In a fresh twist for the beloved creature feature genre, Daniela Melchior, best known for her role as Cleo Cazo/Ratcatcher 2 in The Suicide Squad, has been confirmed as part of the cast for the upcoming Anaconda film from Sony Pictures. This announcement follows earlier reports that comedic heavyweights Jack Black and Paul Rudd were in talks to join the project, which Deadline has now officially validated.
A New Vision for Anaconda
The new Anaconda is set to diverge from the original 1997 film that starred Jon Voight, Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and Owen Wilson. While the original film has garnered a cult following, this reboot will not be a direct remake. Instead, it aims to present a fresh narrative centered around the iconic snake, incorporating comedic elements into the storyline. The film is being directed by Tom Gormican, who is also co-writing the script with Kevin Etten. Gormican’s vision promises to inject humor into the suspenseful premise, which has the potential to attract both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Melchior’s Rising Star
Daniela Melchior has quickly become a notable figure in Hollywood since her breakout performance in The Suicide Squad. Her versatility as an actress is demonstrated by her diverse roles, including voicing Gwen Stacy in the Portuguese version of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and appearing in films such as Marlowe, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Assassin Club, and Fast X. In addition, she is slated to star in the comedy Balls Up, directed by Peter Farrelly, alongside a cast that features Mark Wahlberg and Eric André. While the release date for Balls Up is still pending, Melchior’s rising star continues to shine brightly.
Franchise Legacy
The Anaconda franchise has had a storied history since the release of the original film. It spawned one theatrical sequel, Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid in 2004, along with several television sequels, including Anaconda 3: Offspring (2008) and Anacondas: Trail of Blood (2009). There was even a crossover film in 2015, Lake Placid vs. Anaconda, and a recent Chinese remake in 2024, showcasing the enduring popularity of the giant snake narrative.
As fans eagerly await more details, including a release date for the new Anaconda movie, the addition of Melchior to the cast is sure to heighten anticipation for this exciting new take on a classic franchise.