Christmas Day 2025 is about to deliver a cinematic gift no one had on their holiday wish list—but everyone will be talking about: Anaconda is back, reimagined, re-energized, and hilariously reinvented for a new generation. Twenty-six years after the original 1997 jungle thriller slithered its way onto screens (and into pop culture immortality), Houston Style Magazine is gearing up for a festive, fan-friendly return as comedic powerhouses Jack Black and Paul Rudd lead a bold new chapter in this beloved franchise.

This time, instead of straight horror, Hollywood is serving a meta-comedy-action spectacle—a knowing wink at the original while fully embracing the chaos of filmmaking, friendship, and one very real, very giant snake.

A Midlife Crisis, A Childhood Dream, and One Terrifying Reptile

Black and Rudd star as Doug and Griff—lifelong best friends bonded by one sacred cinematic treasure: the “classic” Anaconda. Now in the throes of midlife reset, the duo finally decides to remake the movie that shaped their childhood imaginations. Armed with enthusiasm, nostalgia, and questionable survival instincts, they trek deep into the Amazon to begin filming.

But the Amazon, unlike Hollywood, doesn’t do retakes.

Their dream project derails instantly when a real anaconda emerges from the shadows, instantly turning their low-budget passion film into a high-stakes fight for survival. What was supposed to be the movie of their dreams becomes a jungle-sized nightmare. Or, as Doug brilliantly puts it in the trailer: “We just wanted a remake. Not… an obituary.”

A Genre Flip 26 Years in the Making

The 1997 Anaconda was built on horror, suspense, and pure ’90s creature-feature grit. But the 2025 version takes a daring leap—transforming the franchise into a buddy-action comedy layered with satire, self-awareness, and explosive energy. According to the MPA, the film is rated PG-13 for “violence/action, strong language, some drug use, and suggestive references,” aligning it with modern audiences while capturing the spirit of the bromantic chaos promised in every frame.

Director Tom Gormican—known for stylish comedic storytelling—and co-writer Kevin Etten craft a film that pays homage to the original while boldly poking fun at the filmmaking process itself. Producers Brad Fuller, Andrew Form, Kevin Etten, and Gormican elevate the project with blockbuster polish, while executive producer Samson Mücke rounds out the creative team.

A Cast Built for Comedy and Chaos

Alongside Black and Rudd, Anaconda (2025) features:

• Steve Zahn – whose comedic timing is always a guaranteed win
• Thandiwe Newton – bringing sharp wit and gravitas
• Daniela Melchior, Selton Mello, and more—adding international flair and depth

A Holiday Blockbuster for Houston’s Movie Lovers

Opening Thursday, December 25, 2025, this reboot arrives perfectly timed for holiday crowds looking for something fresh, funny, and unexpected. Houston audiences—always ahead of national trends—are already buzzing about the tonal shift, the all-star cast, and the bold comedic energy that reframes a cult classic for the modern era.

One thing is certain: 26 years later, the snake is back—and this time, it’s bringing laughs, action, and the kind of cinematic chaos that makes Christmas Day premieres legendary. Houston Style Magazine will be watching. And cheering.