Jack Black Says ‘Anaconda’ Is “Meant for Live Audiences” & Wonders If We’re in the Final Days of Movie Theaters [Exclusive]

A new take on the classic creature feature, Anaconda, is coming to theaters this holiday season. Starring Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Thandiwe Newton, and Steve Zahn, the reboot is a funny, self-aware reimagining of the 1997 film. This 2025 version follows a group of friends who are obsessed with the original Anaconda and decide to remake it themselves, leading to hilariously chaotic consequences. Director Tom Gormican, known for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, brings his signature creative vision to this project, making it more than just a simple remake.

During a recent conversation with MovieWeb, Paul Black and Paul Rudd discussed whether their new film was inspired by a remake of Anaconda or by the original movie and its era. They also touched on the humor in the potential Anaconda reboot, with Black explaining that it seems designed for a big theatrical experience, creating a lot of laughter. But Black also wondered about the future of movie theaters, questioning if we are seeing the beginning of the end for going to the cinema.

Jack Black: “Wow, interesting [question].”

Paul Rudd said he found the question really interesting, and he agreed with the idea that the characters are trying to get back the original, genuine connection they once had while working together. It’s about recapturing that initial, pure feeling they shared.

Jack Black expressed that creating something purely for enjoyment is the most authentic form of art, something he and his co-stars hadn’t experienced since high school. They were hoping to recapture that feeling with this project. He also voiced his support for the movie theater experience, especially enjoying the energy of the premiere. Black feels that theaters may not be around forever and wants to appreciate them while they last, praising Sony Columbia for continuing to support them. He questioned how many theaters will survive the current challenges facing the industry.

The new Anaconda movie, starring Black and Rudd, comes out on December 25th, and early reviews are calling it one of the funniest films of the year. Combining scary creature-feature moments with the comedic talents of its leads, the reboot promises a fun, laugh-filled experience for audiences.

Can ‘Anaconda’ Spur Theater Attendance?


Sony Pictures Releasing

2025 has been a good year for movies, with popular films like A Minecraft Movie, Sinners, and Wicked: For Good drawing audiences. Despite this, many people still predict trouble for movie theaters, as they often rely on blockbuster releases to attract viewers. Avatar: Fire and Ash is expected to be a major hit this holiday season, and it could be the biggest box office challenge yet for the Anaconda franchise.

While Avatar offers a long, intense experience with serious themes, Anaconda aims to be a funny, lighthearted movie. The new Anaconda film benefits from the popularity of actor Jack Black, who recently starred in the successful A Minecraft Movie. If the movie is genuinely funny and gets positive reviews, it could be a big hit, especially with its release during the holiday season. It’s unclear what the future holds for movie theaters, but original and entertaining films like Anaconda might encourage more people to go to the cinema.

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2025-12-20 02:48