Sony's Giant Snake Film Revival Proves to Be a Brilliantly Simple Idea

Regardless of how Sony Pictures' reimagining of creature feature Anaconda ends up, you have to admit its premise is strong: A pair of longtime buddies, facing a midlife crisis, at last pursue their dream of remaking the 1997 animal thriller featuring Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube. However, confronted by budget issues and a disastrous snake-handling mishap, the friend group opts to film it guerrilla style, ultimately encountering with an actual giant anaconda that wants to eat them.

A-List Cast Lineup

This fresh Anaconda boasts an impressive cast: Frequent jungle-goer Jack Black and Ant-Man lead Paul Rudd star as wannabe filmmakers Jeff and Doug, respectively. Judging by the initial preview, unveiled this week, that Jack Black energy and Rudd's likable presence should work wonders in rendering Anaconda highly entertaining. Seeing Black sprint by a massive serpent with a boar carcass strapped to his body epitomizes cinematic fun.

Additional Stars and Creative Team

Joining Black and Rudd in the new Anaconda are Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn, Daniela Melchior, and Selton Mello. Anaconda is directed by Tom Gormican (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), based on a script by Gormican alongside Kevin Etten (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F).

Release Date

Anaconda, the reboot, slithers to cinemas this Christmas Day.