Snake Eater is an action thriller film directed by George Erschbamer, starring Lorenzo Lamas, Josie Bell, Robert Scott and Ronnie Hawkins. Released on March 10, 1989, it was Lamas' first action film, and Cinépix's attempt at the type of action vehicle that was popular at the time. Harkening back to the Canadian company's exploitation roots, it infused the veteran vigilante storyline found in many contemporary films with "hicksploitation" elements, which many reviewers found distasteful but did not prevent its commercial success. Three more installments followed between 1991 and 1997.