Fans of creature features and cult classics have something massive to look forward to as Columbia Pictures’ highly anticipated “Anaconda” reboot has officially wrapped filming. This fresh take on the 1997 action-horror hit promises to inject a mix of thrills, humor, and adventure, thanks to its dynamic leading duo—Jack Black and Paul Rudd—who bring their comedic expertise to the jungle.
Directed by Tom Gormican, best known for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and co-written by Kevin Etten, the film reimagines the giant-snake horror movie with a self-aware, genre-blending twist. It’s slated for a Christmas Day 2025 release, suggesting Sony has high hopes for its holiday box office performance.
A Star-Studded Cast and Fresh Approach
Alongside Black and Rudd, the film features a strong supporting cast including Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn, Daniela Melchior, and Selton Mello, adding an intriguing mix of talent to the project. While details about the plot remain under wraps, early buzz suggests this won’t be a straightforward horror reboot, but rather a meta, comedic twist on the original’s premise—possibly poking fun at the B-movie creature feature genre while delivering the thrills audiences expect.
The Legacy of ‘Anaconda’ and Its Cultural Impact
The original 1997 “Anaconda”, starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Jon Voight, and Owen Wilson, became a surprise hit, grossing over $136 million worldwide on a $45 million budget. While it was critically panned, the film developed a cult following due to its over-the-top performances, unintentionally hilarious dialogue, and campy CGI snake effects. It also spawned multiple sequels, including Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid (2004) and direct-to-video spin-offs.
Given the original film’s unintentional humor and meme-worthy moments, a reboot with Jack Black and Paul Rudd—two actors known for their ability to balance humor and action—makes perfect sense. If done right, this reboot could follow in the footsteps of successful horror-comedy hybrids like Tucker & Dale vs. Evil or Zombieland.
Filming in the Heart of the Jungle
Production took place in Queensland, Australia, which served as a stand-in for the Amazon rainforest. The region’s lush landscapes and dense jungles provide the perfect backdrop for a movie centered around a massive, man-eating snake. According to local reports, the film generated over $40 million in economic activity and provided over 300 jobs during filming, making it a significant project for Australia’s film industry.
Competing at the Box Office
Sony Pictures’ decision to release Anaconda on December 25, 2025, places it in direct competition with other major holiday releases, including “The Housemaid” starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. This suggests the studio sees the film as a potential holiday blockbuster—a rare move for a creature feature, which are more commonly released during the summer or Halloween season.
With the growing popularity of horror comedies and nostalgia-driven reboots (Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Evil Dead Rise), this new take on Anaconda has the potential to tap into both fans of the original film and a new generation of moviegoers looking for a wild ride.
Final Thoughts: Can ‘Anaconda’ Strike Box Office Gold?
Rebooting Anaconda with a self-aware, comedic edge could be the perfect way to revive the franchise, especially in an era where audiences appreciate films that balance action, nostalgia, and humor. With Paul Rudd’s everyman charm and Jack Black’s wild energy, this could be one of 2025’s biggest surprises.
Whether the film leans more into horror, comedy, or an action-packed adventure remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—there will be a big f—in’ snake.
Key Takeaways
- The “Anaconda” reboot starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd has completed filming and is set for a December 25, 2025 release.
- Tom Gormican directed the film and co-wrote the script with Kevin Etten, blending action, comedy, and horror elements.
- The movie features an ensemble cast including Selton Mello, Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton, and Steve Zahn alongside the two comedy stars.
Production Details
The Anaconda reboot has been a highly anticipated project, bringing together comedy stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd for an action-comedy twist on the classic horror franchise. The film wrapped production in early 2025 after several months of filming.
Cast Announcement: Jack Black and Paul Rudd
The announcement of Jack Black and Paul Rudd as leads in the Anaconda reboot generated significant buzz in Hollywood. Both actors, known for their comedy chops, signed on to star in this reimagining of the 1997 film that originally featured Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube.
The cast expanded to include Selton Mello, who confirmed the completion of filming through an Instagram post where he shared a photo with Black and Rudd. Other notable cast members include Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton, and Steve Zahn, creating a diverse ensemble.
The story follows a group of friends experiencing mid-life crises who decide to remake a favorite movie from their youth, only to encounter unexpected events in the jungle.
Filming Locations and Set Design
Filming for the Anaconda reboot took place primarily in Queensland, Australia. The production received funding through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, highlighting the region’s growing importance in international filmmaking.
The Australian location provided the necessary tropical environment to recreate the jungle setting essential to the Anaconda story. The production was significant for the local economy, creating more than 300 jobs and injecting approximately $40 million into Queensland.
