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Release and reception of Backrooms film

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2026-09-07 13:36 UTC → 2026-09-08 12:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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