after ‘The Unbearable Weight,’ ‘Do you guys have a take on Anaconda? Are you thinking about this property?’ And we were like, “Of course, we’re not thinking about Anaconda.” So we said no initially, but then we thought about it for about a week and came back with the initial pitch. We just said, ‘If you let us do The Big Chill becomes Anaconda, then we’d be interested.’ And we thought they would be like, ‘Get the fuck out of here.’” Sony’s positive reaction to this innovative idea was unexpected but welcomed.
The Challenges of Comedy in a Post-Pandemic World
Comedy has become increasingly difficult to sell without relying on established franchises or action elements. Gormican candidly states, “Kevin Etten and I didn’t really want to play in someone else’s sandbox or world. To me, that felt wrong. But at the same time, we make off-the-wall comedies that mix genres, and it’s very, very difficult to get something comedic made now.” This challenge led them to take a different approach with Anaconda. “So that led us down the road of making funnier,” he adds.
Cameos and Last-Minute Magic
The film’s release was not without its last-minute surprises. Jennifer Lopez, who plays herself in a cameo appearance, faced scheduling challenges but ultimately appeared thanks to Sony’s efforts. Gormican recalls, “I was finally able to shoot her cameo a month ago on Nov. 17. It was the very last thing we did.” The decision to include Ice Cube and Jennifer Lopez as cameos was also a last-minute addition based on positive audience reactions during test screenings.
Pairing Jack Black and Paul Rudd
The casting of Jack Black and Paul Rudd as childhood friends turned adult actors in the film is a testament to their natural chemistry. Gormican shares, “Paul Rudd and Jack Black make so much sense on paper and on screen that it’s hard to believe nobody has paired them together in a significant way until now.” The two actors were initially surprised by this pairing, as they thought they were playing reverse roles within the story.
Overall, Anaconda (2025) is a blend of meta-comedy and horror-thriller elements, showcasing Gormican’s unique vision and his ability to navigate the complexities of modern comedy. The film’s success hinges on its ability to entertain audiences while maintaining a fresh and engaging narrative.
Note: This article contains spoilers for Anaconda (2025).