Set designs reportedly balanced paying homage to the original film while creating new visually striking environments that serve the comedy-horror tone of the reboot. The production team utilized both natural locations and constructed sets to achieve the desired look.
Direction and Cinematography
Tom Gormican took the helm as director for the Anaconda reboot, bringing his comedy experience to the project. Gormican also co-wrote the screenplay with Kevin Etten, crafting a script that reimagines the original concept with a comedic twist.
The film represents the sixth installment in the Anaconda film series but takes a fresh approach by combining action, comedy, and horror elements. This tonal shift distinguishes it from previous entries in the franchise.
The cinematography reportedly emphasizes both the beauty and danger of the jungle setting, creating tension while allowing space for comedy. The visual style supports the film’s premise about friends attempting to remake a movie from their youth, incorporating meta-cinematic elements throughout.
Sony Pictures has scheduled the film for a Christmas 2025 theatrical release.
Release and Marketing
Columbia Pictures has officially set a theatrical release date for the highly anticipated “Anaconda” reboot starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd. Fans will need to wait until late 2025 to see this unique blend of comedy and horror on the big screen.
Official Release Date
The “Anaconda” reboot is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 25, 2025. Columbia Pictures has strategically chosen Christmas Day for the premiere, positioning the film for the competitive holiday movie season.
This release date announcement comes shortly after the film wrapped production, as confirmed by cast member Selton Mello on Instagram. Mello shared a photo with Black and Rudd celebrating the end of filming.
The Christmas 2025 release gives the production team ample time for post-production work, including special effects that will likely be needed for the giant snake scenes.
Promotional Strategy
While specific marketing plans haven’t been publicly detailed yet, the star power of Jack Black and Paul Rudd will undoubtedly be central to the promotional strategy. Both actors have strong fan bases and track records in comedy films.
The film combines comedy with the horror elements of the original 1997 “Anaconda,” which starred Jennifer Lopez, Jon Voight, and Ice Cube. This unique genre blend will likely feature prominently in marketing materials.
Director Tom Gormican, known for “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” and “That Awkward Moment,” brings his comedy expertise to the project. His recent work on “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” (2024) may influence promotional crossovers.
The original film’s nostalgia factor will probably be leveraged in marketing campaigns to attract both new viewers and fans of the original series.
Frequently Asked Questions
The upcoming Anaconda reboot has generated buzz among fans of the original film and newcomers alike. Here are answers to some common questions about this exciting new project featuring comedy stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd.
Who are the leading actors in the new Anaconda reboot?
The Anaconda reboot stars comedy powerhouses Paul Rudd and Jack Black in leading roles. Brazilian actor Selton Mello has also joined the cast in a significant role.
This casting choice brings together two beloved comedy actors known for their unique styles and screen presence. Mello recently confirmed the end of filming on Instagram, sharing a photo with Black and Rudd.
When is the release date for the Anaconda reboot starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd?
The official release date for the Anaconda reboot has not yet been announced. The project has only recently wrapped filming, as confirmed by cast member Selton Mello on social media.
With post-production typically taking several months for effects-heavy films, audiences can likely expect the movie to release sometime in late 2025 or early 2026.
What roles do Jack Black and Paul Rudd play in the Anaconda reboot?
Specific details about the characters played by Jack Black and Paul Rudd have not been officially revealed. The actors have participated in promotional material for the film but haven’t disclosed character information.
In a teaser announcement, Black described the movie saying, “There’s going to be a big f—ing snake,” suggesting the film will maintain the creature-feature elements of the original.
Have there been any significant changes to the plot in the latest Anaconda film?
Plot details for the Anaconda reboot remain largely under wraps. The film is described as a reboot rather than a direct sequel to the 1997 original that starred Jennifer Lopez.
Black has hinted at the presence of a giant snake, staying true to the franchise’s core concept. However, with comedy stars in leading roles, the tone may differ from the original thriller.
Which director is at the helm of the Anaconda reboot?
Information about the director of the Anaconda reboot has not been prominently featured in the available reports. This key detail has been kept relatively quiet during the production process.
The director’s vision will likely play a crucial role in balancing the film’s horror elements with the comedic talents of its stars.
Are there any original cast members featured in the Anaconda reboot?
There have been no announcements regarding cast members from the 1997 film returning for this reboot. The project appears to be taking a fresh approach with an entirely new cast.
The original Anaconda starred Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Jon Voight, and Owen Wilson. This reboot seems to be establishing its own identity with Paul Rudd and Jack Black leading a new generation of snake hunters.
