The upcoming reimagining of Anaconda has expanded its cast with the addition of Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn.
Originally released in 1997, the classic Anaconda film featured stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Jon Voight, and Owen Wilson. This blockbuster spawned a franchise that includes three sequels—2004’s Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid, 2008’s Anaconda 3: Offspring, and 2009’s Anacondas: Trail of Blood—along with a crossover film, Lake Placid vs. Anaconda, released in 2015.
Now, Sony Pictures is developing a fresh “reimagined” version of Anaconda. It was previously announced that Jack Black, Paul Rudd, and Daniela Melchior will lead the cast.
According to recent reports, Newton and Zahn have been cast as “childhood friends” who join forces with Rudd and Black for their ill-fated adventure. Additionally, Selton Mello will portray a Brazilian animal wrangler, while Ione Skye will play the wife of Black’s character.
What is the new Anaconda movie about?
Details reveal that this new installment explores a group of friends grappling with mid-life crises as they attempt to remake their favorite childhood film. Their journey to the rainforest quickly turns into a battle for survival, facing natural disasters, giant snakes, and dangerous criminals.
In this adaptation, Black takes on the role of an “erstwhile director,” while Rudd plays an “actor who once starred in a cop show but finds his Hollywood aspirations dwindling.”
The screenplay for this exciting new chapter of Anaconda is co-written by Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten, with Gormican serving as the director. This project marks Gormican’s third feature film following his previous works, That Awkward Moment and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.
Anaconda is set to hit theaters across the United States on December 25, 2025, courtesy of Sony Pictures.
