The 'Alita: Battle Angel Eyes' meme originated following the 2017 trailer release for the live-action adaptation of the classic manga. Viewers were immediately struck by the protagonist's oversized, photo-realistic CGI eyes, which were intended to mimic the original anime aesthetic but instead landed many viewers in the 'uncanny valley.' This sparked a massive wave of internet commentary, photoshops, and reaction images. The meme is primarily used to represent hyper-focus, intense staring, or the feeling of being watched by something slightly unsettling. It has since evolved into a versatile template for any situation involving an exaggerated or piercing gaze.