Columbia Pictures is attempting to revive the 1997 cult classic Anaconda with a fresh comedic twist, and if initial reports are accurate, Jack Black and Paul Rudd are set to headline the endeavour. The studio is in early talks with the charismatic comedy duo to star in the re-imagined Anaconda, which will be directed by Tom Gormican, known for his work on the Nicolas Cage meta-comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.
Gormican will co-write the script alongside Kevin Etten, suggesting that the reboot will blend horror with humour, a tonal balance that Gormican has successfully navigated in his past work. The original Anaconda, directed by Luis Llosa, was a thrilling horror adventure that capitalized on our collective fear of the unknown lurking in nature. The 1997 film followed a National Geographic film crew as they ventured deep into the Amazon rainforest to document the world’s largest and deadliest snake, only to become its prey.
The original cast, featuring Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Ice Cube, and Jon Voight, struck a chord with audiences, grossing $136 million globally and cementing its place as a cult classic. The franchise went on to produce a series of increasingly outlandish sequels and direct-to-TV movies, including the absurd Lake Placid vs. Anaconda in 2015.
Jack Black and Paul Rudd in Talks to Star in Anaconda Reboot (Image via Getty)
This new iteration of Anaconda is poised to take a different narrative approach, centering on a group of friends grappling with mid-life crises who decide to remake their favorite movie from the 90s by heading into the rainforest. However, instead of documenting the world’s largest snake, they find themselves in a real-life horror scenario involving natural disasters, giant snakes, and violent criminals.
As Jack Black and Paul Rudd bring their unique brand of comedic flair to Anaconda, it’s clear that their comedic timing and banter will add a new layer of humor to the film. Gormican’s ability to balance horror and humor will undoubtedly create a wildly entertaining ride. With a talented cast and a script that blends action, horror, and comedy, the reboot has the potential to be a thrilling and laugh-out-loud experience.
The prospect of watching these two comedy legends navigate the treacherous rainforest and face off against giant snakes is an intriguing one. Fans of the original will have to wait and see how the new Anaconda shapes up, but one thing is certain – it will be a wild ride.
