Genre history is being made at A24, the acclaimed studio known for pushing cinematic boundaries. Kane A ZB, at just 19 years old, has officially become the youngest director ever to helm a feature film for A24! His project? A big-screen adaptation of his incredibly viral YouTube horror series, “The Backrooms.”
From YouTube to the Big Screen
This is huge news for horror fans, especially those tracking the evolution of the genre. Parsons’ digital success is undeniable: since launching in 2022, his anthology horror series has garnered over 190 million views.
The Talent
Variety reports that this science fiction horror adaptation has already secured some notable talent. Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor (Doctor Strange) and Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World) are officially attached to star.
Behind the camera, the production team is equally impressive. James Wan’s Atomic Monster will produce, with Wan and Michael Clear directly involved. The producing partnership extends to 21 Laps Entertainment (Stranger Things), with Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, and Dan Levine attached. Chris Ferguson joins from Oddfellows Pictures, while Chernin Entertainment (operating under the North Road Company) will co-finance alongside A24.
Additional production support is provided by Judson Scott as executive producer and Alayna Glasthal, overseeing Atomic Monster. Chris White, who initially brought the project to Atomic Monster, will also serve as executive producer.
Production Begins
Production on The Backrooms feature film is scheduled to begin this summer, with plot specifics currently remaining confidential. The adaptation draws directly from Parsons’ established YouTube horror universe. It was built around the chilling concept of The Backrooms – an endless, liminal space of yellow wallpapered rooms and fluorescent lights, filled with unseen dangers.
This move aligns perfectly with A24’s broader expansion of its horror slate, joining other anticipated genre projects and diverse releases from established filmmakers currently in development. For the horror community, Parsons’ elevation represents a powerful validation of digital-first creators who’ve mastered the fundamentals of fear in non-traditional formats. His YouTube series didn’t just entertain – it established a visual language for The Backrooms that resonated across platforms, perfectly setting the stage for this exciting theatrical evolution.
