The new film Anaconda has outperformed David Fincher‘s Alien 3 at the domestic box office, marking a notable shift in the rankings of these two iconic titles. Released in 1992, Alien 3 has now been surpassed by the comedy adventure, which features Jack Black and Paul Rudd as devoted fans who embark on a journey to recreate the classic 1997 film. As of March 15, 2024, Anaconda has generated over $60 million in the domestic market, eclipsing Alien 3‘s lifetime earnings of $55 million.
Fincher’s Alien 3 faced a troubled production, with the director famously disowning the film after its release due to creative conflicts with the studio. Despite these challenges, the film managed to earn more than $160 million worldwide, but it has been largely criticized, holding a 44% score on the aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus notes that while the film attempts to innovate within its franchise, it ultimately suffers from a lack of engaging thrills and a weak narrative.
The return of Sigourney Weaver as Ripley, along with a strong supporting cast including Charles Dance and Lance Henriksen, could not redeem the film in the eyes of critics. Fincher has openly expressed his disdain for the project, stating in an interview with The Guardian, “No one hated it more than me; to this day, no one hates it more than me.”
Anaconda’s Positive Reception
In contrast, the new Anaconda has resonated well with its target audience, achieving a promising 76% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is described as a “meta comedy” that combines humor and nostalgia, featuring performances that critics have praised for their charm. The consensus on the site reads, “Anaconda is a worthwhile expedition thanks to the buoyant charisma of Black, Rudd, and Zahn, who make this a meta comedy as delightfully ridiculous as it is tongue-in-snake.”
While Alien 3 may be regarded as a misstep in the franchise, the Alien series has seen a revival in recent years. Filmmaker Fede Álvarez directed Alien: Romulus, which successfully reinvigorated interest in the franchise, proving that the iconic series still has the potential to capture audiences’ imaginations.
As Anaconda continues to draw in viewers, it highlights the evolving landscape of cinema, where audience preferences shift dramatically over time. The film’s blend of adventure and comedy, along with its self-referential humor, stands in stark contrast to the darker tones of Fincher’s earlier work.
For those interested in experiencing the humorous escapades of Anaconda, the film is currently playing in theaters. As the box office battle continues, it will be intriguing to see how both films’ legacies develop in the years to come.
