# Kane Parsons Brings Viral Backrooms Horror Series to A24

**Published:** 2026-05-29T16:03:04.000Z  
**Topic:** Tiktok  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/0afc54d9-e4ca-47ae-953c-c9bee13e1032

Twenty-year-old filmmaker Kane Parsons is directing a feature film adaptation of his viral Backrooms YouTube series for A24, set for release on May 29.

Twenty-year-old filmmaker Kane Parsons is transitioning from YouTube creator to Hollywood director with the upcoming release of *Backrooms*, a horror thriller produced by A24 [1]. The film, which is scheduled for theatrical release on May 29, adapts the internet folklore and Parsons’ own DIY series into a feature-length project [1].

**Key takeaways**
* The *Backrooms* film is based on a 22-part YouTube series created by Parsons that has accumulated 216 million total views [2].
* The project is backed by a $10 million budget from A24 [2].
* The source material originated from a 2019 4chan post featuring a photograph of an empty, yellow-walled room [2].
* Parsons, who began his career making video game fan art, utilized 3D software like Blender to create the series’ distinct aesthetic [1].

## From Internet Folklore to the Big Screen
The concept of the "Backrooms" began as an anonymous 4chan post in 2019, which featured a photograph of a vacant clothing store characterized by fluorescent lights and yellow walls [2]. The internet community expanded this into a form of open-source folklore, describing a liminal space where individuals can "no-clip" or phase through reality into a beige, labyrinthine dimension [1]. Parsons, a California native, began his 22-part YouTube adaptation in 2022, filming the series to resemble "lost footage" and utilizing VHS-style filters to establish a 1990s aesthetic [1]. 

Despite his lack of experience in producing blockbuster films, A24 selected Parsons to helm the adaptation [2]. The director, who taught himself visual effects using free online software, credits his creative development to his early interest in video games like *Portal* and *Half-Life* [1]. His transition to Hollywood is considered unusual in an industry where top-grossing films are frequently produced by a small, established group of directors [2].

## Why it matters
The success of the *Backrooms* film could serve as a turning point for the film industry, potentially signaling a shift in how studios value independent creators [2]. By investing in a project led by a young, self-taught director with a proven online following, A24 is testing whether original, internet-born concepts can translate into mainstream box office success [2]. If the film performs well, it may encourage studios to look beyond traditional industry connections and prioritize creators who demonstrate clear talent and passion through independent digital media [2].

## Sources
1. AOL — [‘Backrooms’ Director Kane Parsons Is Horror’s Next Great Storyteller](https://www.aol.com/articles/backrooms-director-kane-parsons-horror-163051650.html)
2. Indiana Daily Student — [OPINION: ‘The Backrooms’: The story of a YouTuber shaking Hollywood by its neck](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2026/04/opinion-backrooms-kane-parsons-directors-youtube-hollywood-iu-bloomington-indiana)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Kane Parsons Brings Viral Backrooms Horror Series to A24", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/0afc54d9-e4ca-47ae-953c-c9bee13e1032