Hollywood is gearing up for a massive Anaconda reboot with Paul Rudd and Jack Black leading the charge — but the movie’s original star, Ice Cube, says the studio forgot one thing: calling him back.
That’s right. The rapper-turned-actor who helped turn the 1997 jungle thriller into a cult classic says he hasn’t heard a peep from the reboot team … even though fans still associate him and Jennifer Lopez with the snake-fueled blockbuster that kicked off the franchise.
Cube Sounds Off at LAX
TMZ Hip Hop caught up with Ice Cube on Thursday at LAX, where he was spotted signing autographs and chatting with fans.
Cube, who’s currently celebrating the success of his 12th studio album “Man Up”, told reporters he’s not mad — but he did admit Hollywood has been keeping him out of the loop when it comes to Anaconda.
“They haven’t called me for any of the snake-bait thrillers since the first one,” Cube revealed.
For fans hoping for a nostalgic Cube-and-J.Lo reunion in the reboot … consider those dreams crushed.
The 1997 Anaconda Legacy
Back in 1997, Anaconda became a box office smash despite mixed reviews. The action-horror flick starred Ice Cube, Jennifer Lopez, Jon Voight, and Owen Wilson as a crew of filmmakers battling a giant, killer snake in the Amazon.
While critics weren’t exactly impressed, audiences couldn’t get enough. The film grossed more than $136 million worldwide, cementing itself as one of the most memorable creature features of the ’90s.
Ice Cube’s role as cameraman Danny Rich became a fan favorite — his wisecracks and survival instincts made him a standout in the ensemble cast.
Since then, however, the franchise has slithered into straight-to-DVD territory with low-budget sequels (Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid, Anaconda 3: Offspring, and Anacondas: Trail of Blood) — all made without Cube or J.Lo.
A Fresh Start with Paul Rudd & Jack Black
Now, Sony Pictures is trying to breathe new life into the brand by casting Paul Rudd and Jack Black in the upcoming reboot. The new film promises to take the story back to its roots, with updated CGI and a more comedic-adventure tone.
Fans are curious: will the reboot capture the same campy magic of the original, or flop like the more recent sequels?
Cube, for one, seems supportive — even if he’s not part of it.
“I’m sold on it. You gotta keep pushing,” Cube said, giving props to both the actors and the filmmakers trying to revive the series.
Ice Cube on Legacy and Longevity
Beyond snakes and sequels, Cube also used the moment to reflect on his decades-long career.
With five decades in hip hop under his belt, Ice Cube says he’s proof that pioneers in the game can keep evolving and still connect with fans.
His new album Man Up is already resonating with his loyal audience, and Cube made it clear he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
“You gotta keep pushing no matter what. That’s what I live by,” he told fans at the airport.
Cube’s Rocky History with Reboots
If Cube seems a little cautious about movie reboots, it’s for good reason. His previous brush with one didn’t exactly go smoothly.
The rap icon starred in a “War of the Worlds” reboot that bombed with both critics and audiences, making him more skeptical about Hollywood’s obsession with reimagining old classics.
That experience might explain why Cube isn’t exactly begging to be part of the Anaconda comeback.
Fans Sound Off: Should Cube Have Been Included?
On social media, fans have been debating whether the reboot should have included Cube in some capacity:
- “No Cube = no Anaconda. Period.”
- “At least give him a cameo! He carried the first movie.”
- “Cube and J.Lo MADE the original. This reboot feels incomplete.”
Others argue the franchise needs fresh faces and new energy, pointing out that Cube’s career is already stacked without needing to revisit the Amazon jungle.
The Pop Radar Takeaway
Love him or hate him, Ice Cube’s impact on Anaconda is undeniable. While Paul Rudd and Jack Black may bring a whole new flavor to the reboot, fans of the 1997 original will never forget Cube’s role in making the franchise a hit.
Even if he’s not returning, Cube seems at peace with Hollywood moving forward without him — and he’s staying focused on his music, legacy, and pushing boundaries in his own way.
💬 What Do You Think?
Should Ice Cube have been brought back for the new Anaconda film? Or is it time for fresh blood (and fresh screams)? Drop your thoughts in the comments and keep it locked on TPR for more updates on Ice Cube, Paul Rudd, Jack Black, and all your favorite stars!
