While plot details remain under wraps for it, Paul Rudd has shared some insight into how the new Anaconda fits into the franchise. Originally kicking off with the Ice Cube and Jennifer Lopez-led film of the same name, the horror movie series has since comprised of a standalone sequel, two back-to-back sequels, a Lake Placid crossover and Chinese reimagining. Development on the Anaconda reboot was revealed in early 2020, with Rudd and Jack Black joining to lead the movie’s ensemble cast in mid 2024 and filming beginning in January 2025.

During a recent interview with Collider for his upcoming A24 horror-comedy Death of a Unicorn, Rudd was asked about what audiences could expect from his Anaconda reboot. In looking specifically at how the movie connects to the wider franchise, Rudd confirmed it won’t be a direct remake of the cult classic original horror тιтle, instead following a group of characters who are “certainly inspired” by the original. Check out Rudd’s explanation below:

It’s the same director [as The Unbearable Weight of Mᴀssive Talent], and the tone of that movie, which was kind of a meta-comedy, it’s like that. It’s about a bunch of people who are certainly inspired by and loved the movie Anaconda from the ‘90s, but it’s not a remake. It’s a totally unique thing, and it is funny. As far as the rating, I don’t know. But we’ve got about a week left, and it’s been a blast.

What This Means For The Anaconda Reboot

Co-Writer/Director Tom Gormican Looks To Replicate His Breakout Hit

Though still careful not to share too much about the film, Rudd’s comments are certainly still the closest thing to an official plot synopsis for the Anaconda reboot thus far. During production on the movie, Sony released a few promotional videos from its set, first with an announcement video from Rudd and Black announcing cameras had begun rolling on the project, and another featuring the duo singing a song to introduce the rest of the cast, including Selton Mello, Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn and Ione Skye.

Rudd’s indication of a very meta take on the franchise may not come as much of a surprise when looking at writer/director Tom Gormican’s breakout hit, the Nicolas Cage-led comedy The Unbearable Weight of Mᴀssive Talent. The 2022 movie, co-written by Gormican and his frequent writing partner Kevin Etten, who’s also part of the Anaconda creative team, took a semi-fictional look at Cage’s acting career and modern life. With the film’s balance of meta comedy and original storytelling making it a critical hit, it’s easy to see why the duo would stick to a similar formula.

Even beyond Gormican and Etten, however, Anaconda‘s meta take on the franchise could see the movie following a similar path to Black’s Jumanji sequels, which brought a self-aware approach to its series while still respecting its canon. With Rudd’s comments seeming to point towards the original Anaconda being a movie within the world of his reboot, there’s also the possibility of it going the way of the Scream franchise, which utilized the in-universe Stab films to satirize both the slasher genre and Scream movies themselves.

Our Take On Anaconda’s Franchise Connections

Starting From Scratch Is Risky & The Right Choice

With the movie essentially erasing most of the prior installments and going back to the start, the Anaconda reboot is making a risky choice, but I think it’s one that could work out in its favor. A meta approach can not only allow for an honest take on the missteps of the original, but also give the franchise new life after it arguably jumped the shark with its Lake Placid crossover.

Source: Collider