Interactions I'm Looking Forward to in Jumanji: Open World
With the avatars getting to act as their own characters and the real-world characters getting to interact with them separately, here's what I'm looking forward to, as well as some speculation on character arcs:
Smolder Bravestone-Spencer: While Spencer in the last film finally got the need to leave the world behind out of his system, I do think there's still something to explore with his character: With Jumanji coming to the real world, how does Spencer face it as himself, and not a character? Even Ming had skills in stealth, though she was much closer to Spencer in weaknesses. And he still identified with Bravestone near the end of the last film, in spite of spending most of the run as Ming. This film will be a test of, can he bring that Bravestone strength over to the real world for good?
In addition, I feel like Bravestone's in-game personalty will either be a lot like Buzz Lightyear in the first Toy Story or a total egotist with Main Character Syndrome. This is supported by the fact that the Jumanji video game centers a lot on him and his backstory -- none of the other characters get arch enemies or backstory, except Mouse as Bravestone's valet. Seeing the real Bravestone might turn Spencer off of wanting to be him and further see the value in being himself. Spencer, or even Grandpa Eddie, also might help Bravestone see the value in the rest of his team, something both players had to learn in the last film.
Fridge-Mouse Finbar: With Milo seemingly out of the way, Fridge is the only real-world character who has spent time as Mouse. I could see the real Mouse being super-subservient to Bravestone, so maybe Fridge could help Mouse see the value in himself, since Fridge too had to come around and see Mouse's value while playing as him, to the point where he took pride in being the Backpack Guy at the end of TNL.
Shelly Oberon-Bethany-Spencer/Martha: Shelly is definitely the nerd of the party, but has never been played by a nerd. So his real personality could be more of a shy, bumbling absent-minded professor type. Bethany was really good at bringing Martha out of her shell in the first film, so I could see her helping Shelly in that regard too. Spencer or Martha could also relate to learning to see themselves as badasses without losing their nerdy qualities. Shelly might do the best in the real world, adapting to the new technology.
Alex-Seaplane: Of all the players, Alex spent more time as Seaplane than any other character spent in their avatar. But Alex got a chance to grow up, while Seaplane never did. I feel like Alex would want to thank Seaplane for keeping him alive all that time, and, as a dad, also be protective of Seaplane, who as a pilot is likely more of a daredevil in-game. Seaplane is also the only character who has been played by just one player (since Ruby was briefly played by Fridge), again giving them a unique relationship.
Bethany-Seaplane: Bethany's initial attraction to Alex-as-Seaplane gave way to a more selfless, platonic affection as the first film went on, especially once she saw the real Alex grown up. But with Seaplane now a separate character from Alex, Bethany would be free to flirt with him as herself. I just think that could be hilarious.
Ruby Roundhouse-Martha: After Alex, Martha is the one who spent the most time as her character. But seeing Ruby as separate from herself, seeing how she conducts herself in real time, could either make Martha really starstruck or really insecure. But I also think Ruby might have the hardest time adapting to the real world, so in that regard Martha could be a helpful guide.
Nora-The Group: I think Nora will have a larger role, as the only connection to the original film. have this theory that once Nora witnesses the chaos of Jumanji in the real world again, she might start to remember the original timeline and thus give the kids and Eddie a heads-up on what to expect. (And maybe, juuuuust maybe, she calls up her niece Judy? For a split-second Kirsten Dunst cameo?)