Comic to play 'Kevin'

Rhys Darby has joined the cast of the rebooted version of Jumanji.

The New Zealand comic will play a character called Nigel in the forthcoming film about a board game that comes to life.

Production is currently under way in Hawaii with Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Nick Jonas in the lead roles.

Yesterday, the first production still from the movie was set out – attracting criticism because of the skimpy outfit worn by former Dr Who star Gillan.

However she said there was a reason for her attire, addressed in the movie.

Jumanji! Yes I'm wearing child sized clothes and YES there is a reason! The pay off is worth it, I promise! #Jumanji pic.twitter.com/qBshnhwV6K

— Karen Gillan (@karengillan) September 21, 2016

The new Jumanji is out in July and will hope to replicate the success of the1995 original, which starred Robin Williams and grossed $260 million globally.

Darby, probably still best known for playing Flight Of The Conchords manager Murray, made his move debut in 2008's Yes Man, based on the Danny Wallace book. He is currently a series regular on the US comedy Wrecked, which has just been commissioned for a second season by broadaster TBS.

Published: 22 Sep 2016