The new film Anaconda has officially surpassed David Fincher’s Alien 3 at the domestic box office, marking a notable shift in cinematic history. As of now, Anaconda has generated over $60 million in the United States, overtaking the $55 million lifetime earnings of Alien 3, which was released in 1992.
Fincher’s journey as a filmmaker has been complex. He made his feature directorial debut with Alien 3, facing immense pressure to meet the expectations set by directors Ridley Scott and James Cameron, who helmed the franchise’s first two successful installments. Despite its struggles, Alien 3 managed to earn over $160 million worldwide, though it received mixed reviews, currently holding a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The site summarizes the film as taking “admirable risks with franchise mythology,” although it ultimately criticized the “thinly scripted sequel.”
In contrast, Anaconda, which stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd as devoted fans of the original 1997 film, has resonated well with audiences, achieving a 76% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus notes that the film is “a worthwhile expedition” thanks to the engaging performances of its lead actors, who deliver a humorous and self-referential narrative.
Fincher has distanced himself from Alien 3, expressing regret in an interview with The Guardian. He stated, “No one hated it more than me; to this day, no one hates it more than me.” His experience during the production was fraught with challenges, leading to his eventual disassociation from the film.
The Alien franchise has experienced fluctuating fortunes over the years, with attempts to revitalize it by various directors. Recently, Fede Álvarez‘s Alien: Romulus has been credited with rejuvenating interest in the series.
As for Anaconda, it has carved out its own space in the cinematic landscape. The film follows a group of friends facing mid-life crises who embark on a journey to recreate their favorite childhood movie in the Amazon rainforest. Their adventure quickly turns perilous, leading to encounters with natural disasters, massive snakes, and dangerous criminals.
With a release date scheduled for December 24, 2025, Anaconda is poised to continue its success in theaters. Its combination of comedy and adventure has struck a chord with audiences, offering a fresh perspective in a market that often revisits nostalgia.
As the box office landscape evolves, it will be intriguing to observe how these two films are remembered and how they influence future cinematic projects. For now, fans can enjoy Anaconda in theaters and stay updated on the latest developments in film at Collider.
