Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is set for a packed 2026, with films including Bhagam Bhag 2, Phir Hera Pheri 3, Haiwaan, Bhoot Bangla, and Welcome to the Jungle. The third installment in the popular comedy franchise, Welcome to the Jungle, directed by Ahmed Khan, is scheduled for release on June 26, 2026, and its shooting is nearly complete, with only one song pending.

In an exciting announcement, producer Firoz Nadiadwala confirmed that preparations for a fourth installment, Welcome 4, have already begun. He revealed that scripting is in advanced stages and that the film will feature a “multi-cultural musical” spanning regions including the Middle East, Africa, the USA, and China. Notably, the film will bring back iconic characters Uday Bhai, Majnu Bhai, Dr. Ghunghru, alongside multiple new villains, promising a high-octane entertainer.

The Welcome franchise began in 2007 with Anees Bazmee’s original Welcome, starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, and Nana Patekar. The sequel, Welcome Back, retained the core cast but did not feature Akshay Kumar. The upcoming third film marks his return to the franchise alongside the original ensemble.

Addressing rumors of delays for Welcome to the Jungle, Nadiadwala stated, “Those were rumors for a reason. The movie is complete, thanks to the combined efforts of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Sunil Shetty, and Ahmed Khan.” He also highlighted the scale of production, noting that action sequences involved multiple army helicopters, hundreds of horses, and luxury cars costing around ₹400 crore for a single song shot in Dubai.

Fans of the franchise now have double excitement: the release of Welcome to the Jungle on June 26 and the early buzz for Welcome 4, signaling that the beloved comedy saga is far from over.