Dwayne Johnson and Jeff Bridges recently paid tribute to the late Robin Williams, recalling fond memories and highlighting his enduring cinematic legacy.
Johnson confessed to taking a meaningful souvenir from the set of his upcoming film, Jumanji: Open World, which connects directly to the original 1995 movie.
Speaking to People.
com, the actor detailed the specific item he kept: one half of a pair of dice used in the original Jumanji.
“The last prop that I took from set was the dice that I wore in Jumanji,” Johnson said.
He admitted that despite standard rules regarding production equipment, he decided to keep the piece for himself.
When production crew members inquired about the missing prop, Johnson deflected the question to avoid returning it.
In addition to the Jumanji souvenir, Johnson noted he also took Maui's magical fishhook from the live-action Moana set, though multiple copies prevented any complications.
Earlier this year at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Johnson honored Williams during a Sony Pictures presentation at Caesars Palace.
“This whole franchise would not have started or happened or kicked off in this really beautiful way without one man, and that's Robin Williams,” Johnson said.
He further explained how the prop served as a direct connection to Williams during the announcement of the film's title.
Johnson also shared an Instagram video recorded in November during the initial stages of filming to show the symbolic tribute on set.
“Little day one of Jumanji excitement. That was cool.
As you see, a little easter egg for Dr. Bravestone.
This is the dice from the original Jumanji with Robin Williams, as a show of respect,” Johnson said.
Jeff Bridges Reflects on Working with Robin Williams
Meanwhile, fellow actor Jeff Bridges also looked back on his experiences working alongside Williams during a retrospective interview with Variety.
Bridges recalled the late actor's vibrant energy during the filming of the 1991 comedy-drama The Fisher King.
“Robin, he was amazing,” Bridges said.
He explained that Williams frequently used humor to uplift the production team during demanding filming schedules.
According to Bridges, typical directorial responses to such outbursts did not apply on their set. Instead, director Terry Gilliam actively participated in and encouraged the comedic diversions.
Reflecting on the overall experience, Bridges expressed immense appreciation for his former costar.
“Robin was just so brilliant to work with. I could go on and on about Robin,” Bridges said.
The film went on to achieve significant box office success and earned multiple Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actor nod for Williams.
Bridges previously expressed his grief at the premiere of his film The Giver in August 2014, which coincided with the day Williams passed away.
“I’m filled with such mixed emotions tonight,” Bridges said at the time.
He detailed the emotional difficulty of attending the promotional event under those circumstances, saying, “I play the Giver, who is supposed to hold in his emotions, but it’s very difficult for me to be here … losing a dear, dear friend, Robin Williams.”
The following day, Bridges posted a photograph and a tribute message on Facebook to honor Williams' memory.
“I love Robin so,” Bridges wrote. “He is a treasure chest of creativity and generosity of spirit to us all.”
During a press conference for the same film, Bridges recounted another memorable, lighthearted moment from filming a late-night scene in Central Park.
“Robin is just wild and free. He’s just, ‘Let the wild pony dance!’”
Bridges recalled.
He concluded by describing the uninhibited nature of Williams' performance during that production, saying, “He’s rubbing his butt on the grass and saying, ‘You know why dogs do this?
Because they can!’ So wild.”
