Full Breakdown
A24’s “Backrooms” Set for May 29, 2026 Release
5/16/2026, 12:25:27 AM
Core Event – May 29 2026 Theatrical Release
The horror film “Backrooms,” directed by Kane Parsons and produced by A24, opens nationwide on May 29, 2026.
Origin of the Backrooms Phenomenon
In 2019 an anonymous user posted a photograph of a yellow-lit, carpeted room on 4chan’s paranormal board. The image sparked the “Backrooms” meme, a liminal-space concept that quickly spread across YouTube, TikTok, Reddit and Roblox, forming a collaborative urban legend.
From Viral Shorts to Feature Film
Kane Parsons uploaded a nine-minute “found footage” video titled “The Backrooms (Found Footage)” in 2022. The short earned 77 million views and inspired roughly two dozen follow-up videos. A24 subsequently green-lit a feature adaptation starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve.
Production Timeline and Key Players
The project moved from meme to studio in February 2023 when A24 secured the rights. Principal photography began in May 2025 in Vancouver with Oddfellows Productions. Key participants include director Kane Parsons (aka Kane Pixels), producers Chris Ferguson and Osgood Perkins, screenwriter Will Soodik, and lead actors Chiwetel Ejiofor (Clark) and Renate Reinsve (Dr. Mary Kline).
Data & Statistics
The original YouTube short logged 77 million views; the series now totals about 24 videos. The film’s budget is reported at $10 million, with domestic opening projections of $20–30 million.
Impact on Emerging Filmmakers
At age 20, Parsons becomes A24’s youngest director, suggesting studios may increasingly back Gen Z creators with internet-originated intellectual property.
Official Statements & Responses
Parsons said he feels uneasy when age hierarchies dominate discussion, preferring to focus on the creative process. He described early production nerves about “doing it right” and later expressed confidence in the final cut. A24 emphasized its commitment to teaching emerging talent, noting Parsons’ shift from self-taught VFX to a studio environment. Producer Osgood Perkins called his role a mentorship.
Criticism & Opposition
Detractors claim Parsons seeks exclusive ownership of the Backrooms lore, arguing the concept belongs to the broader online community.
On-the-Ground Reports: Oshkosh Connection
John Hetzel of John’s Hobbies confirmed the original photograph was taken at the former HobbyTown store in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, though no filming occurred there. Caleb Jankowski traced the image’s online spread.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on filming location—A24 cites Vancouver, while local coverage highlights Oshkosh’s symbolic role. Budget details appear only in one report.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was born the same year as YouTube,” — Kane Parsons, Director
- “My brain’s not 25 yet — it’s not fully developed,” — Kane Parsons, Director
- “Kane never struck me as super young,” — Chiwetel Ejiofor, Actor
- “When we started talking, Kane didn’t have a lot of film references because he didn’t really watch that many films,” — Renate Reinsve, Actress
- “BACKROOMS is horror stripped to its essentials: a hallway, a door, knowing that you will go through it. Conceptually, it's a triumph, a nightmare with its own weather.” — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times
What’s Next
Parsons plans a June reading break and hints at future projects expanding the Backrooms universe.
