In 2024, scientists revealed a groundbreaking discovery: a new species of giant anaconda found in South America. National Geographic documented this on a 2022 expedition, along with actor Will Smith, part of their new documentary series, Pole to Pole with Will Smith. A teaser clip released showcases Smith and venom expert Bryan Fry navigating the Amazon River with the Waorani guides, searching for these massive snakes.
During the journey, the team encountered a female green anaconda, measuring approximately 16 to 17 feet in length and described as "pure muscle." The Waorani guides safely restrained the non-venomous but potentially biting creature, allowing Fry, assisted by Smith, to take a scale sample for pollutant analysis. This sample, along with others, contributed to the genetic study leading to the identification of a new species: the northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayama). This species is genetically distinct from the southern green anaconda and inhabits regions including Venezuela, Colombia, Suriname, French Guyana, and northern Brazil.
Beyond the Amazon, the series captures Smith confronting various challenges, such as encountering a giant tarantula, traveling to the South Pole, the Himalayas, the Pacific Islands, the Kalahari Desert, and the North Pole for diverse adventures and scientific exploration.
Pole to Pole with Will Smith is set to premiere on January 13, 2026, with streaming available on Disney+ the next day.