A reimagined version of the cult classic, “Anaconda,” directed by Tom Gormican, is set to premiere in theaters on December 25, 2023. Gormican, alongside co-writer Kevin Etten, has created a film that diverges from the original 1997 release, instead focusing on a group of lifelong friends who venture into the Amazon to film their own rendition of the story. With a blend of comedy, adventure, and horror, this new take aims to engage audiences tired of repetitive Hollywood narratives.
When Gormican and Etten pitched their concept to Sony Pictures, they were surprised by the studio’s enthusiasm. “We went to them and said, ‘If we could make ‘The Big Chill’ becomes ‘Anaconda,’ then we’d be interested,’” Gormican recalled. Their unexpected pitch was met with eagerness rather than skepticism, leading to a fresh approach that redefines the franchise.
The film stars a dynamic cast including Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Thandiwe Newton, and Steve Zahn, who find themselves in a battle for survival against a gigantic CGI snake. Gormican explained that while the film shares a basic structure with its predecessor, it distinguishes itself by shifting the focus from a National Geographic crew to a more personal story about friendship and adventure.
Gormican emphasized that he wanted to avoid simply rehashing the original. “These are two stories about taking a boat up the river,” he said. “But I didn’t want to play in that sandbox.” Instead, he aimed to create a film that transitions through different genres, describing it as a “buddy movie that becomes an adventure film that becomes an action film that becomes a horror film.”
The new “Anaconda” also includes self-referential humor about Hollywood, with Rudd portraying a struggling actor. The characters encounter a “real” crew working on a reboot of the original film, poking fun at the industry’s tendency to recycle old ideas. The film also features a cameo from original star Ice Cube, who humorously reveals that the script for the reboot was never completed.
Filming faced challenges, as Gormican lost two key locations in Australia, one due to a workers’ strike and another that was destroyed by a cyclone. The remnants of the latter set were creatively incorporated into the film, with Gormican noting, “We just said it was a snake.”
In a nod to the original film, Gormican reached out to former stars, ultimately securing cameos from Ice Cube and Jennifer Lopez. Their participation was a testament to the film’s concept of intertwining the past with the present. “We were always thinking that it would be fun to have the surviving members,” Gormican said, highlighting the importance of their involvement.
With this new iteration of “Anaconda,” Gormican aims to deliver a film that offers an enjoyable experience for audiences. He expressed a desire to rekindle the communal atmosphere of cinema, stating, “I hope that people get a chance to experience that in this film, and maybe ignite something in a younger generation where they go, ‘Oh, shit. That’s actually something we love to do.’”
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, it is clear that Gormican’s vision seeks to balance humor, adventure, and nostalgia while steering clear of clichés. With a fresh narrative and an engaging cast, this reimagined “Anaconda” promises to be a unique addition to the holiday movie season.
