Will Smith Joins Scientists in Discovering New Anaconda Species

In a remarkable collaboration between science and entertainment, actor Will Smith played a role in the discovery of a new species of giant anaconda in South America. Announced in 2024, this significant find stemmed from a 2022 expedition documented by a National Geographic camera crew while filming the upcoming series, *Pole to Pole with Will Smith*.

During the expedition, Smith joined a team of scientists and indigenous Waorani guides on a boat journey through the Amazon rainforest. The crew scoured the riverbanks in search of anacondas, and their efforts paid off when they encountered a female green anaconda measuring approximately 16 to 17 feet in length. Described as “pure muscle,” this powerful serpent prompted the team to take action.

Working alongside venom expert Bryan Fry, the Waorani secured the anaconda so that Fry could collect scale samples for further analysis. Despite his initial reluctance, Smith assisted in this process. The samples were essential for determining the accumulation of pollutants in the surrounding waters. This research, along with other collected specimens, ultimately contributed to the genetic analysis that led to the identification of a new species: the northern green anaconda, scientifically named Eunectes akayama, which translates to “the great snake.”

This species is genetically distinct from its southern counterpart, Eunectes murinus, with the two having diverged approximately 10 million years ago. The northern green anaconda inhabits regions including Venezuela, Colombia, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil.

Beyond his anaconda encounter, Smith’s Amazonian adventure also brought him face to face with a giant tarantula while scientists extracted venom for study. His explorations did not end there; he trekked to the South Pole, traversed the Himalayas to reach a small village in Bhutan, visited the Pacific Islands to document a lost native language, joined the San people in the Kalahari Desert for a hunting expedition, and participated in an ice-diving mission at the North Pole.

The series *Pole to Pole with Will Smith* is set to premiere on January 13, 2026, with episodes available for streaming on Disney+ the following day. This innovative project not only showcases the beauty and diversity of the planet but also highlights significant scientific discoveries, bringing them to a broader audience through the engaging lens of Smith’s experiences.

With the combination of celebrity influence and scientific inquiry, the expedition exemplifies how entertainment can play a vital role in raising awareness about biodiversity and environmental issues.