Jack Black And Paul Rudd’s Hilarious Blooper On Anaconda Set

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The new Anaconda film starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd relies heavily on its clever idea of being a self-aware reboot for laughs. However, Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn have shared that their co-stars almost derailed a more dramatic scene. This latest addition to the popular horror series comes from the team behind The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent: Tom Gormican, who directed, and Kevin Etten, who co-wrote the script.

The new movie Anaconda stars Black, Rudd, Newton, and Zahn as a group of friends who dreamed of making movies when they were younger. Now feeling stuck in life, they decide to remake their favorite film, the original Anaconda, hoping to recapture some of their youthful passion. But their low-budget remake takes a dangerous turn when they find themselves being hunted by a massive snake.

To celebrate the film’s release, Ash Crossan from ScreenRant spoke with Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn about Anaconda. Newton shared that one of the most challenging scenes to film involved a frantic chase with the snake, where the four main actors were “running down this alleyway” with the camera positioned behind them. A crane was cleverly used to simulate the snake’s movements, acting as “the beast” during the scene.

Before filming the scene, the crew had lunch, and Newton jokingly mentioned that Jack was experiencing some digestive issues. She explained that with every step he took during the scene, he was unintentionally passing gas. This caused everyone to burst out laughing while running, but thankfully, the camera angle—focused on their backs—hid most of it.

The moment came when they were supposed to turn and face the camera, and Newton recalls everyone holding their breath and forcing a look to get through it. However, Zahn emphasized that they were doing well until Rudd said a pre-written line.

Thandiwe Newton explained that Paul’s character has a memorable moment referencing their characters’ past. He dramatically gestures, then lets out a very loud and comical fart, signaling the end of a scene or situation.

Steve Zahn: We all just collapsed.

Thandiwe Newton thought it was incredible, but she was especially impressed with Paul Rudd. She described him as a comedic genius, incredibly quick-witted and able to deliver a funny line almost instantly.

Steve Zahn: Yeah, it’s really insane.

Thandiwe Newton: He’s got a mind like Quicksilver. He really does.

The Anaconda Cast Became Real Lifelong Friends During Shooting

Okay, I seriously couldn’t stop laughing during this movie – it’s hilarious! But it also made me think a lot about the group of friends. I’m really curious to see how their bond changes and evolves after everything that happens. It feels like their friendship is about to be tested in a big way, and I’m eager to see what that looks like.

Thandiwe Newton: This is a reunion. I didn’t want it to end.

It’s unusual to be part of a film like this one – they just don’t make many anymore. Everything feels so cynical these days, so it was a lucky combination of factors that allowed this movie to be made now, especially with a Christmas release. In a strange way, it feels like exactly what people need right now.

Thandiwe Newton believes we need balance – a bit of joy to counter the negativity. It’s important to find humor and remember the power of working together.

Working on this film with everyone was as fun as it looks on screen. Every day on set felt like play, filled with laughter.

Thandiwe Newton described a close-knit atmosphere on set. Unlike many movie productions where people retreat to their trailers during breaks, this cast preferred to stay together – often gathering in a tent to continue conversations sparked during filming. There was just so much to talk about, and the energy carried over from being on camera. She noted that Jack and Paul had a long-standing friendship and mutual admiration, and she was surprised they hadn’t worked together in a buddy movie before. She compared their dynamic to classic comedic duos like Laurel and Hardy or Reeves and Mortimer.

Steve Zahn: Yeah. They’re really perfect together.

Thandiwe Newton: They really are. They make each other laugh so much. And that is all in the movie!

ScreenRant: I was so excited about the Saving Silverman reunion.

I grew a mustache as a nod to Wayne in the film. It was my way of subtly referencing the character.

Thandiwe Newton: There was a lot of that.

Steve Zahn: There are a lot of layers like that in the movie.

ScreenRant: I have to imagine y’all were singing constantly with Jack Black.

Thandiwe Newton: Jack Black sings all the time.

Steve Zahn: Constantly. Same with Paul. Paul does too.

Thandiwe Newton thinks Paul is a fantastic musician, and she also compliments the other person’s guitar skills, saying they’re very talented too.

Steve Zahn: With those guys, it was constant. There was always music.

When Jack would start singing, the sound team would immediately prepare and play the song. We all just stayed on set while they got the cameras ready for the next shot, hanging out and enjoying ourselves instead of going back to our trailers.

Steve Zahn recalls a common experience on movie sets: someone would begin a story – often about a previous film – and announce they were ready to start shooting. But the cast would keep listening to the story, making the crew wait – sometimes for three minutes or more! They’d finish the story, and then everyone would just casually continue as if nothing happened.

Thandiwe Newton explained that everything contributed to the right atmosphere on set. It felt liberating – like they had the freedom to explore the script as needed. Kevin and Tom, the writers, were very open and allowed the actors to really work with their material.

Steve Zahn: They were throwing stuff in left and right. That was genius.

