Everything You Need To Know About Disney’s New Adventure Blockbuster ‘Jungle Cruise

Jungle Cruise hits different.

Disney’s latest blockbuster is a throwback to classic adventure movies with charming heroes and brilliant academics and affably awkward brothers, who unwillingly team up for a job that inevitably goes sideways, and absolutely always learn the importance of love and friendship along the way.

Jungle Cruise, which stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt as the charming hero and brilliant academic, respectively, takes the essence of classics like The Mummy and Indiana Jones and reimagines it as something new.

It’s a wild ride from start to finish, brimming with jokes and gorgeous set pieces and the wild magnetism of The Rock and Emily Blunt. Here’s everything you need to know about Disney’s Jungle Cruise, which is out now in cinemas and streaming on Disney+ with Premier Access.

Where Are They Jungle Cruising To?

Dr Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) is a researcher looking for an ancient tree with magical healing abilities. She tracks it to somewhere along the Amazon River, and hires Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) to help her find it in his rickety boat the La Quila.

Lily’s brother MacGregor (Jack Whitehall) joins them on their expedition, but they’re not the only ones looking for the tree. An ambitious aristocrat played by Jesse Plemons leads a competing expedition, and the jungle is home to supernatural forces who want the tree’s powers for themselves.

It’s Based On A Disney Ride

Jungle Cruise is based on one of the oldest Disney theme park attractions. In the ride, guests sail through a tropical jungle that includes a series of attractions that include an elephant bathing pool, piranhas, and gorillas in a safari camp. It’s one of Disney’s funniest rides, with the skippers dropping jokes and beautifully corny puns that inspired Frank’s character in the movie.

“The comedy of the ride has evolved through the years,” said director Jaume Collet-Serra. “So, we took that as a tonal guideline, and then from then on we built on a mythology and created characters and situations that would put the audience in the ride.”

And watching Frank and Lily’s adventure in Jungle Cruise really feels like going on a thrilling ride. The Rock said “Through the lens, everything feels massive and the stunts feel big and epic and sweeping and cool and heart-racing and exhilarating,” and he’s not kidding.

It’s The Rock’s Dream Role

In a video posted to his 257 million-plus followers on Instagram, the Rock confessed that he’s dreamed about being a Disney star since starting out in Hollywood.

He recounts watching the trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean and says “At that moment, I was like, ‘There’s my inspiration’ … One day, if I’m lucky enough, if I work my butt off enough, maybe Disney will offer me a movie based on one of their iconic rides.”

The Rock is also a producer on the movie and always knew he wanted Emily Blunt to play Lily. “I told Sean Bailey, president of production at Disney, that there was one woman who I had in mind and it was Emily Blunt.”

Frank and Lily are an unlikely duo, but Johnson and Blunt have an easy on-screen chemistry that makes you feel like you’re on the riverboat with them, standing just off camera and rolling your eyes as they bicker about curses and ancient legends.

It’s Inspired By Classic Adventure Movies

Jungle Cruise has a similar vibe to Pirates of the Caribbean, another movie based on a Disney ride. But it also has a lot in common with old action or adventure movies.

There are massive set pieces, mischievous fights, big twists, and, most importantly, an everlasting, triumphant theme of love. It’s a very cute combination in 2021 and more endearing than most movies out now.

How Can You Watch Jungle Cruise in Australia?

Jungle Cruise is now showing in Australian cinemas. It’s also streaming on Disney+ with Premier Access, which is great news if you’re currently locked down in Greater Sydney.

—

Don’t miss Disney’s Jungle Cruise in cinemas now and on Disney+ with Premier Access. Find out more at junglecruise.com.au

Subscription required for Disney+. Additional fee applies to Premier Access. Conditions apply.

—

All images courtesy of Disney