In a landscape dominated by reboots and sequels, an original narrative has emerged as a standout performer. “Backrooms” has achieved the distinction of becoming A24’s highest-grossing global release, surpassing the $200 million mark in ticket sales.
Within a mere two weeks, the horror sensation created by YouTuber Kane Parsons has raked in a staggering $212 million worldwide, with a substantial $135 million coming from the U.S. and Canada. This impressive feat dethroned the previous holder of A24’s top spot, the Timothée Chalamet-led “Marty Supreme,” which amassed $191 million in earnings.
Moreover, “Backrooms” has broken numerous records for A24, known for producing acclaimed films like “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “Moonlight,” and “The Drama.” Parsons, at just 20 years old, has become the youngest director to lead the box office, setting a new milestone for A24.
The film’s success extends further with its exceptional opening weekend performance, grossing $81 million in the U.S. and Canada. Notably, “Backrooms” has claimed the title of the biggest original horror debut in history and achieved the status of A24’s highest-grossing film domestically in a mere four days, making it the first movie in the studio’s history to cross the $200 million revenue mark – all achieved with a modest $10 million budget.
“Backrooms” initially started as a personal project on Parsons’ laptop, utilizing 3D animation software. Originating as a viral YouTube series comprising 22 found-footage videos that Parsons began uploading in 2022, it garnered over 25 million views and cultivated a devoted fan base.
The young director emphasized the meticulous attention to detail ingrained in his work, a trait that caught the eye of A24. The series’ success prompted A24 to enlist Parsons to expand his concept into a full-fledged film exploring liminal spaces.
Producer Chris Ferguson expressed confidence in Parsons’ ability to transition his YouTube audience to the big screen, emphasizing the authenticity maintained throughout the adaptation process. The film, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, follows a furniture store owner who stumbles upon a mysterious door in his shop leading to a series of endless empty rooms, setting off a gripping narrative of mystery and exploration.
In addition to A24, the film’s production involved collaborations with Chernin Entertainment, Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps, and renowned horror filmmaker James Wan, known for his work on franchises like “The Conjuring” and “Insidious.”
This extraordinary success story underscores the power of original storytelling and the potential for digital creators to make a significant impact in the traditional film industry.
