Chiwetel Ejiofor And Renate Reinsve To Star In A24 Horror Film Backrooms Based On Viral YouTube Series

Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve star in A24's Backrooms, a horror film directed by Kane Parsons based on his 190M-view viral YouTube series.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 4:45 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

A Cinematic Adaptation Of A Viral Digital Phenomenon

The landscape of modern horror is set to expand with the theatrical release of Backrooms, a feature film inspired by the creepypasta internet lore that captivated millions online. Leading the cast are Academy Award nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor and acclaimed Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve, who will portray individuals trapped within a surreal, infinite dimension. According to the production announcement, the film’s premise centers on a mysterious doorway that manifests in the basement of a furniture showroom, pulling unsuspecting victims into a sprawling, yellow hued labyrinth. The project marks a significant transition for the source material from a short form digital series to a major studio production.

The Directorial Debut Of A YouTube Visionary

At the helm of this ambitious project is Kane Parsons, a nineteen year old director who rose to prominence as a YouTube prodigy. In 2022, Parsons created a viral video series based on the Backrooms concept, which utilized found footage aesthetics to generate a sense of profound unease. Since its debut, the series has amassed over 190 million views, establishing a massive pre-existing audience for the feature film. According to industry reports, Parsons’ ability to build narrative tension through lo-fi visual storytelling was a primary factor in securing his position as the director for this high budget adaptation, making it his official feature film debut.

Strategic Production Partnerships With A24 And Atomic Monster

The film is being brought to the screen through a powerhouse collaboration of production companies known for their success in the horror and sci-fi genres. A24, a studio synonymous with elevated horror, is partnering with James Wan’s Atomic Monster, Chernin Entertainment, and Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment. This coalition of creative forces suggests a high level of investment in the film's visual and narrative quality. According to the producers, the goal is to maintain the psychological dread of the original YouTube series while expanding the lore to accommodate a full length cinematic experience that appeals to both long term fans and new audiences.