Ice Cube says he “jumped” at the opportunity to appear in the festive season remake of Anaconda, nearly three decades after he co-starred in the original film. The rapper-turned-actor made the revelation while attending the Los Angeles premiere of Sony Pictures’ meta horror-comedy on Saturday.
The 2025 iteration of Anaconda leans into both humor and horror, following two lifelong friends who venture into the Amazon with dreams of remaking their favorite snake movie. Paul Rudd and Jack Black headline the ensemble cast, and the film is set to open in theaters on Dec. 25.
At the red carpet event, Ice Cube, 56, reflected on his brief return to the franchise. “It’s cool to do a cameo, to kind of make it go full circle in a way,” he said.
“When they asked me to do it, when I knew the kind of movie they were doing, I jumped at it,” Ice Cube continued. “I’m like, ‘This is something different. It’s cool.’”
The actor, who originally played cameraman Danny Rich in the 1997 horror thriller alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson, added that fans might enjoy his appearance. “People probably get a kick out of me popping on the screen,” he said.
A New Twist on an Old Favorite
Unlike the original, which played its story straight, the new version blends satire and spectacle. Rudd’s and Black’s characters, Doug and Griff, are childhood friends fixated on recreating the “classic” snake epic. Their low-budget ambitions spiral into real danger in the jungle, where they encounter a genuine giant anaconda.
Director Tom Gormican co-wrote the screenplay, giving the franchise a playful edge while honoring its roots. The cast also includes Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, Selton Mello and Steve Zahn, offering a fresh mix of talent and experience.
Paul Rudd, speaking to reporters, underscored the significance of Ice Cube’s blessing. “It means everything,” Rudd joked. “That’s like being blessed by the Pope. You go over, you kiss the ring and he gives you a pat on the head and says, ‘Good job, son.’”
The original Anaconda became a cultural touchstone of the 1990s, blending creature-feature thrills with camp appeal. Despite mixed reviews, it achieved cult status and left a lasting mark on pop culture.
Ice Cube’s involvement in both the 1997 classic and the 2025 remake underscores that legacy. For the actor, the cameo wasn’t just a bit part. It was a moment that connected his past work with a new chapter in Hollywood’s long-running fascination with giant serpents.