What Happened to The Backrooms Movie?
"The Backrooms Movie" is an upcoming American science fiction horror film directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, based on his viral YouTube web series and the internet creepypasta phenomenon. Produced by A24, Chernin Entertainment, Atomic Monster, and 21 Laps Entertainment, the highly anticipated film is set to be released in theaters on May 29, 2026, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve.
Quick Answer
"The Backrooms Movie" is scheduled for release in U.S. theaters on May 29, 2026, distributed by A24. Directed by viral YouTube creator Kane Parsons, who at 20 years old is A24's youngest feature director, the film expands upon the popular internet creepypasta and Parsons' found-footage web series. It stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, and has generated significant online buzz following its teaser and full trailer releases in early 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
The Backrooms Creepypasta Emerges
The internet phenomenon of 'The Backrooms' creepypasta, featuring unsettling liminal spaces, gains traction on imageboard websites like 4chan.
Kane Parsons Releases Viral 'Found Footage' Video
Kane Parsons (Kane Pixels), then 16, uploads 'The Backrooms (Found Footage)' to YouTube, which quickly goes viral, accumulating millions of views and expanding into a web series.
Film Adaptation Announced by A24 and Production Partners
A feature film adaptation of 'The Backrooms' is announced, with A24, Chernin Entertainment, Atomic Monster (James Wan), and 21 Laps Entertainment (Shawn Levy) joining forces. Kane Parsons is confirmed as the director.
Chiwetel Ejiofor Enters Negotiations to Star
Chiwetel Ejiofor enters negotiations to star in the film, with his casting confirmed the following month. Cristin Milioti was also in talks but her deal fell through.
Renate Reinsve Cast in Lead Role
Renate Reinsve is cast to replace Cristin Milioti, taking on a lead role alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor. Will Soodik is credited with writing the latest draft of the screenplay.
Principal Photography Begins in Vancouver
Filming for 'The Backrooms Movie' officially commences in Vancouver, Canada, under the working title 'Effigy'. Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita Maxwell, and Avan Jogia are added to the cast.
Filming Wraps
Principal photography for 'The Backrooms Movie' concludes after approximately five weeks of shooting.
First Teaser Trailer Released
A24 releases the first unsettling teaser trailer for 'The Backrooms Movie', generating significant online buzz and millions of views.
Full Trailer Debuts
The official full trailer for 'The Backrooms Movie' is released, quickly accumulating 20 million views and nearly half a million likes in its first week.
Fictional Furniture Store Commercial Released
A24 releases a creative marketing piece: a spoof commercial for 'Cap'n Clark's Ottoman Empire', a fictional furniture store from the film, mimicking vintage VHS advertisements.
Early Reactions and Box Office Projections Emerge
Following a premiere at BeyondFest, early reactions to the film begin to circulate on social media, with box office tracking figures estimating a minimum $20 million opening.
Immersive 'Enter the Backrooms' Experience Opens
A walkable 'Enter the Backrooms' immersive experience is launched in Burbank, California, allowing fans to explore the film's environments ahead of the release.
LA Times Feature on Kane Parsons
The LA Times publishes an in-depth feature on director Kane Parsons, highlighting his journey from viral YouTube creator to A24's youngest feature director, just weeks before the film's release.
Scheduled Theatrical Release
The Backrooms Movie is officially scheduled for its wide theatrical release in the United States by A24.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The phenomenon of "The Backrooms" began as an internet creepypasta, gaining widespread traction with its concept of liminal spaces – unsettlingly familiar yet empty environments. In January 2022, then 16-year-old filmmaker Kane Parsons, known online as Kane Pixels, uploaded a short video titled "The Backrooms (Found Footage)" to YouTube, which quickly went viral, amassing over 77 million views and spawning a popular web series.
Recognizing the immense potential of the concept and Parsons' unique vision, a film adaptation was announced in February 2023. A24, a studio renowned for its distinctive horror and independent films, partnered with Chernin Entertainment, James Wan's Atomic Monster, and Shawn Levy's 21 Laps Entertainment to produce the feature. Parsons was tapped to direct, making him A24's youngest feature director, a testament to his talent and the impact of his original work. Roberto Patino initially penned the screenplay, with Will Soodik later providing revisions.
Production for "The Backrooms Movie" commenced with principal photography in Vancouver, Canada, on July 7, 2025, under the working title 'Effigy', and wrapped on August 14, 2025. The film boasts a notable cast, including Chiwetel Ejiofor as Clark, a furniture store owner, and Renate Reinsve as Dr. Mary Kline, his therapist, who ventures into the otherworldly portal in search of him. Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita Maxwell, and Avan Jogia also joined the ensemble. Chernin Entertainment reportedly financed the film for under $10 million, a relatively modest budget for a major studio release.
Marketing efforts intensified in early 2026, with A24 releasing the first teaser trailer on February 24, 2026, followed by a full trailer on March 31, 2026. These trailers quickly garnered millions of views, fueling anticipation for the film. A unique promotional strategy included a commercial for a fictional furniture store from the film, "Cap'n Clark's Ottoman Empire," and an immersive "Enter the Backrooms" experience in Burbank, California, from May 13th to 17th, 2026, allowing fans to physically explore the unsettling environments.
As of May 16, 2026, "The Backrooms Movie" is on the cusp of its theatrical release, scheduled for May 29, 2026. Early reactions have begun to surface following its premiere at BeyondFest, with critics and audiences noting its unnerving atmosphere, strong performances from Ejiofor and Reinsve, and impressive production design, particularly given its budget. The film is expected to open with a minimum of $20 million at the box office.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Backrooms Movie made different choices?