The horror film "The Backrooms" earned $10.4 million [1] in Thursday preview screenings, setting a new domestic box-office record for A24.
The performance indicates a significant shift in A24's commercial reach. By leveraging a digital phenomenon into a theatrical release, the studio is testing whether internet-native horror can translate into mainstream cinematic success.
Directed by Kane Parsons, the film is based on a popular creepy series that originated on YouTube. This digital foundation, combined with a targeted marketing push by A24, drove the high volume of early ticket sales in U.S. theaters [1], [2].
Industry analysts are now projecting a substantial opening weekend for the title. Current estimates suggest the film could gross between $40 million and $50 million [3] during its first few days of wide release.
This result marks the highest preview ever recorded for the studio. The success of "The Backrooms" reflects a growing trend of studios adapting viral web content for a global audience, a strategy that minimizes risk by utilizing a pre-existing fan base.
The film's trajectory suggests that the "creepypasta" aesthetic and liminal space themes have found a broad appeal beyond the niche communities where the original videos first gained traction [2].
“The horror film "The Backrooms" earned $10.4 million in Thursday preview screenings”
The record-breaking preview for "The Backrooms" demonstrates the commercial viability of 'Internet-native' intellectual property. A24 is successfully transitioning from a boutique indie studio to a powerhouse capable of scaling viral digital trends into major theatrical events, potentially signaling a new era where YouTube creators directly influence the global box office.
