A24’s The Backrooms Trailer Brings Creepypasta to Life

It seems that internet-born legends are finally getting the prestige treatment they deserve. A24 has just dropped the first trailer for its adaptation of The Backrooms, and it looks like a masterclass in elevated horror. What started as a viral creepypasta and a series of eerie YouTube shorts is now evolving into a full-scale cinematic event, complete with an A-list cast and a hauntingly polished aesthetic.

The most impressive part of this project? The director, Kane Parsons (better known online as Kane Pixels), is only 20 years old. Parsons first made waves four years ago when he released his original Backrooms shorts, created primarily in Blender. Those videos, which have amassed over 73 million views, managed to capture a specific type of "liminal space" dread that resonated with millions. Now, with the backing of A24, he is bringing that same unsettling atmosphere to the big screen.

The film isn't just relying on internet clout, though. It features Oscar winner Chiwetel Ejiofor and Cannes favorite Renate Reinsve, suggesting that the narrative will have significant emotional and psychological depth. The trailer itself is a slow-burn nightmare, filled with the signature yellow wallpaper, buzzing fluorescent lights, and the sense that something is lurking just around the corner of an endless office maze.

This move highlights a growing trend where major studios look to independent internet creators for the next big horror hits. We’ve seen similar moves with Markiplier’s Iron Lung and Genki Kawamura’s Exit 8. However, The Backrooms feels like it might be the one to truly bridge the gap between niche internet lore and mainstream prestige horror. If the trailer is any indication, we are in for a very uncomfortable—and very exciting—ride at the theater.