David Fincher hasn’t made a theatrical movie in over a decade, but his feature debut, Alien 3, still holds a place in film history — even if he himself disowned it. Released in 1992, Alien 3 was Fincher’s first time directing a feature, following in the footsteps of Ridley Scott and James Cameron. The set was famously difficult, with studio clashes over creative choices, leaving Fincher frustrated and publicly critical of the final product. Despite this, Alien 3 earned over $160 million worldwide, though domestic returns were only $55 million, and reviews were mixed. Critics praised its stylish visuals but criticized the thin script and lack of thrills.
Now, a new movie about fans of the franchise has quietly overtaken Alien 3’s domestic box office. The 2024 Anaconda remake, starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd as obsessive fans of the original 1997 film, has crossed $60 million domestically. The movie follows the duo traveling to the Amazon to recreate the classic snake-filled adventure. Despite mixed reviews, the film has resonated with audiences, scoring a strong 76% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The original Alien 3 starred Sigourney Weaver as Ripley, alongside Charles Dance, Lance Henriksen, and Charles Dutton. While the movie took creative risks within the franchise, many of them didn’t land, leaving the film with a 44% critic score. Fincher has remained candid about his feelings, telling The Guardian, “No one hated it more than me; to this day, no one hates it more than me.”
The Alien franchise has seen its ups and downs, with Scott attempting revivals multiple times. Its most recent comeback came with Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus in 2024, which restored faith in the series. Meanwhile, the new Anaconda proves that audiences still enjoy meta, self-aware takes on beloved classics. Black, Rudd, and Michael Zahn’s performances give the film a playful charm, making it a tongue-in-snake comedy that clearly connects with fans.
Anaconda is currently in theaters, and its success highlights how nostalgia and meta humor can turn even long-forgotten franchises into new hits.
