Actors Paul Rudd and Jack Black in Qld for Anaconda remake

Queensland’s film industry is set for a blockbuster boost in 2025 as Hollywood stars Paul Rudd and Jack Black lead Sony Pictures’ Anaconda remake.

Jack Black and Paul Rudd lead the cast of the new Anaconda movie, currently filming on the Gold Coast. Photo: Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Queensland’s film industry is set to welcome another major international production in 2025, with Hollywood stars Paul Rudd and Jack Black confirmed to headline Sony Pictures’ fresh take on the 1997 cult classic Anaconda.

Filminghas already begun on the Gold Coast, with Queensland’s lush tropical landscapes transforming into a stand-in for the Amazon rainforest.

Secured through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, the project is expected to inject $40 million into the local economy and create more than 300 jobs in Queensland’s thriving screen sector.

While the original Anaconda — starring Jennifer Lopez, Jon Voight, Owen Wilson, and Ice Cube — earned a global box office haul of $145 million and became a surprise hit, this new iteration shifts focus toward comedy, aiming to reinvent the iconic giant-snake narrative for a new generation according to industry insiders.

In the promo video from Sony Pictures which dropped online over the weekend, Black himself teased that in the film “there’s going to be a big f-cking snake, and it’s gonna rip.”

Directed by Tom Gormican (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), who co-wrote the script with Kevin Etten, the production team also includes producers Brad Fuller and Andrew Form.

Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek welcomed the announcement.

“Queensland’s global reputation as a leading screen destination continues to grow and deliver economic dividends right across the state,” he said.

“We are proud to support projects like Anaconda to provide more work for our talented film industry professionals, while showcasing Queensland’s incredible environment and rich culture to the world.”

Sony Pictures President of Production Administration Andy Davis commended Queensland’s blend of natural beauty and top-tier talent.

“The state’s film-friendly environment and experienced local crews provide a seamless and supportive production experience, which is invaluable for bringing this film to life,” Mr Davis said.

1997 film Anaconda starring Jon Voight, Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube and Owen Wilson.

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said the production would also help nurture local talent through the agency’s Attachment Program, which will provide trainee positions in key departments such as camera, sound, and set design.

“With the backing of state and federal incentives, combined with the versatility of our stunning natural environments featuring rainforests in easy reach, Queensland has become a premier destination for high calibre location-based productions like Anaconda,” Ms Feeney said.

“As well as benefiting from the expertise of our highly skilled local crew, this production will also help build the next generation of below-the-line practitioners through our Attachment Program, with four trainee positions created in the camera and sound departments, as well as greens, the art department extension responsible for creating the Amazonian jungle.”

The film is set to hit cinemas on Christmas 2025, promising to be a holiday blockbuster.

The Anaconda announcement follows a series of prominent productions heading to the state, including the Bluey movie, and the eagerly anticipated Voltron starring Henry Cavill — further cementing Queensland’s place on the world stage as a prime location for blockbuster filmmaking.

Originally published as Actors Paul Rudd and Jack Black in Qld for Anaconda remake