A24 Expands 'The Backrooms' IP Into Feature Film After Viral YouTube Success

Production has commenced on a feature-length adaptation of the viral internet horror series 'The Backrooms,' with A24 partnering with 18-year-old creator Kane Parsons. The project, backed by James Wan’s Atomic Monster and Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps, aims to translate the "liminal horror" aesthetic from short-form digital content to a cinematic narrative. Digital Origin and Scale The intellectual property originated from a 2019 creepypasta but gained global traction in January 2022 when Parsons, then 17, uploaded 'The Backrooms (Found Footage)' to his YouTube channel, Kane Pixels. The initial short film has since surpassed 55 million views, establishing a distinct visual language characterized by yellow-walled corridors, fluorescent hums, and low-fidelity aesthetic choices. The series has amassed over 100 million total views across multiple installments. Production Partnerships and Directorial Debut A24 confirmed that Parsons will direct the feature during his summer break, making him one of the youngest directors to lead a major studio production. The screenplay is being developed by Roberto Patino, known for his work on 'DMZ' and 'Sons of Anarchy.' This partnership represents a…