Columbia Pictures unveiled the first trailer for the upcoming remake of Anaconda, featuring Paul Rudd and Jack Black, set to hit theaters on Christmas Day 2025. The new film, a reinterpretation of the 1997 Jennifer Lopez classic now streaming on Netflix, centers on a group of friends venturing into the jungle to remake their favorite movie, only to face perilous threats, including a giant snake.
The Anaconda remake is written and directed by Tom Gormican, with Kevin Etten contributing to the screenplay. This contrasts with the original film, which was penned by Hans Bauser, Jim Cash, and Jack Epps Jr. and directed by Luis Llosa. The initial movie followed a National Geographic crew who became hostages on a treacherous mission to capture the world’s largest snake, while the new version shifts focus to a more meta narrative involving a film crew encountering unexpected dangers during production.
A Strong Ensemble Cast Leads the Remake
Alongside Paul Rudd, known for his role in Ant-Man, and Jack Black, star of the recent Minecraft Movie, the cast includes Daniela Melchior from The Suicide Squad and Thandiwe Newton. Steve Zahn is also part of the lineup, with his next project being the Hulu football series Chad Powers, premiering September 30. Rudd has had a busy year with appearances in Friendship and Death of a Unicorn, and he is set to return as Ben Glenroy in the new season of Only Murders in the Building. Jack Black’s attention will turn to major 2026 releases such as Jumanji 3 and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
Reception and Expectations Compared to the Original Film
The original Anaconda did not fare well with critics or audiences, currently holding a 41% critic score and 26% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, it earned $136 million worldwide against a $45 million budget, demonstrating a notable commercial success. However, industry experts recognize the film market has evolved significantly since 1997, so the remake faces challenges in matching the original’s box office returns or cult status.
While the 1997 version focused on a documentary crew’s ordeal in the Amazon, the new film’s plot blends adventure with a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking, potentially refreshing the narrative for contemporary viewers and fans of horror-thrillers involving deadly wildlife.
Looking Ahead to the Release and Audience Response
The Anaconda remake’s December release positions it for attention during a competitive holiday movie season that includes Timothée Chalamet’s Marty Supreme. The film’s blend of familiar cast members and a fresh storytelling angle aims to capture both nostalgia and new interest. Audiences and critics alike will observe whether the film can overcome the mixed legacy of its predecessor and establish itself within the genre.
Fans and moviegoers are encouraged to watch the official trailer for a first glimpse of the film’s tone and intensity as anticipation builds toward its theatrical debut.
