Kristen Stewart recently reflected on her early role in Zathura: A Space Adventure, the 2005 sci-fi film set in the Jumanji universe.
The movie, which predated the Dwayne Johnson-led Jumanji sequels by nearly two decades, boasted a strong cast, including Josh Hutcherson and Dax Shepard. Stewart, who played Lisa, the older sister of two brothers thrust into a cosmic adventure via a mysterious board game, recalled the experience as both thrilling and slightly intimidating.
In an interview with CinemaBlend, Stewart described Zathura as “make-believe to the largest degree” and admitted that aspects of the film were “kind of scary.” She noted, “It was a comedy, and I was a budding teenager, so I wasn’t easily laughing, you know? But it was so fun. I love that crew so much.”
She also praised director Jon Favreau, who helmed the film before moving on to projects like Iron Man and The Mandalorian. “Oh, I love Jon Favreau. And Josh Hutcherson. Like, that movie was stacked, if you think about it. We were all little,” she said.
Zathura was adapted from the book by Chris Van Allsburg, the same author behind Jumanji. While not a direct sequel, the film followed a similar premise of a board game transporting players into a fantastical world. Stewart expressed her fondness for the concept, saying, “I also love Jumanji. I love that world. I love the idea of the board game sucking you in.”
Despite not achieving the box office success of Jumanji, Zathura received critical acclaim and has since developed a cult following. Alongside Stewart, the film featured Jonah Bobo and Hutcherson as the game’s unwitting participants, with Shepard portraying an astronaut who helps them navigate their perilous journey.