DNEG showcases VFX shots behind Disney’s Jungle Cruise

Leading VFX and animation studio for the creation of feature film, television and multiplatform content, DNEG, has highlighted its extensive and intricate VFX work for Disney’s new feature film Jungle Cruise, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.  

Led by VFX supervisor Christopher Downs, DNEG’s work encompassed large parts of the third act totalling 385 shots, produced by artists in Montréal, Vancouver, and Mumbai.

Christopher and his team were responsible for the complex build-out of the massive 500-meter ‘Tree of Life’ and the cavern and moon roof that surrounded it. The ‘Tree of Life’ also served as a focal point for the rendered city and the temple complex, as it comes to life and then dies off throughout the film. 

VFX highlights included the important plot point of the continual draining of the river which previously filled the cavern. This meant the water simulations had to interact with the cavern’s geometry and hero simulations were also needed for the close to camera interaction with the tree branches, as well as a cautious eye ensuring consistency of water levels and turbulence throughout the scene. 

Christopher commented: “I’m extremely pleased with the outcome of the work we’ve developed for Jungle Cruise! It is always refreshing to tackle a new project that requires us to think outside of the box and push the boundaries of creative VFX!

“Given the dynamic nature of the final act, with action taking place in and around the ‘Tree of Life’ asset, one of our challenges in Jungle Cruise was ensuring that the components were built so that a camera could be placed anywhere within the cavern and the visuals would still look compelling.  

“This required an enormous amount of computing power and artwork, and the team did a brilliant job at developing techniques to only capture the geometry and elements necessary for the shots to come to life.” 

Jungle Cruise, which has already exceeded box-office expectations, tells the story of philanthropist Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) who goes in search of a magical petal from the Tree of Life, believed to have healing powers. She is supported on her adventure down the Amazon by skipper Captain Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson).