# Release and reception of Backrooms film > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-and-reception-of-backrooms-film > Updated: 2026-09-08T11:00:21.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 6. The horror film ‘Backrooms,’ directed by Kane Parsons, is an adaptation of a popular internet creepypasta that originated as a 4chan image in 2019. Set in 1990s California, the film follows Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a furniture store owner, and his therapist, Dr. Mary Kline (Renate Reinsve), as they become trapped in a surreal, infinite labyrinth of empty offices. The setting serves as a metaphor for psychological entrapment and the tendency to repeat failed behaviors. Produced in partnership with A24, Chernin Entertainment, 21 Laps Entertainment, and Atomic Monster, the project has achieved massive commercial success. Following its May 2026 premiere, the film grossed nearly $400 million worldwide against an approximate $10 million budget, making it the highest-grossing film in A24’s history. Parsons has been noted as the youngest director to helm a number-one film at the global box office. Following its theatrical run, ‘Backrooms’ is scheduled to arrive on the HBO Max streaming platform on September 25, 2026, with a broadcast on HBO linear channels expected the following day. There is ongoing speculation regarding whether the streaming release will include the extended ‘Everything Must Go’ cut, which contains 15 minutes of additional footage. Following the film’s success, Parsons has reportedly reached an agreement with A24 to direct a sequel, ‘Backrooms 2.’ To focus on this project, Parsons has temporarily suspended an original project he was developing alongside ‘Longlegs’ director Osgood Perkins. Parsons has signed a three-year deal with A24 valued at approximately $65 million. Reports indicate that Parsons, who owns the ‘Backrooms’ intellectual property, chose to remain with A24 despite interest from other major studios, including Warner Bros. and Universal. The sequel is expected to further explore the lore of the infinite corridors and the entities within them. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: A24 to produce Backrooms 2 with director Kane Parsons A24 is set to produce ‘Backrooms 2’ with director Kane Parsons returning to helm the sequel to his viral horror hit. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/a24-to-produce-backrooms-2-with-director-kane-parsons ### 2026-09-06: Kane Parsons to direct ‘Backrooms 2’ for A24 Kane Parsons is set to direct ‘Backrooms 2’ for A24, following the first film's massive $400 million global box office success. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kane-parsons-to-direct-backrooms-2-for-a24 ### 2026-08-28: Backrooms horror film to debut on HBO Max in September A24’s horror hit ‘Backrooms’, directed by Kane Parsons, will begin streaming on HBO Max on September 25 following a successful theatrical run. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/backrooms-horror-film-to-debut-on-hbo-max-in-september ### 2026-08-25: Backrooms horror film to stream on HBO Max in September A24’s record-breaking horror hit ‘Backrooms’, directed by Kane Parsons, will premiere on HBO Max on September 25, 2026, following a global theatrical run that earned nearly $400 million. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/backrooms-horror-film-to-stream-on-hbo-max-in-september ### 2026-08-08: Kane Parsons' Backrooms film explores psychological horror Director Kane Parsons brings the viral 'Backrooms' creepypasta to the big screen with A24, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor in a psychological horror film about an infinite, logic-defying labyrinth. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kane-parsons-backrooms-film-explores-psychological-horror ### 2026-07-30: Hideo Kojima Praises Kane Parsons' 2026 Horror Film “Backrooms” Hideo Kojima praised director Kane Parsons' 2026 horror film “Backrooms”, calling it nostalgic and liminal; the 4chan‑based film broke records on release and sparked fan jokes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hideo-kojima-praises-kane-parsons-2026-horror-film-backrooms --- Cite as: Release and reception of Backrooms film. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-and-reception-of-backrooms-film