They came, they filmed, they posted on social media.
The cast and crew of the latest “Jumanji” sequel, which premieres December 13th, have finished filming in Farmington and the Four Corners Area.
While they were here, stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jack Black and Kevin Hart shared lots of pictures and videos on Instagram and YouTube about filming in New Mexico.
Jack Black loves shuffleboard
Jack Black filmed himself on location in costume as his character Professor Sheldon “Shelly” Oberon and played a shuffleboard in Three Rivers Tap & Game Room.
“We threw up our asses tonight,” Black said on a YouTube video following his night. “I think we’re up against Farmington’s best. These guys were tough. Carlos and Orlando, hats off to you. “
Despite losing to the Locals, Black still had an “enormous” time at the bar and in Farmington.
“If you’re ever in Farmington, New Mexico, be sure to check out Three Rivers, it’s a cool bar and grill. Rad shuffleboard, highly recommended. It’s a great little town,” he said.
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Dwayne Johnson meets fans and hands at the gym
The Rock formed a full reality competition around his gym, so of course he had to find a gym in Farmington.
Many fans found him on Defined Fitness.
“While in Farmington, New Mexico, I had to work out at a very busy gym called DEFINED FITNESS. Highly recommended,” Johnson wrote on Instagram. “It required a 3 man security detail because things got a little crazy when fans came up to me, took pictures, etc.”
Despite the need for security, Johnson had nothing but love for his admirers, even if they got a bit sticky.
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Johnson also had emotional encounters with Farmington residents outside of the gym.
Leonard Castillo, who lives in Farmington, lost his mother Arlene Castillo in 2008. Leonard told the Daily Times that his mother called him “The Rock” because he reminded her of Johnson in looks and personality.
Castillo met Johnson on April 26th and was able to share it with him.
Johnson shared the moment on Instagram, writing, “You’re right, brother, she looks down on us – and she’s proud of you.”
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More:Local residents describe emotional encounters with “The Rock”
When Johnson met Jordan Eddleman, Eddleman didn’t want anything from the star, but he got something anyway: Johnson’s headphones.
“Come and find out he’s a proud firefighter for the Farmington Fire Department, and more importantly, he’s a good guy,” Johnson shared on Instagram. “Nice to meet you, Jordan. Stay strong, enjoy the cans 🎧 and thank you for your service.”
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Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart thank the Navajo Nation
The filming for the sequel to “Jumanji” took place at least partially on the land of the Navajos.
Johnson and Kevin Hart both expressed gratitude and admiration for the Navajo Nation.
“Thanks to Navajo Nation and all of the Native Americans I met while filming here in this vast and incredible land,” Johnson wrote on Instagram. “I can see, but above all I can feel why your affection and your protection for your country are so strong.”
“Such a great atmosphere here in Navajo country … thank you very much for welcoming us with open arms ‘Dine’, that is, the people,” wrote Hart on Instagram.
As previously reported, the President of the Navajo Nation, Jonathan Nez, and Vice President Myron Lizer were among the tribal officials who Johnson met.
Johnson shared pictures and videos from their meeting on Instagram.
“A very proud nation, and I am grateful for your time, wisdom about your history and culture – and very encouraging words,” wrote Johnson.
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Johnson also met with a Navajo family who gave him a gift.
“With every handshake I feel from them such an ingrained sense of pride, pain, struggle, joy, humility, and strong perseverance,” wrote Johnson. “I am grateful to have been hugged so much by our (Navajo) nation.”
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In a press release from the New Mexico State Film Office, Nez expressed appreciation to the production team and cast for filming on the Navajo Nation.
“This partnership with Sony Pictures enabled the Navajo Nation to showcase its beautiful scenery and unique culture internationally in a large-scale produced film. The Navajo Nation also had many more production opportunities to look forward to, ”he said.
More:Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson loves New Mexico and the feeling is mutual
No camels were injured while writing this article
The breakout stars of the sequel “Jumanji” could end up being camels. The furry creatures were definitely the showstoppers of the actors’ Instagram accounts.
Karen Gillan drove one.
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Johnson and Hart rode her too …
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… Not always with ease, however.
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As previously reported, according to Johnson’s Instagram posts, the third “Jumanji” film was shot in Hawaii off New Mexico; Alberta, Canada; and Atlanta.
The currently untitled sequel to “Jumanji” is set to premiere on December 13th.
Erin Davoran is a digital producer for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @erindavoran.
Additional reporting from Noel Lyn Smith. She can be reached at 505-564-4636 or by email at [email protected].
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