Get ready for some laughs and chills as Sony Pictures announces the upcoming comedy reboot of the 1997 horror classic Anaconda. Directed by Tom Gormican, the film is set to hit theaters on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, featuring the comedic duo of Jack Black and Paul Rudd.
The production, secured through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, has kick-started filming, transforming Queensland's tropical locales to represent the Amazon rainforest. This reboot is not just another film—it's projected to inject $40 million and create jobs for over 300 professionals within the screen industry, which adds to the excitement surrounding its release.
Black and Rudd enthusiastically announced the project via social media. "There’s gonna be a big f**ing snake, and it’s gonna rip," Black teased, with Rudd adding, "You want to get scared? You want to laugh? You want to celebrate with your friends? Or maybe you’re alone and sad and have nobody, but just want to forget about it?" Their chemistry and humor set the tone for what audiences can expect from this reimagined tale.
Originally released on April 11, 1997, the first Anaconda film became quite the hit, earning $136.8 million worldwide and laying the groundwork for sequels and cult following over the years. The original involved National Geographic filmmakers who found themselves held captive by a snake hunter on the hunt for the world’s largest snake. While the new Anaconda bears the same name, it aims for fresh storytelling—focused on humor intertwined with horror.
Gormican, renowned for directing The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, co-wrote the script with Kevin Etten. He will direct the film, and producers Brad Fuller and Andrew Form are on board to see this project come to life. Notably, the new installment promises to blend comedic elements with the adrenaline of classic disaster narratives, as friends experiencing mid-life crises attempt to recreate their favorite childhood movie. The story reportedly takes unexpected and thrilling turns as they venture deep within the treacherous jungle.
Screen Queensland's Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek celebrated the benefits of this production, saying, "Queensland’s global reputation as a leading screen destination continues to grow and deliver economic dividends right across the state." Such endorsements highlight the state's competitive incentives and increasingly strong reputation within the film industry.
Jacqui Feeney, CEO of Screen Queensland, emphasized the advantages of shooting the film there. "With the backing of state and federal incentives, combined with the versatility of our stunning natural environments featuring rainforests... Queensland has become a premier destination for high-caliber location-based productions like Anaconda," she stated. The anticipated production is expected to not only showcase the state's gorgeous locale but also benefit from its talented local crew.
Among other upcoming productions being filmed this year are Bluey: the Movie and the romantic comedy You, Always, highlighting the growing presence of significant films being produced in Queensland.
Andy Davis, president of production administration at Sony Pictures, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "The state’s film-friendly environment and experienced local crews provide a seamless and supportive production experience, which is invaluable for bringing this film to life." This enthusiasm reflects Sony's commitment to producing high-quality content grounded in location-specific storytelling, breathing new life to classic narratives for new generations.
While details about the exact plot remain mostly under wraps, with all eyes focused on the duo's antics and whether they will face natural disasters, giant snakes or even more perilous threats, what can be said with certainty is this: the combination of slapstick comedy, horror elements, and the charm of Black and Rudd is bound to create waves of excitement among audiences.
The first Anaconda* film starred major talents such as Jon Voight, Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube and Owen Wilson, making it both a commercial and cult classic. Now, as we await the new reboot, anticipation builds over whether it can capture the original's magic—and more. Will audiences be treated to nightmares or belly laughs on December 25, 2025? Only time will tell, but for now, be prepared for one wild ride.
