Dwayne Johnson's Jumanji reboot (and that's definitely reboot, not remake) recently announced its release date was being pushed back, which means it's bad news for anyone who can't wait to feast their eyes on the new movie spectacle, but good news for everyone who has plans to spend all of Christmas 2017 in the cinema.

The new release window put Jumanji in direct competition with two other hotly-anticipated sequels, with Pitch Perfect 3 also scheduled for a December 2017 release.

Oh, and a little movie currently known as Star Wars Episode VIII.

Jumanji 2 2017 cast, trailer, release date and everything you need to know

But why would any film be moved to battle it out against the sequel to one of the biggest films of recent years?

We'll let Dwayne "Dwanta Claus" Johnson explain:

"After months of shooting and editing our movie together, we realized we have a big family franchise on our hands, that's full of Christmas wish fulfillment [sic], fun and heart," he wrote on Instagram.

"Like so many of us, it's my FAVORITE time of the year and I LUV delivering holiday entertainment.

"From MOANA this Thanksgiving, to ROCK THE TROOPS this Christmas, to JUMANJI next Christmas! Calling Rudolph now to get our sleigh and fanny packs."

Yep. Sounds like Jumanji to us.

Dwayne Johnson Instagram

Johnson's co-star Karen Gillan also shared her excitement at the new release date on Instagram, writing: "Jumanji has moved to a cheeky Christmas release next year! Very excited to inhabit the holiday season.

"Our shoot in Hawaii is drawing to a close soon. We will continue the adventure in Atlanta. Had a total blast with these boys in the jungle!"

News of the film's release date being pushed back follows the film being criticised over Karen Gillian's tiny outfit when compared to her male co-stars, and it wasn't long before the star was promising that there's a good reason for the costume choice.

"The pay off is worth it, I promise!" Karen said at the time.

Looks like we're just going to have to be patient for a bit longer to find out what that is.

Jumanji will now be released on December 22, 2017.

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