Backrooms Director Hunts New Scribe as Sequel Hype Intensifies

Well, folks, it’s official: the Backrooms movie, A24’s big-screen adaptation of the internet’s favorite liminal space horror, is absolutely crushing it at the box office. We’re talking massive, multi-million dollar success in its opening weekend! And the visionary behind it all, the ridiculously talented 20-year-old director Kane “Pixels” Parsons, isn’t wasting any time chilling in his success. Instead, he’s already setting sights on a sequel, and get this: he’s on the hunt for a brand-new screenwriting collaborator.

A Box Office Bonanza Fuels the Hype Train

If you haven’t heard, Backrooms blasted its way to the top, raking in a staggering $118 million worldwide right out of the gate. That’s the kind of haul that makes Hollywood sit up and take notice, especially for a creepypasta adaptation starring Renate Reinsve and directed by a relative newcomer. This kind of overwhelming success puts Parsons in an enviable position – pretty much able to call his shots. And what he’s calling for, according to a report from Deadline, is immediate development on a follow-up, starting with a fresh set of hands on the script.

The Quest for a New Scribe

The immediate buzz around Parsons' search strongly suggests a departure from the first film’s screenwriter, Will Soodik. While Soodik has some solid, albeit sporadic, credits to his name – a few episodes on high-profile shows like Homeland, Borgia, and Westworld, plus a more substantial run on the fan-favorite Ash vs Evil Dead – it seems Parsons is looking for a different creative partnership this time around. It’s possible Soodik’s plate is simply too full; he’s reportedly already co-written the upcoming horror flick Altar with Sputnik director Egor Abramenko and is attached to Abramenko’s next project, God’s Country.

Interestingly, Soodik himself was a replacement for the originally attached writer/producer Roberto Patino, known for his work on Sons of Anarchy and Westworld. Patino is currently busy penning the script for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed movie, so he’s definitely out of the running for any Backrooms future. It’s a game of musical chairs in the writing room, but for Parsons, the beat goes on as he seeks the perfect creative partner to further explore the unsettling, fluorescent-lit corridors of the Backrooms.

From YouTube Phenom to Hollywood Hotshot

For those who’ve been following Parsons’ journey, his rapid ascent is nothing short of incredible. He first caught the internet’s attention, and subsequently A24’s, with his “extraordinarily good YouTube Backrooms shorts” that he crafted as a teenager. These viral videos brilliantly captured the eerie, unsettling essence of the creepypasta, proving he had a unique grasp on the material and a knack for visual storytelling. The jump from YouTube creator to feature film director with a major studio like A24 is a dream come true for many, and Parsons seized the opportunity, translating his distinct vision onto the big screen with spectacular results.

The Sequel Trap: Is This The Right Move?

Now, while the idea of more Backrooms might have fans buzzing, there’s an underlying concern in the industry – and frankly, a thought that echoes in many a gamer’s mind: Is going straight into another Backrooms movie the smartest play for Parsons? As the article points out, many breakout directors, especially in the horror genre, risk getting pigeonholed. You see it all the time; a director finds success with one specific type of film or franchise, and suddenly, they're labeled the “[Genre] Guy” or “[Franchise] Guy,” struggling to demonstrate range and often relegated to churning out sequels or similar projects that might end up straight-to-streaming.

It’s a valid worry for a director as young and promising as Parsons. However, his passion for the Backrooms mythos is undeniable, with a stated desire to create an anthology within this universe. And let’s be real, with a $118 million opening weekend under his belt, funding for whatever he wants to do next isn't going to be an issue. Perhaps he’s savvy enough to secure a massive deal that sets him up financially for life, giving him the freedom to pursue other projects down the line. Only time will tell if this immediate dive back into the Backrooms is a strategic masterstroke or a potential creative cul-de-sac.

Anticipating the Next Level

Regardless of the concerns, Parsons’ clear passion for the Backrooms universe and his ambition to build an anthology are exciting prospects. His success has undoubtedly bought him significant creative leverage, and it will be fascinating to see how he, with a new screenwriting partner, expands upon the unsettling, seemingly infinite levels of this digital-age nightmare. The potential for unique storytelling within the established lore is immense, and we’re eager to see how he levels up his craft with the next installment.

FAQ

Q: Who is Kane Parsons, and what's his background with Backrooms?

A: Kane “Pixels” Parsons is the 20-year-old director behind the hugely successful Backrooms movie. He first gained widespread recognition as a teenager for creating a series of exceptionally popular Backrooms short films on YouTube, which ultimately led to the opportunity to direct the A24 feature film adaptation.

Q: Why is the director looking for a new screenwriter for the sequel?

A: While the source doesn't explicitly state why, the search for a new screenwriter suggests a potential shift from the original film's writer, Will Soodik. This could be due to Soodik's commitments to other projects like Altar and God's Country, or simply Parsons' desire for a fresh collaborative perspective on the sequel.

Q: Is there any concern about Parsons directing another Backrooms movie right away?

A: Yes, a common concern for breakout directors, especially in horror, is the risk of being pigeonholed to a single franchise or genre. Going directly into a sequel might limit Parsons’ opportunities to showcase his range early in his career. However, Parsons himself has expressed a strong passion for the Backrooms mythos and a desire to build an anthology.