Anaconda’s Ending Creates a Surprising Sequel That Could Get Even More Meta

This article contains spoilers for “Anaconda” (2025).

Thanks to director Tom Gormican (“The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent”) and Sony Pictures, the “Anaconda” franchise is back. The original 1997 creature feature had already had several sequels, including the crossover “Lake Placid vs. Anaconda,” but this is the first to hit theaters since 2004’s “Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid.” However, this new version is much more meta and, admittedly, unlike anything else in this property before it.

Gormican’s “Anaconda” reboot centers on Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd), who have been best friends since they were kids and have always dreamed of remaking their all-time favorite movie, which is, of course, the original “Anaconda.” A mid-life crisis pushes them to take the plunge, and they venture to the Amazon on a shoestring budget to make it happen. So, naturally, a real giant anaconda appears in full production. Chaos ensues.

What we get is a classic film in a film scenariowhere Doug and Griff attempt to make a movie within a movie. Things get even more meta when they find out that Sony is rebooting “Anaconda” with the original cast of the film over the movie these friends are trying to produce. Ice Cube even makes a welcome appearance, as does Jennifer Lopez, further adding to the meta nature of the whole thing.

Eventually, everything resolves and (almost) everyone makes it out alive. But what we’re left with is a setup for an even more meta and zany sequel that would apparently bring back more of the original Anaconda cast for something bigger. Whether or not this will happen remains to be seen, but it’s worth discussing what this potential follow-up could look like.

The new “Anaconda” ends with Doug and Griff, alongside Claire (Thandiwie Newton) and Kenny (Steve Zahn), debuting their unofficial “Anaconda” reboot at the Buffalo International Film Festival. You see, as we learned when Sony’s official production moved across the Amazon, Griff never actually got the rights. So, they weren’t officially allowed to release the film, making it kind of a mixed ending.

Things got more interesting in the epilogue and credits attached to “Annaconda”, which really helps get the ball rolling for a potential sequel. In the epilogue, Lopez shows up at Doug’s door unannounced, revealing that she saw their movie. She then announces that Sony is planning another “Anaconda” and asks Doug to direct it.

What we learned earlier in the film is that Sony’s production was derailed by the giant snake which also ruined Doug and Griff’s film. As was the case with the original “Anaconda”, turning on the spot can be dangerous. Most of the cast and crew are apparently dead, except for Ice Cube and J Lo. The former makes an appearance in the third act where he mentions heading into the woods to save J Lo after helping Doug and company.

Presumably, despite the catastrophic and deadly incident in the Amazon, Sony is still willing to launch a new film in the franchise. Lopez is undeterred and, perhaps spurred by the buzz the unofficial Doug and Griff reboot is making, they see an opportunity to capitalize with a new film anyway. And Lopez liked what Doug did, which means both versions of the film’s films can come together in one viewing. What could go wrong?

That means Doug will likely get to live his Hollywood dream, making a real “Anaconda” movie with the rights, a real budget and real movie stars. Still, many questions remain about what this film would look like. Would Doug find himself caught in the studio system, frustrated by the lack of creative control he would have? Would Sony be stupid enough to try to re-set the film in the present-day Amazon, risking more death and destruction? Could Doug convince the studio to allow Griff, Claire and Kenny to participate? Or would it be a source of tension?

From a practical point of view, there are many things to consider. Jack Black is a very busy man, with “A Minecraft Movie 2”, as well as another “Jumanji” sequel, among the many films on his bucket list. Rudd is just as in demand, and then there’s the whole challenge of wrangling J Lo, Ice Cube and whoever comes calling next. On top of all that, there’s the question of whether this movie will make enough money to warrant another continuation in the first place.

The “Anaconda” reboot carries a fairly reasonable budget of $45 million, so you don’t have to make a fortune to be considered a success. Above all, things are a little tricky. While Ethan Anderton of /Film really liked the new “Anaconda”other reviews have been less kind. It currently holds a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. If audiences don’t agree, it might not matter, and maybe we could see an even wilder sequel that comes full circle with some of the original cast members.

“Anaconda” is currently in theaters.