Get ready for a wild ride, because the iconic ‘Anaconda’ franchise is back—but not in the way you’d expect. This isn’t your grandma’s snake thriller; it’s a hilarious, off-the-rails comedy that’s already sparking buzz. At CCXP in São Paulo, Brazil, director Tom Gormican and cast member Selton Mello unveiled never-before-seen footage from the upcoming Sony film, leaving fans both nostalgic and intrigued. But here’s where it gets controversial: this isn’t a remake or reboot of the 1997 cult classic starring Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube. Instead, it’s a meta twist on the original, following a group of failed filmmakers obsessed with the ’90s survival flick who decide to create their own version—giant snake included. And this is the part most people miss: it’s a love letter to the original, but with a completely fresh and absurd storyline.
Starring Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, and Daniela Melchior, the film hits theaters on December 25, promising laughter and chaos in equal measure. Gormican, known for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, described the project as a “celebration of the original but a wholly new idea.” The clips showcased at CCXP didn’t disappoint. One introduced Mello’s character, a Brazilian snake handler with a darkly comedic backstory: his grandmother was killed by an anaconda. “Horrible grandmother, but still sad,” he quips—a line that perfectly captures the film’s tone.
Another clip revealed Rudd and Black debating script changes, with Rudd pushing for a “revolutionary” double head-butt scene. Black’s deadpan agreement? “A double head-butt is pretty revolutionary.” It’s this kind of absurd humor that Gormican promises will take the film “off-the-rails” at a certain point. But could this be the start of a new franchise? Gormican hinted at the possibility, saying, “I don’t think it needs to be a stand-alone story,” though he admitted it depends on how many fans show up on Christmas Day.
While Rudd and Black couldn’t attend the event, they sent video messages congratulating Mello on his CCXP award—with Rudd jokingly asking if he could crash at Mello’s place during a future Brazil visit. It’s this blend of humor, heart, and homage that makes the new Anaconda a must-watch. But here’s the question: will it slither into your heart like the original, or is this meta approach too risky? Let us know in the comments—we’re dying to hear your take!
