In the original Jumanji movie (1995), the primary antagonist is Van Pelt.
Van Pelt is a relentless big-game hunter who originates from the dangerous world within the magical Jumanji board game. He emerges into the real world and actively pursues the game's players, particularly Alan Parrish, with the intent of hunting him down.
The character of Van Pelt is brought to life by actor Jonathan Hyde. Interestingly, Jonathan Hyde also plays the role of Alan Parrish's stern father, Sam Parrish, in the film, highlighting a thematic connection between Alan's childhood fears and the challenges he faces as an adult.
Key Details About Van Pelt
- Role: Main antagonist / Big-game hunter
- Origin: The Jumanji game world
- Goal: Hunt the players, specifically Alan Parrish
- Actor: Jonathan Hyde (as confirmed by the provided reference)
Here's a quick look at the character and actor:
| Character | Played By | Role in the Story |
|---|---|---|
| Van Pelt | Jonathan Hyde | The main antagonist from the Jumanji game world |
Why Van Pelt is Considered the "Bad Guy"
Van Pelt embodies several traits typically associated with movie villains:
- He poses a direct threat: He attempts to shoot and kill the main characters.
- He represents a dangerous force: He is a literal hunter bringing the perils of a jungle into a suburban home.
- He hinders the heroes' progress: His presence and actions make it difficult for the players to finish the game.
While the Jumanji game itself presents numerous obstacles (monkeys, stampedes, mosquitoes, etc.), Van Pelt is the only character who actively and deliberately hunts the human players, making him the central human-like antagonist they must evade.
