Uncover Alan Ritchson’s Hidden Gem: The Action Comedy You Missed Before ‘Reacher’

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Alan Ritchson, an actor, has earned a place among fans’ favorites. Many first encountered him through his roles as Aquaman in the series “Smallville” and Thad in “Blue Mountain State.” However, it was his portrayal of Hank Hall in the TV show “Titans” that made him more widely recognized. His strong action skills were further highlighted when he took on the leading role of Jack Reacher in “Reacher.” Additionally, sharing the screen with Henry Cavill in “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” helped solidify his status as a prominent actor.

Before my admiration for Chris Hemsworth’s modern roles, I discovered his early ambitions in Hollywood through the comedy action film, “Dark Web: Cicada 3301,” which he wrote, directed, and starred in. This movie was initially underappreciated upon its release and has since faded into a footnote in Ritchson’s career. However, revisiting this overlooked gem could shed light on his creative potential. Here’s what you need to know about the often-forgotten “Dark Web: Cicada 3301.

‘Dark Web: Cicada 3301’ Draws Its Comedy and Action From a Real-Life Mystery

In the spirit of the intriguing internet enigma known as Cicada 3031, where online enthusiasts were challenged with deciphering a sequence of cryptic puzzles, Dark Web: Cicada 3301 reimagines this captivating real-life mystery into a witty and suspenseful action movie. The narrative centers around me, Connor (portrayed by Jack Casey), an adept hacker who finds myself inexplicably drawn to the enigmatic riddles posed by the Cicada 3031 group. This fascination, however, places me squarely on the radar of the National Security Agency, who forcibly conscript me into their ranks. Alongside me is Gwen (Conor Leslie), a brilliant librarian with aspirations to join the secretive organization behind these puzzles, and my best friend, Avi (Ron Funches).

The film known as “Cicada 3301” served as Alan Ritchson’s first attempt as a feature-length director, where he also took on the role of Agent Carver. In this story, Agent Carver assists Connor, whom they have recruited, in solving the Cicada 3301 enigmas. The budget for this production remains undisclosed, but it is believed to have had a modest theatrical release, generating somewhere between $10,000 and $16,000 according to different reports. Given its digital focus, determining profitability proves challenging. Despite this, the movie has remained largely unnoticed; it lacks a critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and holds an IMDb score of 5.0/10 with just over 2,700 user ratings.

What ‘Dark Web: Cicada 3301’ Says About Alan Ritchson

As the enigmatic Agent Carver in Dark Web: Cicada 3301, I, Alan Ritchson, gleefully took on the challenge of embracing zany humor, relishing the role as the frequent target of jokes. This was evident not only in my on-screen antics but also in the outrageous costumes that adorned me throughout the film. By willingly stepping into this eccentric character, I showcased my versatility in action comedy roles, a testament to my unwavering dedication to eliciting laughter at my own expense – a commendable trait for any actor. This knack for humor also paved the way for my selection as the lead in Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, a production that seamlessly combined dark wit and action, albeit with a different tonal flavor from my initial feature film appearance.

In simpler terms, “Everyone seems to want to categorize it. When we try to market something like this, people ask questions like ‘Is it a comedy or a drama?’ We desire clear labels, but I feel our everyday lives are just as mixed up. One moment might be scary, the next could bring laughter.” (Alan Ritchson)

In his capacity as director and scriptwriter, Alan Ritchson demonstrated his readiness to tackle unconventional projects with the release of “Dark Web: Cicada 3301”. Despite anticipating difficulties in garnering wider appeal and funding for the film, he remained steadfast in realizing his vision. Furthermore, this production underscored Ritchson’s knack for creating thrilling and visually appealing action sequences, a skill that would become a hallmark of his future roles in the action genre, ultimately positioning him as an emerging talent within the industry.

Should You Watch ‘Dark Web: Cicada 3301?’

Comedy is a matter of personal taste, and what might be a hilarious rollercoaster ride to one viewer could seem like a dull merry-go-round to another. The film “Dark Web: Cicada 3301” seems to fit this pattern, with its 5.0 rating on IMDB suggesting that it’s divisive. Watching the trailer will probably help decide if you’ll find it appealing. Is it an exceptional action comedy? Not at all; part of its mystery lies in its entertaining plot but lack of unique appeal in a crowded genre. It’s also a low-budget production. However, for those who are fans of Alan Ritchson, the movie offers a captivating glimpse into his creative side beyond his acting roles.

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2025-03-24 22:32