From Sony Pictures
THIS IS NOT A REBOOT. It is an entirely original comedy, inspired by the cinematic ‘classic’ Anaconda, that features Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd), who have been best friends since they were kids and always dreamed of remaking their all-time favorite movie. When a midlife crisis pushes them to finally go for it, they head deep into the Amazon to start filming. But things get real when an actual giant anaconda appears, turning their comically chaotic movie set into a deadly situation.
Director Tom Gormican and co-writer Kevin Etten have said their goal was to make the movie fun and full of laughs while still maintaining real stakes—blending comedy and adventure in a fresh way.
Upbeat, nostalgic buzz (fans are in on the joke)
Fans of the original Anaconda—and fans of the cast—seem
entertained by the nostalgia, especially the playful “movie-making in
the jungle” angle.
Paul Rudd + Jack Black chemistry = the selling point
Behind-the-scenes coverage highlights strong comedic chemistry, with
genuine laughs landing against the dangerous Amazon backdrop.
“Blessed by the Pope” moment went viral
Paul Rudd joked that Ice Cube’s endorsement was like “being blessed by
the Pope,” and the quote has been shared widely on entertainment sites
and social feeds as a lighthearted soundbite.
Ice Cube cameo = full-circle fun
Ice Cube is returning with a cameo in the 2025
Anaconda movie—nearly 30 years after starring in the original
1997 film. He says he “jumped at the chance,” and fans are talking
about it as a fun, full-circle moment.
Holiday event-movie energy
Early trailers and promotional videos lean into the concept with a
playful tone, helping the press tour generate fun, viral moments
online leading into the Christmas Day release.
Red-carpet buzz and playful cast photos
The world premiere took place in Los Angeles on December 13,
2025—featuring Jack Black, Paul Rudd, and Thandiwe Newton on the
carpet, with Steve Zahn also in attendance and spotted having fun with
the leads. Photos from the premiere show the cast in playful poses
that match the movie’s comedic vibe.
Not a remake—fresh, self-aware, and big on surprises
Across interviews and first-look coverage, the team emphasizes this
isn’t a remake: it’s an original comedy-adventure with real stakes,
packed with action and surprises, powered by the leads’ easy banter.
Anaconda follows Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd), best friends since childhood who have always dreamed of making their own version of their favorite movie: the cinematic “classic” Anaconda. When a midlife crisis pushes them to finally chase the dream, they head into the Amazon to start filming. Their comically chaotic set turns into a deadly situation when a real giant anaconda appears—forcing the friends to navigate jungle danger, collapsing plans, and very real stakes.
Positive, fun tone—nostalgia without feeling like a reboot. The messaging is clear: this is not a reboot or straight remake. It’s an original comedy inspired by the 1997 film, built for audiences who want a playful holiday adventure with real stakes.
Cast chemistry and playful press moments. Fans are enjoying the cast interactions, and the promotional run has been full of upbeat, viral bits—especially Rudd and Black leaning into the concept.
Ice Cube’s cameo + soundbites that travel fast. Ice Cube’s return is being discussed positively online, and Paul Rudd’s “blessed by the Pope” joke about Ice Cube’s endorsement has become a widely shared, lighthearted quote.
This is not a reboot and not a remake. It’s an original comedy inspired by the classic, centered on lifelong friends who head into the Amazon to film their dream project—until a real giant anaconda turns it into a survival situation.
The film is directed by Tom Gormican and co-written with Kevin Etten, with an intent to blend comedy and adventure while maintaining real stakes.
It is officially set for a wide theatrical release on December 25, 2025.
Action-comedy with an adventure backbone: big laughs, big snake action, and escalating danger in the Amazon setting.
The chemistry between Jack Black and Paul Rudd is a featured “engine” of the film and the marketing.
It aims to be broadly entertaining—fun, self-aware, and packed with surprises—while still delivering real stakes.
Rudd and Black are leaning into the fun. Interviews highlight why they joined—pointing to a bold script, a creative team, and the promise of laughs + action.
Memorable quotes that travel. Paul Rudd’s joke about Ice Cube’s endorsement (“being blessed by the Pope”) has been widely shared as a fun soundbite.
“Holiday event movie” positioning. The promotional tour has felt upbeat and playful, framing Anaconda as a fun Christmas theatre outing.
Promotional videos and trailers continue rolling out through major entertainment outlets, showcasing the duo’s dynamic and the movie’s blend of humor with big-scale snake action.
Exclusive first-look photos of Jack Black and Paul Rudd in character helped establish the film’s adventurous, comedic energy in the press cycle.
The press campaign has ramped up with interviews and appearances centered on the film’s original-comedy angle, cast chemistry, and the “comedy + adventure + creature thrills” mix.
The world premiere in Los Angeles on December 13, 2025 featured major cast and celebrity appearances and playful red-carpet photos reflecting the film’s vibe.
Anaconda opens in theaters nationwide on December 25, 2025.
With the premiere completed and the press tour active, expect continued trailers, interviews, and social moments in the final lead-up to Christmas.