Director Kane Parsons said the movie "Backrooms" is the first installment of a larger story intended to become a franchise.
This development signals a shift from independent internet content to a structured cinematic universe. By establishing a long-term narrative arc, Parsons aims to expand the lore of the viral concept beyond a single feature film.
Parsons, who is 20 years old [1], discussed the future of the series in an interview with Polygon. He said that sequels are more than an option, and it has been the intention since 2022 [1]. The director's vision for a broader story predates the 2024 release of the first film.
"Backrooms is just the first part of my story," Parsons said in a separate short for Rotten Tomatoes [2].
The transition to the big screen follows a four-year period between the first Backrooms video and the feature film [3]. This progression reflects the growth of the project from a digital experiment into a professional production.
Parsons has maintained a specific focus on the expanded universe since 2022 [1]. While the first film introduced the premise to a wider audience, the intended sequels will likely delve deeper into the mythology, and the architectural anomalies central to the series.
“"[Sequels are] more than an option — it's been the intention since 2022,"”
The commitment to a franchise indicates that the 'Backrooms' IP has sufficient narrative depth to sustain multiple films. By planning the trajectory since 2022, Parsons is treating the property as a cohesive universe rather than a standalone novelty, mirroring the way successful modern horror franchises are built from digital folklore.
