The horror film "Backrooms" earned $10.4 million [1] in Thursday preview screenings, setting a new box-office record for A24 [2].
This milestone signals a massive commercial interest in the project, which translates a digital internet phenomenon into a theatrical experience. The record-breaking start suggests the film could become one of the studio's highest-grossing releases to date.
Directed by Kane Parsons, the movie is based on the popular "Backrooms" series originally created for YouTube [3]. The transition from a web-based horror concept to a feature film has attracted a significant audience, leading to the high preview turnout this week [1].
The film's performance in the U.S. theater preview screenings highlights the growing influence of online creator-led content in mainstream cinema [4]. By leveraging an existing digital fanbase, A24 has managed to generate immediate financial momentum before the official opening weekend [2].
Industry analysts said that the $10.4 million [3] figure is an outlier for the studio, reflecting the viral nature of the source material. The film continues to build anticipation as it moves toward its full release, with the studio eyeing an all-time record [2].
“"Backrooms" earned $10.4 million in Thursday preview screenings”
The success of "Backrooms" demonstrates the viability of 'Internet-native' intellectual property in the traditional film industry. By adapting a series born from YouTube's unique aesthetic and community, A24 is tapping into a younger, digitally-literate demographic that often bypasses traditional marketing in favor of organic, community-driven hype.
