In a landscape dominated by rehashed content, a fresh narrative has stolen the spotlight. “Backrooms” has become A24’s highest-earning global release, marking the studio’s first film to surpass the $200 million mark in ticket sales.
The horror sensation crafted by YouTuber Kane Parsons raked in a staggering $212 million worldwide within a mere two weeks, with $135 million coming from the U.S. and Canada. This success dethroned last year’s “Marty Supreme,” led by Timothée Chalamet, which previously held A24’s top position with $191 million in earnings.
Not stopping there, “Backrooms” shattered multiple records for A24, renowned for producing prestigious films like “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “Moonlight,” and “The Drama.”
At just 20 years old, Parsons made history as the youngest director to lead the box office and also holds the title of A24’s youngest director ever. The film’s debut weekend marked A24’s most successful opening, grossing $81 million in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, “Backrooms” made history as the largest original horror debut to date and swiftly became A24’s highest-grossing film domestically within four days, crossing the $200 million revenue threshold.
Impressively, all this was achieved on a modest $10 million budget.
Before its blockbuster success, “Backrooms” started as a personal project on a laptop, utilizing 3D animation software. Originally a viral 22-video found-footage series on YouTube, created by Parsons in 2022, it garnered over 25 million views and developed a devoted fan base.
Reflecting on his journey, the young director emphasized the importance of meticulous attention to detail ingrained in his YouTube roots. This dedication caught the eye of A24, propelling Parsons to expand his concept into a feature film exploring liminal spaces.
Producer Chris Ferguson, based in Vancouver, expressed confidence in Parsons’s transition to the big screen, attributing it to staying true to the series and respecting the audience’s intelligence.
The narrative of “Backrooms” follows a furniture store owner, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who stumbles upon a hidden door in his shop leading to an infinite series of empty rooms. When he vanishes, his therapist, played by Renate Reinsve, embarks on a journey into the unknown to find him.
In collaboration with A24, the film was produced by Chernin Entertainment, Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps, and the renowned James Wan, known for his work on chilling classics like “The Conjuring” and “Insidious.”