“Anaconda” A Silly Yet Fun Meta-Comedy

Best friends Griff and Doug have always dreamed of remaking their all-time favorite movie “Anaconda.” When a midlife crisis pushes them to finally go for it, they assemble a crew and head deep into the jungles of the Amazon to start filming.

However, life soon imitates art when a gigantic anaconda with a thirst for blood starts hunting them down.

Believe it or not, one of the most divisive movies released last year happened to be “Anaconda.” Instead of a straight out horror-thriller like the 1997 cult classic, the filmmakers delivered a meta-comedy that divided audiences between those who enjoyed the self-aware absurdity and those frustrated that it isn’t really an actual reboot/sequel to the “Anaconda” franchise. Even though I’m sure we’ll probably get a darker actual reboot of the series at some point, this is a silly and entertaining movie that can also be a fun time.

This 2025 meta-comedy “Anaconda” is purely self-aware, “turn your brain off” popcorn entertainment. The comedic timing between Paul Rudd and Jack Black is really great and the on-screen chemistry they have together is one of the many highlights of the comedy that really works. There’s also plenty of physical humor and fun, tongue-in-cheek satire on Hollywood reboots that’s also enjoyable.

While the comedic timing of Jack Black and Paul Rudd is fantastic with their natural banter and authentic “midlife crisis” friendship chemistry that successfully carries the movie, actor Steve Zahn absolutely steals the show. In this movie, Zahn easily commits to the chaotic, fun tone as the comically insecure wildcard named Kenny. He successfully walks the delicate line between portraying a desperate slacker and a deeply insecure friend, which brings a unique brand of go-for-broke absurdity to the crew.

And, just because this “Anaconda” serves as a meta-comedy, doesn’t mean there isn’t any action. This 2025 snake flick does deliver some fun action moments, such as when the snake attacks some of the crew at night after the snake they were using for their

movie had a bit of an accident, Doug (Jack Black) being used as snake bait with a boar on his back, and a climax filled with a lot of pyrotechnics used to try and kill the anaconda. There’s also a couple surprise appearances that should also appease fans of the first movie.

The overall response to “Anaconda” (2025) has been predominately mixed to negative among professional critics, while audiences and casual viewers have been slightly more forgiving, leaning into it as a mindless, “turn off your brain” comedy. Despite the critical thrashing and driven by star power and 90s nostalgia, the movie went on to earn $88.4 million globally against a $45 million budget. 

MPA: Rated PG-13 for violence/action, strong language, some drug use and suggestive references   (runtime 99 minutes)

Initial release date: December 25, 2025

Streaming services: Netflix/various PVOD platforms (as of writing this review)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0UxtQfgz0A

• Director Tom Gormican approached Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal for the lead roles while working with them on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022). Pascal expressed interest in the script but declined due to scheduling conflicts. Cage initially rejected the project, citing similarities to his meta-comedic role in the 2022 film. Following Paul Rudd's attachment to the project, Cage was approached again and requested script rewrites to darken his character and model it after Jon Voight's performance as Paul Serone in Anaconda (1997). Sony declined these revisions. Jack Black was subsequently cast in the role.

• When the characters first depart on their boat, an opened map shows Manaus, Brazil. Most of the river sequences for the 1997 original were shot on the Rio Negro near Manaus, Brazil.

• Doug McCallister titles his screenplay for the reboot "The Anaconda," a naming convention that references the Hollywood practice of adding the definite article "The" to original titles for reboots and late sequels. Examples include: The Wolverine (2013), The Final Destination (2009), The Predator (2018), The Suicide Squad (2021), and The Batman (2022).

• Selton Mello recorded his own dialogue for both the Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish dubbed releases of the film. He has native or near-native proficiency in both languages.

• Director Tom Gormican and co-writer Kevin Etten watched all prior Anaconda franchise entries, including the made-for-television sequels, during their preparation for the 2025 reboot. The original screenplay draft contained references to Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid (2004), the sole theatrical sequel to the 1997 original. Gormican stated, "everyone was like, 'What is that?' So we were like, 'All right, let's just reference the original.'" The production ultimately limited franchise callbacks to the 1997 film after test audiences failed to recognize the sequel reference.

• Jack Black and Steve Zahn previously co-starred in Saving Silverman (2001).

• Production marks the fourth collaboration between Paul Rudd and Jack Black following their work on Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007), and Year One (2009). This film serves as the first production in the actors' joint filmography to feature both performers in lead roles.