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Anaconda Opens to Mixed Reviews as Jack Black and Paul Rudd Lead Meta Adventure

The film plays as a nostalgia‑savvy original that riffs on the 1997 cult hit rather than remaking it.

Overview

  • Anaconda debuted in theaters on December 25 with early write‑ups praising the Black–Rudd chemistry and buddy‑comedy tone over scares.
  • The initial Rotten Tomatoes score sits at 49%, reflecting divided critical response to the comedy‑creature hybrid.
  • Director Tom Gormican emphasizes the movie is not a reboot, framing it as a self‑aware story about friends trying to make their own version of Anaconda.
  • Surprise appearances by Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube were kept under wraps during promotion, with Gormican confirming Lopez’s cameo was secured late in production.
  • Forbes projects a PVOD release roughly 4–6 weeks after launch and a Netflix debut about three months after theatrical, pointing to late January–early February and late March 2026, respectively.