Jot down a list of movies you expect Hollywood to remake and chances are 1997’s Anaconda does not feature high on that list. Despite being a moderate box-office success back in the day, and spawning a series of direct-to-video sequels, no one was calling out for a redo of this seemingly dead franchise.
And yet, when it comes to Hollywood and their business plans, nothing is ever off the table. If someone can come up with a way to breathe new life into an old property, they will.
And this is exactly what director Tom Gormican is hoping to do with 2025’s Anaconda. As well as directing this new take on a familiar franchise, Gormican is co-writing with Kevin Etten, and the pair have found an alternative way to charm the snake, so to speak.
Whereas the original film was an action-adventure horror, this new movie goes in a different direction by leaning more into the realm of comedy. The emphasis this time around is on bringing some laughs and having a little more fun.
To do that, comedic actors Jack Black and Paul Rudd have been drafted in to lead the picture. They are joined on screen by Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, and Selton Mello.
As for the plot, well here is the kicker, Black and Rudd are playing two characters who think it is a great idea to remake ‘97’s Anaconda. It’s a meta way to approach the material, and it’s quite an intriguing notion.
Anyway, the duo head off to the Amazon to get started on the film. Problem is, they find life imitates art and soon they cross paths with a ruddy big snake who doesn’t mind snacking on humans.
What starts off as a simple bit of movie making quickly descends into chaos. And it’s fair to say they’ve bitten off more than they can chew.
The official blurb from Sony Pictures reads as follows:
“A midlife crisis inspires Doug (Black) and Griff (Rudd) to head into the Amazon rainforest to remake their favourite film from their youth, but everything changes when a real giant anaconda shows up, turning the comically chaotic set into a deadly situation. The movie they’re dying to make? It might just kill them.”
Filming on Anaconda began in January 2025, with principal photography taking place in Australia. Filming ended in February, leaving plenty of time to pull everything together for its release date: This Christmas.
Yep, while you’re tucking into your turkey dinner, or your vegetarian/vegan alternative, Jack Black and Paul Rudd will be doing their best to avoid being Christmas dinner themselves. Will they manage it? You’ll have to wait and see.
Thankfully the answer isn’t too far away now. Anaconda makes its cinematic debut on Christmas Day and from the looks of things it could be the holiday treat no one expected.
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