Fans of old-school creature features got a fun surprise yesterday when the first trailer for Anaconda (2025) dropped online. This new take on the 1997 snake thriller stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd as two buddies who head into the Amazon to remake their favorite movie, only to face a massive anaconda for real. Directed by Tom Gormican, the film mixes laughs with scares and hits theaters on December 25, 2025.
The Setup: Friends Chasing a Dream Project
The story centers on Doug and Griff, lifelong friends dealing with everyday frustrations like dead-end jobs and mid-life doubts. Jack Black plays Doug, a guy who films weddings for a living, while Paul Rudd is Griff, an extra scraping by in Hollywood. Tired of their routines, they decide to shoot a low-budget remake of the original Anaconda in the rainforest. They pack cameras, costumes, and big plans for an “indie style” production—one take only.
Things start light-hearted as they arrive in the jungle, joking about recreating iconic scenes from the 1997 hit. But soon, a real giant anaconda shows up, flipping their fake horror into actual danger. The trailer shows them running from the beast, fumbling with gear, and trying to stay alive while keeping the camera rolling. It’s clear the movie plays up the chaos of amateur filmmaking gone wrong.
This setup draws from the original film’s premise, where a documentary crew hunts for a legendary snake in the Amazon. That 1997 version, with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube, followed explorers captured by a mad hunter on a snake quest. It earned over $136 million worldwide on a small budget, becoming a cult favorite for its over-the-top effects and thrills. The new film nods to that but shifts to comedy, focusing on the friends’ mishaps rather than straight terror.
Jack Black and Paul Rudd Bring the Comedy
Jack Black and Paul Rudd have solid track records in funny roles that make this pairing feel natural. Black, known for energetic performances in films like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and School of Rock, brings his wild energy as the hyped-up Doug. In the trailer, he hams it up, yelling lines and dancing awkwardly to set the tone. Rudd, the king of deadpan humor from the Ant-Man series and Clueless, plays the straight man as Griff, reacting with wide-eyed confusion to the escalating mess.
Their friendship drives the plot, with banter about old dreams and current regrets. Sources close to production say the script highlights their real-life charm, turning the snake threat into a buddy adventure. Black and Rudd even appeared in a promo video earlier this year, teasing the release with playful jabs.
“It’s coming out on Christmas in 2025.”
— Jack Black, in a joint promo clip with Paul Rudd
The duo’s chemistry shines in early photos from the set in Australia, where they filmed jungle scenes. Rudd‘s subtle expressions pair perfectly with Black‘s big gestures, promising plenty of laugh-out-loud moments amid the hisses.
Supporting Cast Adds Depth
The film rounds out with a strong ensemble. Thandiwe Newton joins as a key player, possibly a local guide or crew member, bringing her dramatic edge from Crash and Westworld. Steve Zahn appears as another friend in the group, adding quirky humor—he’s shared set photos laughing with the leads. Daniela Melchior, fresh from The Suicide Squad, and Brazilian actor Selton Mello fill out the team, handling action beats. Ione Skye also stars, rounding the mid-life crisis crew.
Announcements came in stages: Rudd and Black signed on first in August 2024, followed by Newton and Zahn in January 2025. Melchior joined in September 2024. The group dynamic shows friends bonding over the remake idea, but the snake forces them to rely on each other for survival.
Trailer Highlights: Laughs, Scares, and Snake Shenanigans
The two-minute trailer, released by Sony Pictures on September 17, 2025, opens with Doug and Griff watching the original Anaconda on TV, getting inspired. Cut to the jungle: they’re in cheap costumes, arguing over shots while sweat pours down. Black belts out a twisted version of Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back,” swapping lyrics for snake puns that set a silly vibe.
Midway, the real anaconda strikes—coiling around props, chasing the group through vines. Quick cuts show Rudd tripping over roots, Black screaming comically, and the crew dodging attacks. No gore, but tense moments like a boat chase echo the original. The score mixes upbeat tracks with sudden stings, balancing fun and fright.
Filming wrapped earlier this year in Queensland, Australia, standing in for the Amazon. Practical effects mix with CGI for the snake, aiming for a grounded look over the 1997 film’s rubbery creature. Gormican, who directed The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent with Nicolas Cage, leans into meta elements—characters aware they’re in a movie about a movie.
Behind the Scenes: From Script to Screen
Tom Gormican wrote the script with Kevin Etten, drawing from their work on talent-focused comedies. Sony greenlit it after Black and Rudd expressed interest, seeing potential in updating the cult classic. Producers Brad Fuller and Andrew Form, behind hits like A Quiet Place, handle the blend of humor and horror under their Fully Formed banner.
Development started in 2024, with casting wrapping by early 2025. The team shot in remote locations to capture authentic rainforest feels, though safety measures kept things controlled—no real anacondas involved. Post-production added the trailer’s polish, with sound design emphasizing slithers and snaps.
The original Anaconda faced criticism for effects but won fans for its campy energy. This version aims to honor that while adding self-aware jokes, like poking fun at low-budget remakes. At CinemaCon 2025 in March, Sony screened a sizzle reel, getting laughs from the crowd.
Early Reactions from Fans and Critics
Social media lit up right after the trailer hit YouTube, racking up millions of views overnight. Users praised the Black–Rudd duo, with many calling it “Tropic Thunder meets snakes.” One post noted the trailer’s nod to the original’s cheesy charm, while another highlighted Rudd‘s hilarious panic face.
Critics from outlets like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter called it a fresh spin, noting how it avoids straight scares for relatable laughs. Fans of the 1997 film appreciate the Easter eggs, like recreated poses. No major backlash yet, just excitement for the holiday release.
“This looks like the perfect mix of funny and freaky—can’t wait for Christmas.”
— Fan reaction on X after trailer drop
With marketing ramping up, posters and teasers feature the snake wrapping around the title, teasing more reveals soon. The film positions itself as family-friendly thrills for the season, appealing to nostalgic adults and new viewers.
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