In a landscape dominated by reboots, remakes, and continuations, a fresh narrative has emerged victorious. “Backrooms” has secured its place as A24’s most successful global release, surpassing the $200 million mark in ticket sales. The horror sensation created by YouTuber Kane Parsons amassed an impressive $212 million worldwide within a mere two weeks, with $135 million coming from the U.S. and Canada.
This achievement dethroned last year’s “Marty Supreme,” led by Timothée Chalamet, which previously held A24’s top spot with earnings of $191 million. “Backrooms” not only broke A24 records but also marked significant milestones for the studio known for acclaimed films like “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “Moonlight,” and “The Drama.”
At just 20 years old, Parsons became the youngest director to rule the box office, setting a new benchmark for A24. The film’s opening weekend success, raking in $81 million in the U.S. and Canada, marked A24’s most substantial debut to date. Additionally, “Backrooms” made history as the largest original horror debut ever and swiftly became A24’s highest-grossing film domestically in a mere four days, crossing the $200 million revenue threshold.
All of this was achieved on a modest $10 million budget, highlighting the film’s remarkable success. Prior to its cinematic triumph, “Backrooms” started as a personal project on Parsons’ laptop utilizing 3D animation software. Originating as a viral 22-video found-footage series on YouTube in 2022, the project garnered over 25 million views, establishing a dedicated fan base.
Parsons emphasized the meticulous attention to detail that characterized his work from the outset, reflecting the digital landscape he grew up in. Recognizing the series’ potential, A24 enlisted Parsons to expand his concept into a feature film exploring liminal spaces. Vancouver-based producer Chris Ferguson expressed confidence in the transition to the big screen, acknowledging the audience’s loyalty to the original series.
The film, featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor as a furniture store owner who discovers a mysterious door leading to endless empty rooms, follows the gripping narrative of his disappearance and his therapist’s quest to rescue him, portrayed by Renate Reinsve. Produced in collaboration with Chernin Entertainment, Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps, and horror maestro James Wan, known for works like “The Conjuring” and “Insidious,” “Backrooms” stands as a testament to the power of original storytelling and audience engagement.