Thandiwe Newton stops by The Jennifer Hudson Show on Monday, January 5, where she reflects on the early days of her acting career, including working alongside Nicole Kidman at the very beginning of her journey. During the conversation, Newton also shares a personal and heartfelt memory of Tupac Shakur, opening up about a rarely seen side of the late artist and offering viewers a glimpse into their connection beyond the spotlight.
Shifting to her latest project, Newton talks about stepping into comedy opposite Jack Black in the upcoming film Anaconda, embracing a genre that pushed her creatively in unexpected ways. She opens up about improvising with a wildly funny cast, playing the straight face amid complete chaos, and learning to trust spontaneity on set. According to Newton, the role challenged her in the best possible way, allowing her to stretch beyond her comfort zone while having fun in the process.
Newton stars in the 2025 meta-comedy reboot of Anaconda, portraying Claire Simons, a friend who joins a group of filmmakers attempting to remake the original cult-classic horror film. What begins as a tongue-in-cheek recreation quickly spirals into danger when the characters played by Paul Rudd and Jack Black encounter a very real, very deadly giant anaconda in the Amazon. The once-chaotic production turns into a fight for survival, blending humor, horror, and self-aware storytelling.
The film also stars Steve Zahn and Selton Mello and is directed by Tom Gormican, known for his sharp, comedic sensibility. With its clever, knowing take on the beloved yet cheesy original, the reboot leans fully into meta-humor while still delivering thrills. Anaconda opened on Christmas 2025, making it a holiday surprise with plenty of bite.
Through the interview, Newton makes it clear that even after decades in the industry, she’s still eager to explore new creative territory. Whether reflecting on her past, sharing personal memories, or diving headfirst into comedy, Thandiwe Newton continues to evolve proving that growth, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks remain at the heart of her career.
Thandiwe was wearing a Missoni vest and pant set, cute!
Photo Credit: Chris Haston/Warner Bros.
