The Anaconda franchise, which first slithered onto screens in 1997 with its cult classic starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and Jon Voight, is back with a fresh take. Set to release on December 25, 2025, the new Anaconda film is not a straightforward remake but a bold, meta reimagining that blends action, comedy, and horror. Directed by Tom Gormican and co-written with Kevin Etten, this sixth installment in the Anaconda series promises a wild ride with a stellar cast led by Jack Black and Paul Rudd. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated reboot.
The original 1997 Anaconda followed a National Geographic film crew taken hostage by a deranged hunter (Jon Voight) on a quest to capture a massive, man-eating snake in the Amazon. Despite mixed reviews, its campy charm and over-the-top performances made it a beloved guilty pleasure, grossing $136 million worldwide and spawning multiple sequels. The 2025 reboot flips the script, taking a meta approach reminiscent of Gormican’s The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022), which starred Nicolas Cage as himself.
In this new version, lifelong friends Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd) are grappling with midlife crises and decide to fulfill their childhood dream of remaking their favorite movie: the 1997 Anaconda. Armed with limited funds and big ambitions, they head to the Amazon to shoot their low-budget homage. But their comically chaotic film set turns deadly when a real giant anaconda shows up, threatening to make their movie-making adventure their last. As Black quips in the trailer, “This is Anaconda, and we no longer have a snake for our snake movie. We have to go out in the jungle and find another one.” The result is a blend of self-aware humor, thrilling creature-feature stakes, and a nod to the original’s pulpy roots.
The reboot boasts an impressive ensemble, with Jack Black and Paul Rudd leading the charge. Black, known for his high-energy performances in films like School of Rock and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, plays Doug, a wedding videographer with a penchant for chaos. Rudd, who brings charm and wit to roles in Ant-Man and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, portrays Griff, a background actor with big dreams. Their chemistry, teased in promotional videos, promises to be a highlight, with Rudd describing the film as a “genuine kick in the ass” that mixes scares, laughs, and camaraderie.
Joining them are Thandiwe Newton (Westworld), Steve Zahn (Silo), Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad), Selton Mello (I’m Still Here), and Ione Skye. Zahn, a fan favorite for his comedic roles, admitted to People that he “f—ed up so many takes laughing at these guys,” calling the project a “dream job.” Newton and Melchior add depth to the ensemble, while Mello’s heartfelt Instagram post about wrapping filming hints at the cast’s tight-knit bond. Together, they face not only the titular snake but also natural disasters and violent criminals, amplifying the stakes.
Director Tom Gormican, who helmed The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and co-wrote Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, brings his knack for blending meta humor with genre thrills. Co-writer Kevin Etten, a frequent collaborator, helps craft a script that balances self-aware comedy with genuine tension. The film is produced by Brad Fuller and Andrew Form under their Fully Formed Entertainment banner, which recently signed a first-look deal with Sony’s Screen Gems.
Principal photography began in January 2025 in Australia and wrapped by late February, with the film now in post-production as of April 2025. The Amazon setting, recreated in Australia, provides a lush, dangerous backdrop that enhances both the comedy and horror elements. Early images show Black with a wild boar carcass strapped to his back (a nod to the film’s absurd humor) and the group in perilous situations, suggesting a mix of practical and CGI effects to bring the anaconda to life.
Unlike the original’s earnest (if campy) tone, the 2025 Anaconda leans heavily into comedy, drawing comparisons to Tropic Thunder for its satirical take on filmmaking. The trailer, released on September 17, 2025, features Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” and scenes of Black being chased by the massive snake, highlighting the film’s playful vibe. Yet, Gormican and Etten aim to maintain the creature-feature intensity, with Black emphasizing that “it’s a horror film for real” with genuine scares. The balance of humor and danger aims to appeal to fans of both the original’s camp and modern horror-comedies like Zombieland or The Piranha remake.
Critics have noted that the reboot might not capture the original’s unintentional hilarity, which stemmed from its straight-faced approach to a ridiculous premise. SlashFilm argues that the 1997 film’s charm lay in its sincerity, and the new version’s overt humor could miss that mark. Still, the meta narrative—friends making a movie only to face a real monster—offers a fresh twist, and the cast’s comedic chops should make it a crowd-pleaser.
Anaconda is set to hit theaters on Christmas Day 2025, positioned as counterprogramming to holiday fare like Marty Supreme and Song Sung Blue. Its December release suggests confidence in its broad appeal, with Rudd joking in a promo, “What you gonna do, open presents?” The film competes with a crowded holiday box office but aims to draw audiences with its mix of star power, humor, and nostalgia.
Fans of the original may miss its unpolished charm, but the reboot’s self-aware approach and A-list cast make it a promising addition to the franchise. Whether it’s Black’s manic energy, Rudd’s deadpan delivery, or the thrill of a giant snake wreaking havoc, Anaconda (2025) is poised to be a fun, if not terrifying, holiday treat. As Black puts it, “Buckle up for the thrill ride of the season — Anaconda is coming!”
