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Dynamic Duo: Paul Rudd and Jack Black are set to star in a comedic remake of the 1997 cult horror classic, Anaconda.
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Holiday Release: Sony Pictures will release the film on Christmas Day 2025, aiming to replicate the holiday box office success of the Jumanji franchise.
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Box Office Projections: The film is currently tracking for a domestic opening weekend between $20 million and $30 million.
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Fierce Competition: Anaconda will face off against the second weekend of James Cameron’s highly anticipated sequel, Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Paul Rudd and Jack Black to Headline ‘Anaconda’ Remake
Get ready for a wild ride down the Amazon. Paul Rudd and Jack Black are teaming up to star in a new remake of the ‘90s cult classic Anaconda. The film, set to be released by Sony Pictures, is leaning into a comedic-horror tone, a significant shift from the more straightforward thriller style of the original.
This new take on the giant-snake adventure aims to leverage the comedic chemistry of its two leads. The original 1997 film, starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and Jon Voight, has maintained a cult following for its over-the-top action and creature-feature thrills. With Rudd and Black at the helm, audiences can expect a fresh, laugh-out-loud approach to the familiar story.
Sony Replicates ‘Jumanji’ Success Strategy
Sony is strategically positioning Anaconda for a major holiday release on Christmas Day 2025. This move mirrors the studio’s highly successful playbook with the recent Jumanji films, which also co-starred Jack Black and rebooted a beloved ‘90s property with a comedic twist.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) opened over the Christmas holiday to an impressive $36.1 million three-day weekend, ultimately becoming a box office juggernaut. Its sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), performed even better with a pre-Christmas debut of $59.2 million. By placing Anaconda in a similar release window, Sony is hoping to capture the same family and holiday audience looking for a fun, star-powered blockbuster.
Christmas Box Office Forecast
Early long-range forecasts project Anaconda will open with a domestic box office haul between $20 million and $30 million. If it lands within this range, its debut would be comparable to other recent Christmas releases like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom ($27.6M) and Sing 2 ($22.3M).
However, the film faces a crowded and competitive holiday weekend. Its primary challenge will be the second-weekend performance of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in James Cameron’s epic sci-fi series. Despite the competition, the star power of Paul Rudd and Jack Black is expected to draw a significant audience seeking a lighter, more comedic alternative.
Image Referance: https://www.boxofficepro.com/long-range-forecast-anaconda-looks-to-squeeze-out-a-30m-christmas-weekend-opening/