

As they start the game, their house is launched into the vast void of space, encountering meteor showers, hostile aliens, and a malfunctioning robot. With every dice roll, new space-themed challenges appear, and the boys realize they must finish the game to return home.

But here’s the twist: if you’re feeling a sense of déjà vu, there’s a reason. Zathura is kind of like the cosmic cousin of Jumanji. Both are based on children’s books written by Chris Van Allsburg. Instead of jungle animals and monsoons, Zathura offers the thrills and perils of space.

While there aren’t any direct narrative ties between the two, the similarities in their dangerous, reality-bending board game premise are undeniable. In essence, if Jumanji is a wild safari adventure, then Zathura is a space odyssey!

If you were enchanted by the wild escapades of Jumanji, then Zathura might just feel like its cosmic cousin. Both films spin around the axis of board games that pack a punch beyond the roll of a dice. 

While Jumanji pulls players into a jungle-centric adventure, Zathura shoots them straight into the vastness of space. But the real connection between the two is their shared lineage. Both are the brainchildren of Chris Van Allsburg, a master of weaving tales that teeter between whimsy and danger.

But it’s not all meteors and aliens. Beneath the space chaos and cosmic hurdles, Zathura, much like Jumanji, is a heartfelt narrative of personal growth and mending strained relationships.

Every twist in the game becomes a mirror to the characters’ inner struggles, pushing them to face their fears, work as a team, and cherish their bonds.

And just as Jumanji isn’t only about jungle threats, Zathura offers more than space perils. The stories take unpredictable turns, surprises lurk at every corner, and moments of genuine tension weave in and out, making sure the ride is as emotionally stirring as it is thrilling.

Zathura possesses all the elements that could make it ripe for a multi-film franchise. For starters, its premise is tantalizing: a board game that catapults players into the vastness of space, presenting them with an array of cosmic challenges and otherworldly antagonists.

This foundation alone paves the way for a multitude of spin-offs, sequels, or even prequels, given the limitless potential of space and the diverse threats and challenges it can harbor.

Beyond the immediate gameplay, the universe of Zathura is vast and relatively unexplored. While the film gives us a peek into the challenges the board game holds, there’s no doubt that there are countless other layers, challenges, and scenarios yet to be unveiled.

Each movie could dive deeper into a particular facet of the universe, introducing new worlds, civilizations, and mysteries.

Moreover, one of the main appeals of Zathura is its underlying theme of personal growth, family, and brotherhood. These are universal themes that resonate deeply with audiences.

By creating multiple films, the franchise could tackle these themes from various angles and perspectives, offering fresh, relatable narratives with every installment.

Lastly, in an age where audiences have developed an appetite for interconnected cinematic universes (thanks, Marvel!), Zathura can expand into an entire universe, possibly even connecting back to Jumanji or other Van Allsburg tales, creating a rich tapestry of stories that are both thrilling and emotionally poignant.

Just imagine the possibilities!

So, whether you’re a Jumanji fanatic, a lover of cosmic adventures, or someone who’s just looking for a nostalgia trip sprinkled with some stardust, Zathura on Netflix is your ticket to an intergalactic joyride. Pop some popcorn, buckle up, and let this space-faring board game sweep you off your feet.

And who knows? With a universe this vast and enchanting, we might just see more cinematic ventures into its cosmic expanse in the future. Until then, enjoy the journey and remember: space isn’t just the final frontier; it’s also one heck of a playground!