Kane Parsons Reportedly Set to Direct 'Backrooms 2'

Filmmaker Kane Parsons is reportedly slated to direct "Backrooms 2," the sequel to A24's successful horror film "The Backrooms." Dread Central, citing unnamed sources, has reported that Parsons has signed on for the project, with an official announcement from the studio described as imminent. However, A24 has not yet officially confirmed this news, meaning the report should be considered unverified until a statement is released. Parsons, who gained recognition for his "Backrooms" shorts on YouTube, has been attached to multiple projects following the first film's release. This includes a separate original project he is developing with "Backrooms" producer Osgood Perkins. The Dread Central report indicates that "Backrooms 2" is prioritized as his next feature film. Details regarding a production start date, casting, or a release window for the sequel remain undisclosed and unconfirmed pending the official announcement. The original "The Backrooms" film achieved significant success for A24, a remarkable feat given its origins. Parsons, then 16 years old, first uploaded "The Backrooms (Found Footage)" to YouTube in 2022. This short film, which built upon the existing internet lore of "The Backrooms," garnered approximately 80 million views on YouTube alone. This viral short served as the foundation for the theatrical feature film. Prior reports indicated that "The Backrooms" became one of A24's highest-grossing films, earning an estimated $81 million USD. The narrative structure of the film also presents ample opportunity for expansion, making a sequel a logical progression. The feature film introduced the organization known as Async, which is involved in studying the phenomenon, suggesting a continued exploration of this element in future installments. Parsons himself has publicly stated that the story was conceived with the intention of extending beyond a single movie, reinforcing the potential for a sequel. The success of the first film, which blended found-footage elements with a unique analog-horror aesthetic, has set a high bar for its follow-up. The original short film's viral nature and the subsequent theatrical success highlight the strong audience interest in the "Backrooms" universe. The reported involvement of Parsons in directing the sequel suggests a desire to maintain creative continuity from the original concept. The collaboration between Parsons and A24, a studio known for supporting distinctive cinematic visions, further underscores the potential for "Backrooms 2" to be a unique entry in the horror genre. The anticipation surrounding this potential sequel is fueled by the original film's unexpected rise from an internet phenomenon to a box office hit.