Enter the Backrooms: How a YouTube Legend Became A24’s Most Ambitious Horror Film
On April 26, 2026, the entertainment world watches closely as 20-year-old filmmaker Kane Parsons prepares to release his feature directorial debut, Backrooms, through A24. What began as a solo YouTube project filmed in his childhood bedroom has evolved into a major studio horror production, complete with a 30,000-square-foot practical set and an ensemble cast featuring Oscar-nominated talent.
From Bedroom Set to Soundstage: The Evolution of a Viral Concept
Parsons launched the Backrooms YouTube series in early 2022 under the channel name Kane Pixels, drawing inspiration from the internet creepypasta of the same name. The original videos depicted an endless maze of yellow-walled rooms illuminated by humming fluorescent lights—a visual interpretation of the liminal space phenomenon that had captivated online communities since its 2019 origins on 4chan.
Using free, open-source software like Blender and Adobe After Effects, Parsons crafted atmospheric found-footage shorts that quickly gained traction for their eerie authenticity. By February 2023, the project had attracted industry attention, leading to a film adaptation announcement backed by A24, Chernin Entertainment, Atomic Monster, and 21 Laps Entertainment.
“I taught myself Blender just to make those first videos,” Parsons recalled in a recent interview. “Never imagined they’d lead to building actual rooms you could walk into.”
A24’s Monumental Practical Set: Building the Uncanny Valley
For the feature film, Parsons and his production team took an unconventional approach: constructing over 30,000 square feet of physical Backrooms environments on soundstages. This massive practical build—one of the largest ever created for a horror film—allowed actors to navigate the disorienting space authentically, often resulting in crew members getting lost during filming.
“We wanted the audience to feel the same disorientation the characters feel,” Parsons explained. “Building it for real was the only way to achieve that.”
The decision to prioritize practical effects over extensive CGI reflects Parsons’ commitment to maintaining the tactile, analog quality that defined his YouTube origins. While digital tools remain part of the pipeline, the film’s core environments are tangible constructions designed to trigger visceral unease.
Story and Characters: Expanding the Mythos with Human Drama
Where the original web series focused primarily on environmental horror and unexplained phenomena, the feature film centers on a character-driven narrative. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Clark, a furniture store owner who discovers the anomalous dimension in his shop’s basement. When Clark vanishes into the endless halls, his therapist—played by Renate Reinsve—ventured in to find him.
“I wanted to explore what happens when ordinary people confront something beyond comprehension,” Parsons said. “The film isn’t just about the space—it’s about the people who enter it, and what they bring with them.”
The screenplay, written by Will Soodik, adapts the series’ lore while introducing emotional stakes through interpersonal relationships. Supporting roles include Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell, with James Wan, Shawn Levy, and Osgood Perkins serving as producers.
Auteur Vision in the Studio System
At 20 years old, Parsons becomes A24’s youngest-ever feature director—a milestone that underscores the studio’s history of nurturing emerging talent. His journey from solo creator to helming a major genre production exemplifies a evolving path in contemporary filmmaking, where digital platforms can serve as launchpads for cinematic careers.
“I still approach each frame like I did those first YouTube videos,” Parsons noted. “The tools got bigger, but the intention hasn’t changed: to make something that feels real, even when it’s impossible.”
Backrooms is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States by A24 on May 29, 2026. The film runs approximately 105 minutes and is presented in English. As anticipation builds, industry observers note that the project represents not only a technical achievement in practical worldbuilding but also a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue between internet culture and mainstream cinema.
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