Kane Parsons to Direct 'Backrooms 2' for A24 Following $400M Debut
The analog horror creator returns to helm the sequel after the first film's massive global success.
Kane Parsons has officially signed on to direct 'Backrooms 2' for A24, confirming the expansion of the liminal horror property into a cinematic franchise. The sequel is expected to be Parsons' next film project.
The move follows the overwhelming commercial performance of the first 'Backrooms' film, released by A24 on May 29, 2026. The debut feature grossed nearly $400 million globally, a figure approximately 40 times its original production budget. This financial windfall has solidified the project as a high-priority asset for the studio.
From Creepypasta to Cinema
The 'Backrooms' phenomenon originated as a digital-native trend, beginning as a 4chan creepypasta centered on the unsettling concept of "liminal spaces"—transitional areas that feel eerie and unnatural. Kane Parsons transformed this internet lore into a viral YouTube web series, utilizing an "analog horror" aesthetic that captured millions of viewers. A24 later adapted this vision into the 2026 feature film, which served as Parsons' directorial debut in the feature space and successfully translated the series' atmospheric dread to the big screen.
Industry Implications
The greenlighting of a sequel marks a significant milestone for both Parsons and the broader horror genre. It demonstrates the viability of transitioning niche, internet-born horror subgenres into sustainable, big-budget studio franchises. For A24, the record-breaking return on investment from the first installment provides a blueprint for adapting digital-first intellectual property. For Parsons, the project cements his transition from a YouTube creator to a professional feature director with significant industry leverage.
Future Outlook
Parsons has previously indicated that the narrative scope of the project was always intended to extend beyond a single movie. In a statement cited by Polygon, Parsons noted that 'Backrooms' was planned as a series that would move outside the confines of the first film, stating, "I've got a contract, and I got a hold at my end, and that means I am definitely not done with Backrooms."
While the directorial appointment is confirmed, specific plot details and a release date for 'Backrooms 2' have not yet been disclosed. Industry observers are now waiting for A24 to provide a formal production timeline and casting updates.