Ice Cube Keeps Fans Guessing About Possible "Anaconda" Cameo

Ice Cube is no stranger to keeping audiences guessing, whether they're consuming his music, movies, or sharp-witted interviews. Now, the veteran rapper-turned-actor is in the center of a swirling rumor: Is he making a secret cameo in the upcoming comedic reboot of the 1997 cult thriller Anaconda?

Speaking to host Lisa Wilkinson on The Project, Cube was asked about speculation that he had been seen in Queensland conveniently, the exact location that the new comedy Anaconda is filming. In response, the Ride Along star offered an answer that only added to the intrigue and did so with his signature blend of humor and mischief.

"I never saw them. I was just out doing some sightseeing and having a hang before my Sydney show. I've yet to see Jack Black or Paul Rudd roaming around here. I don't know what you are talking about!" "I just wanted to say that," Cube joked, showing off that familiar grin fans know all too well.

Whether that's the truth or some classic Ice Cube misdirection is hard to say. What's clear is that there's more interest from fans than ever.

In the original Anaconda, which premiered in 1997, Cube fought the supposed giant snake with Jennifer Lopez and Jon Voight, turning a potential sliding scale of a genre flick into a cult '90s thriller. Cube has long maintained that he ensured his character, Danny, didn't fall victim to horror movie tropes and survived.

"When they offered me Anaconda, I said I'd do it only if my character survived and assisted in killing the beast. Earlier than that, the majority of Black people in these kinds of movies were dead in the first 15 minutes," Cube posted on social media in 2022.

The new movie, which arrives in December, goes in a very different direction, embracing the comedic potential of the concept. The film stars Paul Rudd as one of those childhood friends and Jack Black as the other. It follows them into the jungle, spurred by nostalgia, as they attempt to recreate their favorite movie, only to encounter real danger from deadly serpents and violent criminals. Rudd is Griff, a perpetually unnoticed background actor, while Black plays Doug, a wedding videographer with grand ambitions.

Also on board is a varied supporting ensemble, including Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, Steve Zahn, Ione Skye, and the Brazilian actor Selton Mello. Mello confirmed via Instagram that production wrapped last week, adding to the excitement.

Cube has an upcoming Australian tour, with a show in Sydney this Friday and another in Melbourne on Sunday. He did take a step back into the jungle for old times' sake, though; that doesn't mean fans aren't still watching closely, hoping to catch a clue.

That's a mystery for now, and Ice Cube is seemingly all too happy to keep fans guessing. Whether or not he'll show up in Anaconda's reboot as a surprise, one thing is clear: he still knows how to keep the game alive.