Thandiwe Newton explained that during filming, they’d often include a funny line that made everyone burst out laughing. They’d all need a moment to recover before continuing with the scene.

Rudd Wants To See Black Return To An Underrated Role Of His

ScreenRant: I have to acknowledge the drip we have going on here. Tell me about the outfits.

I wasn’t expecting our outfits to be so colorful, but Paul suggested we match! He asked what I was wearing and wanted us to coordinate. So, I contacted a costume maker on Etsy called Dying Desires and asked her to create something with a snake theme. She designed these awesome, tie-dye outfits for both of us, and they turned out great.

I’m not sure what made me think of wearing a jumpsuit, but it was a fun surprise to find out Jack had planned it! I was all ready to go this morning.

Jack Black: You came correct, dude. You had a rad suit.

Paul Rudd: I looked like a million bucks.

Jack Black: I was like, “Get that off of your body now.”

Paul Rudd: That suit is a heap on the floor, and I’m like, “Let’s go right now.” And I laid it.

ScreenRant calls this movie incredibly funny. They point out that Jack Black’s characters are known for collecting unique items, like ‘The Lotion in the Basket’ and a concert setlist signed by Neil Diamond. The site then poses a playful question: if Paul were to visit you, what would you show him, and what would he show you?

Jack Black is asking Paul if he’s kept any souvenirs from movies – things like props or keepsakes from film sets. He wants to know if Paul has saved anything like that.

I’m a bit of a collector! I’ve gathered a lot of interesting memorabilia over the years, including historical items. One of my favorite pieces is an original invitation to the Brooklyn Bridge’s grand opening from FAO Schwarz.

Jack Black: That’s got to be 100 years ago or more! What about the Hindenburg?

Paul Rudd: I have stationary from the Hindenburg.

I’d show him the original guitar from ‘School of Rock,’ if I could. It’s not as impressive as some props, but I actually kept it! After filming, I asked if I could buy it, knowing studios usually don’t let actors keep anything. They basically loan you things with a contract saying you can’t sell it, and it eventually comes back to them, even after you’re gone. So, with this movie, I decided to be proactive. I brought my own guitar – one I’d purchased from Guitar Center – on the first day of shooting and insisted on using it. That way, at the end of the film, it would still be mine.

ScreenRant notes that this film is very self-aware, blending elements of reboots, sequels, and other modern storytelling trends. They ask: if you could reprise any character in a new film, who would it be?

Paul Rudd: I was going to say, it might be easier for us to answer for each other. I would love to see Jack do a little more Nacho [Libre]. I think that would be pretty spectacular. And, actually, maybe a little more Bernie Tiede.

I’m really hoping we get another Ant-Man movie – it seems likely to happen soon.

I don’t want you to feel obligated to respond, but yes, that’s correct. And thank you.

I’d love to see you back on Broadway! Many people don’t realize I saw Paul in a production of ‘The Shape of Things’ – it was truly amazing, and you were fantastic. Were you nominated for any awards for that performance?

No, it didn’t last very long – maybe just a few performances. It was at the Promenade Theater, which doesn’t qualify for Tony Awards, at least that’s what I keep telling myself to feel better about it!

Jack Black: Are you getting a hankering to go back to Broadway?

I started out doing theater, Jack, and it’s always in the back of my mind. Sometimes I wonder if I should call up actor friends like Don Cheadle and suggest we revive an older play – something like ‘I’m Not Rappaport.’ It’s just… who would even be interested in seeing a classic like ‘The Duchess of Malfi’ again?

Jack Black jokingly wondered if anyone would be interested in seeing a live stage show based on the movie Mac and Me, perhaps even a Broadway musical. He questioned if that would be a strange idea, but seemed to think it could be fun.

Paul Rudd: Imagine all of the tickets it would sell!

I used to have a binder full of ideas for drinking games based on bad movies, and Mac and Me was always a highlight. Everyone always tells me I have to show people the scene with Paul Rudd in it.

Paul Rudd: I don’t know what either one of you are talking about!

I recently discovered this incredible interview you did with Michael Cera and Rick Glassman – it’s called ‘Take Your Shoes Off,’ and everyone needs to see it! Seriously, it’s one of the funniest things I’ve ever experienced. It feels less like a podcast and more like a movie – about an hour and a half long – and the whole thing is just amazing. There’s a particularly wild finale, and I have to ask… was that really you performing that stunt? It looked seriously dangerous, like falling down a whole flight of stairs! We’ll have to discuss it later, but I’m pretty sure that was you!

Be sure to check out some of our other Anaconda-related coverage with:

  • Ice Cube & Tom Gormican breaking down his Anaconda return 28 years after the original
  • Gormican on how Jennifer Lopez’s return sets up a potential sequel
  • Thandiwe Newton on the sneaky Kung Fu Panda Easter egg she improvised for the film
  • Jack Black on the cult favorite comedy he wants to make a sequel to
  • Paul Rudd on his one regret from the Anchorman franchise

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2025-12-27 02:09