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Danny DeVito just wrapped It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 18 and he’s juggling three major film projects simultaneously. The beloved actor, who started filming in late January, completed production in April. He’s balancing his iconic television role with blockbuster movies, live performances, and producing ventures.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Season 18 Status: Filming completed in April 2026 after beginning late January
- Jumanji Release: December 25, 2026, with Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart headlining
- Drag Film: Premiered at SXSW March 2026, featuring John Stamos and Lizzy Caplan
- St. Sebastian: Apocalyptic thriller currently in post-production post-production phase
The Return to Frank Reynolds
Danny DeVito remains committed to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia despite his sprawling film schedule. The actor confirmed that Season 18 would continue the show’s tradition of outrageous humor and chaotic storytelling. Rob McElhenney announced the wrap on Instagram in April, sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the set. The entire cast, including Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, and McElhenney, reunited for another round of mayhem. Though an exact premiere date hasn’t been announced, the network targets a summer 2026 release based on recent patterns.
The 20-year run shows no signs of stopping. DeVito stated that he’d continue as long as the material remained fresh and the cast wanted to keep working together. His Frank Reynolds character has become a fan favorite, bringing wild energy and unpredictable chaos to every episode. The creative team carefully balanced his television commitment with his three simultaneous film productions.
Danny DeVito returns to It’s Always Sunny for Season 18, balancing TV and three film projects
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A Holiday Blockbuster Awaits
Jumanji: Open World hits theaters on December 25, 2026, marking the franchise’s fourth installment. Danny DeVito reprises his role as Eddie, joining returning cast members including Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. The action-comedy adventure finds the gang jumping back into the game after Jumanji’s chaos spills into the real world. DeVito wrapped filming in early February after shooting primarily on Oahu, Hawaii. The festive release date positions it as a major holiday draw competing with multiple blockbusters during the crowded season.
According to recent announcements, Sony secured the December 25 slot after initially planning for December 11. The additional time allows for post-production polish on the special effects-heavy action sequences. DeVito praised working alongside Johnson and the cast, noting their chemistry remained strong across the multi-week shoot.
Balancing Television and Film
| Project | Status | Timeline |
| It’s Always Sunny Season 18 | Filming wrapped | Late January – April 2026 |
| Jumanji: Open World | Post-production | Releases December 25, 2026 |
| Drag | Released | SXSW World Premiere March 14, 2026 |
| St. Sebastian | Post-production | TBA |
Managing a major television series while juggling feature films requires strategic scheduling. DeVito’s production company Jersey Films coordinated his Drag production, which he also produced alongside his children. The dark comedy thriller premiered at SXSW on March 14, 2026, with John Stamos co-hosting an exclusive premiere party. DeVito remains hands-on as a producer, overseeing creative decisions across multiple projects simultaneously. His ability to balance an active television role with film work marks him as one of Hollywood’s most versatile senior actors.
“We’re going to go again next season. We just talked about when we’re going to start.”
Danny DeVito, confirming the show’s continuation
The Dark Comedy Venture
Drag represents a new creative direction for DeVito as both an actor and producer. The comedy horror thriller, directed by Raviv Ullman and Greg Yagolnitzer, features Lizzy Caplan, Lucy DeVito, John Stamos, and Christine Ko. The story follows two squabbling sisters who break into the wrong house and encounter unexpected chaos. DeVito praised the film’s originality and bold comedic sensibility during SXSW interviews. His production involvement reflects his commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers and unconventional storytelling. The film earned strong early reviews at the festival for its blackly comedic approach to genre material.
DeVito’s children Jake and Lucy also worked on the project, making it a true family affair. The March 2026 premiere generated significant buzz within industry circles. John Stamos revealed in interviews how DeVito persuaded him to take on the daring comedic role. The film represents DeVito’s expanding role as a filmmaker, not merely an actor for hire on big-budget productions.
What Does the Future Hold for Hollywood’s Busiest Veteran?
Danny DeVito’s packed schedule raises questions about sustainability and artistic choice. At an age when many actors step back, DeVito accelerates his output across television, film, and live performance. He’s set to host and narrate Matilda live with the San Francisco Symphony on July 25-26, 2026, bringing the beloved film to life in concert format. His St. Sebastian thriller remains in post-production, promising an apocalyptic narrative departure from his usual projects. DeVito maintains that he selects work based on creative fulfillment rather than fame or compensation alone.
The question isn’t whether Danny DeVito can juggle multiple projects, but rather why he continues accepting them with such enthusiasm. His balanced approach between beloved television work and experimental film ventures keeps audiences engaged. Will It’s Always Sunny continue beyond Season 18, or will DeVito eventually choose his film projects exclusively? Industry observers suggest his multi-hyphenate career could inspire other veteran actors to embrace diverse creative opportunities rather than accepting inevitable retirement.
Sources
- IMDB – Comprehensive filmography and production updates for Danny DeVito projects
- Deadline Hollywood – Coverage of Drag premiere and film industry announcements
- Variety – Jumanji: Open World release date and production reporting
