While plot details remain under wraps for it, Paul Rudd has shared some insight into how the newAnacondafits into the franchise. Originally kicking off with the Ice Cube andJennifer Lopez-led filmof the same name, the horror movie series has since comprised of a standalone sequel, two back-to-back sequels, aLake Placidcrossover and Chinese reimagining. Development on theAnacondareboot was revealed in early 2020, with Rudd and Jack Black joining to lead the movie’s ensemble cast in mid 2024 and filming beginning in January 2025.
During a recent interview withColliderfor his upcoming A24 horror-comedyDeath of a Unicorn, Rudd was asked about what audiences could expect from hisAnacondareboot. In looking specifically at how the movie connects to the wider franchise,Rudd confirmed it won’t be a direct remake of the cult classic original horror title, instead following a group of characters who are “certainly inspired” by the original. Check out Rudd’s explanation below:
It’s the same director [as The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent], and the tone of that movie, which was kind of a meta-comedy, it’s like that. It’s about a bunch of people who are certainly inspired by and loved the movie Anaconda from the ‘90s, but it’s not a remake. It’s a totally unique thing, and it is funny. As far as the rating, I don’t know. But we’ve got about a week left, and it’s been a blast.
What This Means For The Anaconda Reboot
Co-Writer/Director Tom Gormican Looks To Replicate His Breakout Hit
Though still careful not to share too much about the film, Rudd’s comments are certainly still theclosest thing to an official plot synopsis fortheAnacondarebootthus far. During production on the movie, Sony released a few promotional videos from its set, first with an announcement video from Rudd and Black announcing cameras had begun rolling on the project, and another featuring the duo singing a song to introduce the rest of the cast, including Selton Mello, Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn and Ione Skye.
Rudd’s indication of a very meta take on the franchise may not come as much of a surprise when looking at writer/director Tom Gormican’s breakout hit,theNicolas Cage-led comedyThe Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. The 2022 movie, co-written by Gormican and his frequent writing partner Kevin Etten, who’s also part of theAnacondacreative team, took a semi-fictional look at Cage’s acting career and modern life. With the film’s balance of meta comedy and original storytelling making it a critical hit, it’s easy to see why the duo would stick to a similar formula.
15 Most Meta Movies Of All Time
Meta movies do not always work, but films like Looney Tunes: Back in Action and Barbie found interesting ways to break the fourth wall.
Even beyond Gormican and Etten, however,Anaconda’s meta take on the franchisecould see the movie following a similar path to Black’sJumanjisequels, which brought a self-aware approach to its series while still respecting its canon. With Rudd’s comments seeming to point towards the originalAnacondabeing a movie within the world of his reboot, there’s also the possibility of it goingthe way of theScreamfranchise, which utilized the in-universeStabfilms to satirize both the slasher genre andScreammovies themselves.
Our Take On Anaconda’s Franchise Connections
Starting From Scratch Is Risky & The Right Choice
With the movie essentially erasing most of the prior installments and going back to the start, theAnacondareboot is making a risky choice, but I think it’s one that could work out in its favor. A meta approach can not only allow for an honest take on the missteps of the original, but also give the franchise new life after it arguably jumped the shark withitsLake Placidcrossover.
Anaconda
Cast
Anaconda, releasing on June 17, 2025, is a planned reboot of the 1997 thriller, centering on a group of researchers in the Amazon rainforest who become prey to a massive and deadly anaconda. The film aims to introduce a new audience to the legendary serpent in a modern, action-packed narrative.
