As the latest installment of the beloved Anaconda franchise slithered into theaters worldwide on December 25, 2025, audiences were treated not only to a fresh take on the action-comedy horror classic but also to a standout performance from Portuguese actress Daniela Melchior. For many, the name might sound new, but Melchior’s journey to stardom is a story of grit, talent, and a dash of mystery—both on and off the screen.
Anaconda, directed by Tom Gormican, is a meta remake of the 1997 original, marking the sixth chapter in the franchise. With a star-studded cast that includes Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Steve Zahn, Stelton Mello, and Thandiwe Newton, Melchior’s role as Ana Almedia, the group’s intrepid boat captain, is central to the reboot’s action-packed narrative. The film’s global release followed a glitzy premiere at the United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles on December 13, 2025, according to BollywoodShaadis and Gurnoor Sahni for Times Now.
But who exactly is Daniela Melchior, and how did she go from Portuguese telenovelas to Hollywood blockbusters? Born Daniela Melchior dos Reis Lopes Pereira on November 1, 1996, in Almada, Portugal, Melchior harbored dreams of stardom from an early age. She was drawn to the performing arts, participating in school and local theater productions, and even completed a vocational course in performing arts during high school. At just 16, she signed with a modeling agency, appearing in commercials to get her foot in the acting world, as detailed by both BollywoodShaadis and Times Now.
Melchior’s big break came in 2014 when she landed her debut acting role in the TV series Mulheres, appearing in an impressive 316 episodes. She followed this with 68 episodes in the teen drama Massa Fresca in 2016, and then her first major role in the TV series Ouro Verde in 2017, where she featured in 221 episodes. Her transition to film was marked by her appearance in The Black Book in 2018, and that same year, she earned a Sophia Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in Parque Mayer.
Hollywood soon came calling. In 2021, Melchior made her English-language debut in James Gunn’s blockbuster The Suicide Squad, starring alongside heavyweights like Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, Will Smith, and Jay Hernandez. She played Celo Cazo, better known as Ratcatcher 2, a role that Gunn offered her after seeing a darker, more unconventional side during her second audition—a sharp contrast to her initial, more glamorous take. Since then, Melchior has appeared in films such as Marlow, Assassin Club, and the high-octane Fast X from the Fast & Furious franchise.
Melchior’s collaboration with James Gunn didn’t end there. She was brought into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Gunn specifically creating the character Ura for her in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. This bespoke role underscored not only her rising profile but also the impression she made on some of Hollywood’s most influential directors.
Yet, Melchior’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. According to Fandom.com and reported by BollywoodShaadis, she struggled with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and anxiety in the lead-up to filming The Suicide Squad. The pressure of working alongside Hollywood icons like Margot Robbie and Idris Elba was intense, triggering her IBS and heightening her anxiety. In October 2024, during ADHD Awareness Month, Melchior took to social media to share her battles with anxiety and ADHD, writing, "It's ADHD Awareness Month, and I want to remain transparent and vulnerable with you all, because I believe that only beautiful things can come from vulnerability." She also spoke candidly about how frequent travel exacerbated her anxiety, opening up a dialogue about mental health in the entertainment industry.
While Melchior’s professional life has been an open book, her personal life remains shrouded in intrigue. Despite her growing fame, she’s managed to keep her romantic relationships largely out of the public eye. In January 2024, however, rumors swirled about a possible romance with Ruben Dias, the Portuguese defender for Manchester City. Reports suggested that Dias had taken a keen interest in Melchior, sending her flirty messages and liking her Instagram posts. The speculation intensified after Dias’s split from his Love Island partner Arabella, but, as reported by The Sun, Arabella was blindsided by the news. Despite the buzz, Melchior and Dias were never seen together publicly, and the rumors eventually fizzled out.
The rumor mill didn’t stop there. In early 2025, Melchior was linked to French football superstar Kylian Mbappé after the two began following each other on Instagram. By August 2025, their frequent liking of each other’s posts reignited talk of a budding romance, drawing criticism from some Mbappé fans who accused Melchior of "fishing for likes." While neither party addressed the speculation, some claimed to have spotted them together in Portugal earlier in the year. Still, the relationship was never confirmed, and both remained silent amidst the swirl of gossip.
Through it all, Melchior has remained focused on her craft, letting her work speak for itself. Her ascent from Portuguese television to Hollywood’s A-list is a testament to her talent, resilience, and ability to navigate the often treacherous waters of fame. Whether she’s captivating audiences as a snake-hunting boat captain or opening up about her struggles with mental health, Melchior’s authenticity continues to endear her to fans around the globe.
As Anaconda continues its worldwide run, Daniela Melchior’s journey serves as a reminder that behind every breakout star is a story of perseverance, vulnerability, and a little bit of mystery—both onscreen and off.
