The Backrooms: How Kane Parsons’ Viral Web Series Became a $212 Million Cinematic Event

Directed by Kane Parsons, Backrooms is a 2026 American science fiction psychological horror film that chronicles the story of a furniture store owner, Clark, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, and his therapist, Mary, portrayed by Renate Reinsve. The pair discovers a dimension of endless liminal spaces accessible through the store’s basement. Distributed by A24, the film earned $212.7 million at the box office following its May 29, 2026, wide release in the United States.

From 4chan Creepypasta to Feature Film

The concept of the “Backrooms” originated in a 2019 4chan thread, where an anonymous user posted a photo of an empty room with a yellow atmosphere. According to Wikipedia, the image was later identified as a 2002 photograph taken at the site of a former furniture store in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The aesthetic of “liminal spaces”—empty, unsettling environments—became a cornerstone of the creepypasta genre. Internet creators later expanded the lore by adding “levels” and “entities,” which are hostile creatures that inhabit the dimensions.

Kane Parsons, an American YouTuber, brought the concept to mainstream attention in early 2022 by launching a 25-episode web series on his YouTube channel. Following the series’ viral success, studios approached Parsons for a film adaptation. Official production began in February 2023, with Parsons directing the feature. Filming concluded in August 2025.

Production and Creative Team

The film features a screenplay by Will Soodik, who replaced Roberto Patino during the development process. Beyond leads Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, the cast includes Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell. The production involved multiple entities, including 21 Laps Entertainment, Atomic Monster, and North Road Films. The film runs for 110 minutes and features a score co-composed by Parsons and Edo Van Breemen.

Box Office Performance and Reception

Backrooms premiered at the Aero Theatre in Los Angeles on May 7, 2026, before its late-May national rollout. With a reported production budget of $10 million, the film’s $212.7 million global box office performance marks a significant commercial success for the horror genre. The film’s transition from a low-budget YouTube project to an A24-distributed feature highlights the growing industry interest in digital-native creators and the enduring popularity of the liminal space aesthetic.

Key Takeaways

• Director: Kane Parsons, making his feature-length directorial debut.
• Release Date: May 29, 2026 (United States).
• Box Office: $212.7 million against a $10 million budget.
• Source Material: Based on Parsons’s 2022 YouTube web series and the original 2019 4chan “Backrooms” creepypasta.
• Distribution: A24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch the Backrooms film?
The film was released in United States theaters by A24 on May 29, 2026.

Is the film related to the original 4chan post?
Yes, the film is inspired by the “Backrooms” creepypasta, which began with a 2002 photo of a furniture store in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, that surfaced on 4chan in 2019.

Who stars in the film?
The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Clark and Renate Reinsve as Mary, alongside Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell.