Backrooms 2 is confirmed with Kane Parsons directing, and A24's biggest hit ever lands on HBO Max on 25 September
Backrooms 2 is pulling its team together, and the sequel is properly starting to take shape.
So, Backrooms – the feature film adaptation of Kane Parsons' viral YouTube series – has been the horror hit of the year. It hit cinemas in May, and frankly, it didn’t just do well, it *obliterated* expectations. Think best-ever debut for an original horror flick in the States, and it’s now the single biggest box office earner in A24’s history. Not exactly subtle numbers, that.
Parsons was upfront about his plans even before opening weekend wrapped: "[Sequels are] more than an option — it's been the intention since 2022," he said. "This film is the first part in what I would desire to be several narrative steps, in terms of approaching what I consider to be the true heart of the idea. I just don't think you could get to it in the time you have for a single movie."
So, no surprise to anyone that Backrooms 2 is official. But, in case there was *any* doubt, it’s been confirmed: Parsons is not only coming back to direct, he’s making this the priority. No detours, no disappearing off for Marvel or some Netflix drama in between—he’s diving straight back into those endless corridors and beige carpets. Worth noting, with half of Hollywood now courting the lad, he’s chosen to stick with his creation for his next itch-scratch.
Where Does Backrooms 2 Go Next?
If you’ve seen the first film, you’ll know the Backrooms are about as welcoming as a wet November in Hull. The main plot had Chiwetel Ejiofor as a furniture store owner who discovers that labyrinth lurking beneath his business. Let’s just say things didn’t end well for most involved. Only Mary, a therapist played by Renate Reinsve, escaped with her skin intact – and even then, 'escaped' is a generous description. She was pulled out by Async, the shadowy corporation poking holes in reality, but then shuffled off to their facility. Phil, played by Mark Duplass, basically made it clear she’d not be seeing daylight or freedom any time soon.
The final scenes dropped a pretty big hint: Async are losing control, with doors to the Backrooms cropping up all over the place, and no one having a clue how to close them. Which leaves Kane Parsons with a bunch of paths to choose from. He could stick with Mary and her not-so-happy ending, or toss us a new unlucky soul wandering through portals somewhere else on the planet. Maybe, if he’s feeling generous, these stories will criss-cross in the next outing.
Backrooms holds the record for the highest-grossing original horror film opening in U.S. cinema history.
As for when Backrooms 2 lands, you’re out of luck for specifics—no release date yet, and it may not even go by that title when it ships. Nothing concrete, but movement is underway (cryptic producer language for ‘we’re definitely doing it, now stop asking’). Meanwhile, if you need a refresher or missed the flick in cinemas, you can watch the original on HBO Max from 25 September.