Who is the Girl in Jumanji? Unpacking the Iconic Characters of the Jumanji Franchise
The question "Who is the girl in Jumanji?" is a common one, often sparking debate and confusion due to the evolution of the franchise across different films. The "girl" can refer to several prominent female characters who play crucial roles in the magical and perilous world of Jumanji. Let's break down who these memorable characters are and the actresses who brought them to life.
The Original "Jumanji" (1995) and the Mystery of Sarah Whittle
In the classic 1995 film Jumanji, the primary female protagonist is Sarah Whittle. She is the childhood friend of Alan Parrish, who gets pulled into the jungle game as a child. Years later, when the Jumanji board game is discovered by Judy and Peter Shepherd, Sarah, now a grown woman, is also drawn back into the game's dangerous reality to help Alan escape.
Who Played Sarah Whittle?
Sarah Whittle was portrayed by the talented American actress Bonnie Hunt. Hunt is known for her comedic timing and dramatic range, and she brought a relatable mix of fear, determination, and empathy to Sarah's character.
Sarah's journey in the film is one of confronting her past fears and ultimately finding closure and love with Alan. She starts as a hesitant and scared individual, haunted by the disappearance of Alan and her own traumatic experiences with the game. However, as she plays Jumanji, she gradually finds her courage and becomes an integral part of breaking the curse.
The "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" and "Jumanji: The Next Level" Reboot Series
The popular 2017 reboot, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and its 2019 sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level, shift the focus to a group of teenagers who are sucked into a video game version of Jumanji. In this iteration, the "girls" are the avatars they choose within the game, and these characters are central to the plot and the development of the young protagonists.
The Avatars and Their Human Counterparts:
- Martha Kent (played by Morgan Turner in real life): Martha is a shy and introverted high school student who is passionate about zoology. When she chooses her avatar, she becomes Ruby Roundhouse.
- Ruby Roundhouse (played by Karen Gillan): Ruby Roundhouse is a fearless, skilled, and athletic commando. Karen Gillan, a Scottish actress, brings a fantastic mix of action and humor to the role of Martha's avatar. Ruby is adept at various forms of combat and dance-fighting, often surprising her teammates with her abilities.
- Bethany Walker (played by Madison Iseman in real life): Bethany is a self-absorbed and popular teenager, obsessed with her phone and social media. In the game, she becomes Shelly Oberon.
- Shelly Oberon (played by Jack Black): In a comedic twist, Bethany's avatar is a middle-aged, overweight male professor, Shelly Oberon. Jack Black's performance is a highlight, delivering hilarious moments as Bethany navigates the challenges of being in a male avatar's body.
These characters, particularly Martha/Ruby and Bethany/Shelly, are integral to the comedic and adventurous spirit of the rebooted films. Their transformations and growth within the game are key themes, as they learn to overcome their real-world insecurities and embrace new strengths.
A New Generation of Jumanji Heroines
The "girls" in the newer Jumanji films, Martha and Bethany, represent distinct personalities and journeys. Martha's transformation into the capable Ruby Roundhouse is a powerful arc about finding confidence. Bethany's experience as Shelly Oberon highlights themes of empathy and understanding different perspectives, even if it comes in a hilariously awkward package.
These characters, whether it's the original Sarah Whittle or the dynamic duo of Martha and Bethany (and their avatars), have all left an indelible mark on the Jumanji legacy, each contributing their unique blend of bravery, humor, and resilience to the unfolding adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Girls in Jumanji
Q: How did Sarah Whittle get involved in the Jumanji game in the original movie?
A: Sarah Whittle was Alan Parrish's childhood friend. When Alan was playing Jumanji as a boy, he was sucked into the game. Years later, when the game was found and played by the Shepherd children, it brought Sarah back into the game's world to help Alan escape the jungle.
Q: Why did Bethany Walker become a middle-aged male avatar in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle?
A: In the video game version of Jumanji, players choose their avatars based on their initial selection, often with humorous and unexpected results. Bethany, being a superficial teenager, likely made a careless or impulsive choice, leading to her being assigned the avatar of Professor Shelly Oberon.
Q: What is Ruby Roundhouse's special skill in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle?
A: Ruby Roundhouse's primary special skills include incredible combat abilities, particularly martial arts and dance-fighting, as well as being an expert in using various weapons. She is the group's primary fighter and protector.
Q: Do the characters remember their Jumanji adventures after they finish the game?
A: Yes, in both the original and the reboot series, the characters retain their memories of their experiences within Jumanji. This is crucial for their personal growth and for understanding the impact the game has had on their lives.
