Paul Rudd and Jack Black are teaming up for Anaconda, a comedic remake of the 1997 movie of the same name. Are Rudd and Black big enough sells to propel Anaconda to box office success?
What is Anaconda about?
Despite being initially reported as a reboot, the new Anaconda team stresses their movie is “not a reboot.”
Anaconda is a meta comedy that stars Rudd and Black as Griff and Doug, two best friends who worship the movie Anaconda — a 1997 action thriller starring Jennifer Lopez about a documentary team being hunted by a giant snake in the Amazon.
The duo has been dreaming of remaking Anaconda since they were kids. “When a midlife crisis pushes them to finally go for it, they head deep into the Amazon to start filming,” the official synopsis reads. “But things get real when an actual giant anaconda appears, turning their comically chaotic movie set into a deadly situation.”
The rest of the cast includes Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, Selton Mello, and Ione Skye.
Tom Gormican directed Anaconda from a screenplay he co-wrote with Kevin Etten. Gormican has experience with meta comedies, having helmed The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.
Anaconda is based on the 1997 movie of the same name written by Hans Bauer, Jim Cash, and Jack Epps Jr.
Anaconda opens in theaters on December 25, 2025.
Anaconda Box Office Odds
| Anaconda Box Office Opening Weekend: Domestic | Odds |
|---|---|
| Less than $19 million | -203 |
| $19 million to $23 million | +376 |
| $23 million to $27 million | +1329 |
| $27 million to $31 million | +3233 |
| Over $31 million | +2400 |
Odds via Polymarket on 12/22/25
Christmas Day is always a big time for theaters.
The No. 1 at the box office will be Avatar: Fire and Ash, which opened to $89 million in its first weekend. Fire and Ash should have a strong hold in its second weekend.
The race for the No. 2 spot will be up for grabs. Anaconda is likely the top pick due to its comedic nature and Black’s involvement, who has become one of the biggest movie stars for families. Anaconda is tracking for less than $19 million in its opening weekend. It should end up over $20 million for the 5 days.
Remember that Christmas Day is on a Wednesday this year, giving movies a head start on the weekend.
Other movies opening on Christmas Day include Marty Supreme, an A24 sports drama starring Timothée Chalamet, and Song Sung Blue, a heartwarming musical with Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.
