Thandiwe Newton Slithers Into the Anaconda Premiere in a Gold Wiederhoeft Gown and René Caovilla Heels

Thandiwe Newton has built a red-carpet reputation on looks that feel both fearless and refined—equal parts classic glamour and modern edge, with just enough daring to make them memorable.

That balance was on full display on December 13, 2025, at the Los Angeles premiere of Anaconda at the United Theater on Broadway, where the actress arrived in a gilded Wiederhoeft gown paired with gleaming Rene Caovilla heels.

The metallic ensemble felt deliberate rather than decorative, echoing the film’s serpentine undertones while reinforcing Newton’s ability to use fashion as subtle storytelling rather than spectacle alone.

Thandiwe Newton slithers on the red carpet at the United Theater on Broadway, wearing a gilded look for the Los Angeles premiere of her latest movie, Anaconda, on December 13, 2025, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Newton stars as Claire Simons in the film, which reimagines the 1997 cult classic Anaconda. The movie follows Ronald “Griff” Griffen Jr. (Paul Rudd), a background actor, and Doug McCallister (Jack Black), a wedding videographer, as they attempt to reclaim their youth by finally pursuing a long-held passion project: remaking Anaconda. In the midst of a midlife crisis, the duo travels to the Amazon rainforest to shoot an amateur version of the original film. What begins as a playful, nostalgic project quickly spirals into chaos when a real giant anaconda appears.

The movie is set for release in the US on Christmas Day, December 25.

Thandiwe Newton stars in the Anaconda meta-reboot alongside Jack Black, Paul Rudd, and Steve Zahn (Credit: Columbia Pictures)

Gilded Serpent Energy: Thandiwe Newton in Wiederhoeft Gold

I was immediately struck by how well Thandiwe’s look tied into the film. She wore a statement gold dress that seemed like a low-key nod to Anaconda itself. Dangerous, seductive, and quietly powerful, her look felt like it slithered straight out of the jungle and onto the carpet!

Thandiwe wore a gold Wiederhoeft Spring 2026 gown that hugged every inch of her body. It was like liquid gold from afar, but a closer look revealed the intricate detailing. The corseted bodice was beautifully structured, with visible boning that sculpted Newton’s torso and emphasized her hourglass silhouette. I loved how the softly draped neckline dipped just enough to feel sensual, secured by thin spaghetti straps.

The gown had a drop waist with an integrated tonal belt, fitted through the hips before flowing into a long skirt adorned with a row of golden buttons running down the front. This detailing gave the look a vintage Victorian touch, balancing its sultrier elements. A few buttons were left undone at the hem to create a front slit, allowing for easy movement, while frayed trims added a touch of texture.

Thandiwe Newton stuns in a gold Wiederhoeft gown featuring a corset bodice, a drop waist with a tonal belt, and a maxi skirt with a buttoned front and frayed edges (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

The hem skimmed the carpet, adding drama, though with such a weighty fabric, I found myself wishing it had been cut to pool more precisely around her shoes. Nevertheless, the way the skirt moved as she walked still echoed the snake-like theme.

I loved how the metallic fabric itself enhanced the snake look. Its glossy finish evoked the shine of snake scales, giving Anaconda a subtle nod without being too literal.

Golden Accents: Jewelry, Clutch & Polished Finishing Touches

Thandiwe stayed true to the theme with her gold accessories. She wore statement earrings, stacked bangles on each wrist, and several rings by Gabriel & Co., L’Atelier Nawbar, Octavia Elizabeth, and Fiametta. I especially liked that she skipped a necklace, which kept the focus on the dress and its rich gold tones.

Newton carried a tiny gold Tyler Ellis “Perry” clutch that echoed the dress’s tone and tied the entire look together. Sleek and structured, it added just the right amount of polish without pulling attention away from the gown.

With her curly hair styled up, the focus stayed on the neckline and the structured bodice. Her makeup looked polished, with defined eyes, warm, glowing skin, and a neutral lip that complemented the gold tones of her ensemble.

Thandiwe Newton enhances her look’s shine with a metallic gold Tyler Ellis clutch and jewelry by Gabriel & Co., L’Atelier Nawbar, Octavia Elizabeth, and Fiametta (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Serpentine Steps: René Caovilla “Cleo” Sandals

Thandiwe slipped into a pair of René Caovilla “Cleo” sandals, which felt like a fitting choice for the occasion. They were made in Italy from mirrored metallic gold leather, with the straps delicately wrapped around her ankles, like a coiled serpent, enhancing the snake motif.

Sleek and refined, the heels elevated the look both literally and visually, adding a touch of glamour while keeping the focus on the dress. Her Cleo 105 mirrored leather sandals are available for $1,340 at Mytheresa.

Thandiwe Newton completes her low-key snake-themed ensemble with the gold René Caovilla “Cleo” sandals featuring wraparound straps that resemble a coiled snake (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Thandiwe Newton and René Caovilla: A History of Sculptural Glamour

From the coiled elegance of her René Caovilla “Cleo” sandals to a career defined by fearless red-carpet choices, Thandiwe Newton’s relationship with statement footwear has long gone hand in hand with designers who treat shoes as art.

Her gold Anaconda premiere look feels less like a one-off moment and more like a continuation of a style legacy built on precision, confidence, and sculptural drama.