Alan Ritchson’s ‘Backrooms’ Replacement Resurfaces On Free Streaming
Alan Ritchson’s directorial debut, *Dark Web: Cicada 3301*, has resurfaced on the free streaming service Tubi. The article argues that the action thriller’s playful tone and internet-mystery premise could help it find a cult audience, despite its earlier lack of the immediate franchise success enjoyed by newer films about online phenomena.
The film follows hacker Connor, played by Jack Kesy, whose involvement in the Cicada 3301 puzzles draws attention from the NSA. He relies on librarian Gwen and friend Avi as he navigates a conspiracy involving the secretive organisation; Ritchson also appears as an agent. The article highlights the film’s mix of spy chases, comedy and physical gags, alongside Ron Funches’s supporting role.
In short
- *Dark Web: Cicada 3301* is now streaming free on Tubi.
- Alan Ritchson directed the conspiracy thriller and appears in it.
- Its comedy and internet-mystery premise may help it find a cult following.
Explained simply
Cicada 3301 is the name given to a series of internet puzzles that began appearing in 2012. They used codes, clues and references to literature and technology, prompting speculation about who created them and why; no confirmed explanation has emerged.
Dark Web: Cicada 3301 is a 2021 action comedy built around that mystery. Hacker Connor gets drawn into the puzzles and attracts the attention of the US National Security Agency, relying on librarian Gwen and his friend Avi as he investigates. Alan Ritchson directed the film and also appears as an agent.
The story combines online riddles with spy chases and physical comedy. Its return to a free streaming service may introduce it to viewers who missed it when it first appeared, including people interested in films inspired by internet mysteries.