Tom Gormican’s Anaconda (2025) doesn’t simply remake the ‘90s cult horror film; instead, it transforms into a self-aware meta-comedy. Much like Gormican turned Nicolas Cage into a caricature of himself in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, this time we see Jack Black and Paul Rudd as two old friends stuck in the middle of their lives. Determined to remake their youthful favorite, Anaconda, their absurd journey into the Amazon spirals from a film set into a survival battle when they face a very real giant snake.
The film’s greatest strength lies in the chemistry between Black and Rudd. As they poke fun at themselves and the genre’s clichés, they pull the audience into a mix of laughter and sudden bursts of tension. Gormican’s effort to balance humor and horror creates a chaotic atmosphere reminiscent of Tropic Thunder. Neon lights, exaggerated CGI effects, and deliberately over-the-top scenes make it clear the film doesn’t take itself seriously.
This new Anaconda feeds off nostalgia’s commercial power while holding a mirror to its generation. It explores midlife crises, clinging to youthful dreams, and the desire to “start over” through the metaphor of a giant snake. It winks at ‘90s Hot Topic aesthetics while adding an ironic twist to today’s remake culture.
Early critic reviews are mixed: some argue the film’s focus on comedy over horror “misses the original’s spirit,” while others praise the meta approach for breathing fresh life into the series. Regardless, Paul Rudd and Jack Black’s presence alone elevates this beyond a standard remake.
Set for release on December 25, 2025, Anaconda promises not just scares but plenty of laughs and a nostalgic journey.
