Paul Rudd and Jack Black Bring Humor to ‘Anaconda’ Reboot This Holiday Season
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — This Christmas, Columbia Pictures has breathed new life into the cult classic jungle thriller “Anaconda,” transforming the once-serious horror flick into a surprisingly fun and comedic adventure. Directed by Tom Gormican, the 2025 reboot stars Paul Rudd and Jack Black as two childhood friends determined to make their indie film dreams come true, alongside Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn.
The original “Anaconda,” released in 1997, was known for its suspenseful premise involving a documentary crew stranded in the Amazon rainforest and battling a giant snake. While the film was critically panned and received several Razzie nominations, it nonetheless achieved box office success and garnered a devoted fanbase over time. The reboot, however, takes a markedly different approach.
In the new film, Rudd and Black portray Griff and Doug, longtime friends who have struggled to find success in show business. Griff’s most notable role was a brief stint on the CBS procedural “S.W.A.T.,” while Doug works a mundane job as a wedding videographer to support his family. Their fortunes change when Griff acquires the rights to “Anaconda,” their favorite movie, and pitches an indie reboot to recapture the joy of their youth. Joined by their friends Claire (Newton) and Kenny (Zahn), the quartet embarks on a low-budget production in Brazil, navigating the challenges of filmmaking in the jungle.
The group’s journey is complicated by their encounters with Santiago, a quirky snake handler, and Ana, a mysterious woman on the run from illegal gold miners. Filming quickly takes a chaotic turn after an accident involving Santiago’s snake, setting off a chain of comedic and thrilling events.
Fox News Digital’s review highlights how Sony Pictures has successfully revitalized an older intellectual property by injecting humor and heart into the story, a strategy previously employed with hits like “21 Jump Street” and “Jumanji.” This fresh take on “Anaconda” balances nostalgia with comedy, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences.
For those interested in the original film’s legacy and its place in cinematic history, resources from the Library of Congress provide extensive archives on 1990s film culture. Additionally, information on film production and distribution can be found through the National Endowment for the Arts and the Federal Communications Commission. Moviegoers planning to see the film can check local theater listings and holiday schedules via the USA.gov entertainment section.
As the holiday season continues, “Anaconda” offers a blend of adventure and comedy that stands out among typical blockbuster fare, proving that some reboots can indeed surprise and delight.
Leave a Reply