Paul Rudd and Jack Black have landed in Queensland to kick off filming on Sony Pictures’ highly anticipated reimagining of the cult classic adventure horror Anaconda.
Queensland’s lush tropical landscapes will double as the Amazon rainforest, setting the stage for the action-packed adventure.
This major Hollywood production was secured through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, further cementing the state’s status as a global screen hub.
Directed by Tom Gormican (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), who co-wrote the script with Kevin Etten, the film boasts powerhouse producers Brad Fuller and Andrew Form.
Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek praised the economic and creative benefits the project will bring to the region.
“Queensland’s global reputation as a leading screen destination continues to grow and deliver economic dividends right across the state,” Minister Langbroek said. “Filming Anaconda will inject an estimated $40 million into the state’s economy and create jobs for more than 300 screen practitioners, which is a wonderful outcome for our great state.”
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney echoed these sentiments, highlighting the state’s unique appeal to international productions.
“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,” Feeney said.
Feeney also revealed that the production would provide valuable on-the-job training opportunities through Screen Queensland’s Attachment Program, with four trainee positions created in the camera, sound, greens, and art departments.
Andy Davis, President of Production Administration at Sony Pictures, described Queensland as the ideal setting for the film.
“Queensland offers a unique combination of natural beauty and world-class facilities, making it the perfect backdrop for our story,” Davis said. “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.”
The Anaconda reboot joins a growing roster of major projects shot in Queensland in 2024, including Ron Howard’s Eden, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and a sequel to Gettin’ Square, titled Spit.
Sterling K. Brown, Daniel Quinn-Toye, Henry Cavill, Rita Ora, John Kim, Alba Baptista, Samson Kayo and Tharanya Tharan have been filming Amazon MGM Studios’ live-action film Voltron on the Gold Coast since the start of December, while Entourage star Adrian Grenier has been on location in the state’s far north filming romantic comedy You, Always.