Fact check: Was there really 'An Omicron Variant' movie from 1964?

Bengaluru, Dec 03: Amid the newly discovered Omicron variant of the coronavirus, which health professionals fear could be more transmissible and carry a higher risk of reinfection, an Italian movie named Omicron, released back in 1963 was circulating widely on social media.

The latest variant was named after the Greek letter Omnicron, which also happens to be the name of an Italian sci-fi movie.

According to IMDb, the film was released in 1963 and is about an alien that takes over the body of an Earthman in order to learn about the planet so his race can take it over. Directed by Ugo Gregoretti, the film stars Renato Salvatori, Rosemary Dexter and Franco Luzzi.

Director Ram Gopal Varma shared the poster with the caption, "Believe it or faint ..This film came In 1963 ..Check the tagline". The archived version can be seen here.

Actor Gautam Rode too shared it. "What are the odds... this movie released in 1963! #OmicronVariant," he wrote.

Netizens are freaking out over it.

However,

Hi. It's been brought to my attention that one of my posters is circulating on Spanish language Twitter as "proof" of a COVID hoax. It's just a goof because I thought Omicron Variant sounded like a 70s sci-fi movie. Please do not get sick on account of my dumb joke. Thanks https://t.co/iecwEEOVBq

— Becky Cheatle (@BeckyCheatle) December 1, 2021