While the project remains in its earliest stages, creator and director Kane Parsons is reportedly seeking a screenwriting collaborator as development moves forward on a sequel for A24.
Since arriving in theaters on May 29, “Backrooms” has become one of the year’s biggest success stories. The psychological sci-fi horror picture opened to an estimated $118 million worldwide, setting a new benchmark for A24 and turning Parsons into the youngest filmmaker ever to top the North American box office. The strong commercial performance has accelerated conversations about where the property could go next.
A Franchise Beyond the Original Film
Parsons has indicated that the feature film was never intended to be the final stop for the eerie universe he first introduced through his viral YouTube series. During the promotional campaign for “Backrooms,” the filmmaker spoke openly about his interest in expanding the concept into a larger anthology format, exploring new corners of the unsettling dimension that helped make the online series a phenomenon.
For now, however, the focus appears to be on building the sequel’s creative foundation. Deadline reports that Parsons is searching for a writing partner to help develop the screenplay. No casting announcements have been made, and the project has not yet received an official green light. The report notes that Parsons remains under contract with A24 for additional “Backrooms” projects.
The original film marked Parsons’ feature directing debut and expanded the mythology established in his web series. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, the story follows a struggling furniture store owner who discovers a gateway to a vast labyrinth of distorted spaces hidden beneath his business. As the mystery deepens, the seemingly endless environment reveals connections to a secretive research organization and manifestations of personal trauma.
Produced on a reported budget of under $10 million, “Backrooms” transformed an internet born horror concept into a major theatrical event. The picture’s success has reinforced Hollywood’s growing interest in creators who first build audiences online, while also giving A24 one of the biggest commercial victories in the company’s history.
