This article is about the film based on the web series. For the original creepypasta, see The Backrooms. For the original series, see Backrooms (web series).

Backrooms
A woman in front of a yellow chevron wall
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Kane Parsons
Written by Will Soodik
Based on Backrooms
by Kane Parsons
Produced by
  • James Wan
  • Michael Clear
  • Roberto Patino
  • Shawn Levy
  • Dan Cohen
  • Dan Levine
  • Osgood Perkins
  • Chris Ferguson
  • Peter Chernin
  • Jenno Topping
  • Kori Adelson
Starring
  • Chiwetel Ejiofor
  • Renate Reinsve
  • Mark Duplass
  • Finn Bennett
  • Lukita Maxwell
Cinematography Jeremy Cox
Edited by Greg Ng
Music by
  • Edo Van Breemen
  • Kane Parsons
Production
companies
  • 21 Laps Entertainment
  • Atomic Monster
  • Chernin Entertainment
  • Phobos
Distributed by A24
Release date
  • May 29, 2026 (2026-05-29)
Running time
105 minutes[1]
Country United States
Language English

Backrooms is an upcoming American supernatural science fiction psychological horror film,[2][3] directed by Kane Parsons and written by Will Soodik.[4] It is based on Parsons' web series and inspired by the "Backrooms" creepypasta. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell.

Backrooms is scheduled to be released in the United States by A24 on May 29, 2026.

Premise

A therapist ventures into an otherworldly dimension in search of her missing patient.[5]

Cast

  • Chiwetel Ejiofor as Clark[6]
  • Renate Reinsve
  • Mark Duplass
  • Finn Bennett
  • Lukita Maxwell
  • Avan Jogia

Production

Development

On January 7, 2022, Kane Parsons began uploading a video series titled Backrooms onto his YouTube channel Kane Pixels, the concept being based on the internet creepypasta of the same name.[7] In February 2023, a film adaptation was announced as a joint production between A24, Chernin Entertainment, Atomic Monster, and 21 Laps Entertainment, with Parsons directing, making it his feature-length directorial debut, and Roberto Patino writing.[8]

In May 2025, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Cristin Milioti entered negotiations to star in the film.[9] Ejiofor was confirmed the following month, with Will Soodik writing the latest draft. Milioti's deal ultimately fell through and Renate Reinsve was cast in her place.[10] Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita Maxwell and Avan Jogia were added to the cast in July.[11]

Filming

Principal photography began in Vancouver, Canada on July 7, 2025, under the working title of Effigy.[12] Filming wrapped on August 14, 2025.[13]

Music

Edo Van Breemen and Kane Parsons composed the score for the film.[14]

Release

Backrooms is scheduled to be released in the United States by A24 on May 29, 2026.[15]

References

  1. ^ Squires, John. "Official Runtime of the 'Backrooms' Movie Is NOT Over 2 Hours". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
  2. ^ "Enter The BACKROOMS In First Teaser For A24's Liminal Sci-Fi Horror Movie". February 24, 2026. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  3. ^ TMB (February 24, 2026). "Discover the Chilling Backrooms Release Date and First Poster from A24". The Movie Blog. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  4. ^ "Backrooms - WGA Directory". Writers Guild of America. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  5. ^ "Production Weekly – Issue 1459 – Thursday, June 26, 2025 / 180 Listings – 39 Pages". Production Weekly. June 26, 2025. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  6. ^ Gillis, Drew (March 31, 2026). "The 'Backrooms' get some characters in full trailer". The AV Club. Archived from the original on April 1, 2026. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  7. ^ The Backrooms (Found Footage). Kane Pixels. January 7, 2022. Archived from the original on January 30, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  8. ^ Grobar, Matt (February 6, 2023). "'The Backrooms' Horror Film Based On Viral Shorts By 17-Year-Old Kane Parsons In Works At A24, Atomic Monster, Chernin & 21 Laps". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 30, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  9. ^ Grobar, Matt (May 20, 2025). "Chiwetel Ejiofor & Cristin Milioti Eyed To Star In 'The Backrooms' At A24". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 30, 2025. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  10. ^ Grobar, Matt (June 11, 2025). "Renate Reinsve Joins Chiwetel Ejiofor In A24 Sci-Fi Horror Pic 'The Backrooms'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 30, 2025. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
  11. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 10, 2025). "Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita Maxwell & Avan Jogia Join A24 & Chernin Entertainment Sci-Fi Horror Pic 'The Backrooms'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 30, 2025. Retrieved July 10, 2025.
  12. ^ Gittins, Susan (June 30, 2025). "A24 Horror Flick Backrooms With Chiwetel Ejiofor Starts Shooting in Vancouver". Hollywood North Buzz. Archived from the original on July 30, 2025. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  13. ^ "Effigy - ACFC West, Local 2020 Unifor". Archived from the original on July 19, 2025. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  14. ^ "Edo Van Breemen & Kane Parsons Scoring A24's 'Backrooms'". Film Music Reporter. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
  15. ^ Squires, John (February 23, 2026). "'Backrooms' Poster – A24's Liminal Horror Movie Will Release in Theaters This May". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved February 23, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)