A24 may be on the verge of the biggest opening weekend in its history. According to early box office projections, the studio’s new horror release Backrooms is tracking for a $40 million to $45 million debut — a number that would shatter A24’s previous opening‑weekend record set by Civil War ($25.5 million).
If these projections hold, Backrooms could become a defining moment not only for A24, but for how Hollywood courts the massive “lost YouTube generation” that traditional studios have struggled to reach.
Why Backrooms Is Poised for a Massive Opening
The film is a collaboration between Chernin Entertainment, Blumhouse‑Atomic Monster, and A24, but the real draw is creator Kane Parsons, known online as Kane Pixels, who launched the Backrooms universe as a viral YouTube and 4chan phenomenon when he was just 16.
The original found‑footage series, created using Blender and Unreal Engine, has amassed more than 190 million views, making it one of the most successful internet‑born horror properties ever. Bringing Parsons in as the director of the feature film has electrified the fanbase.
Strong early reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes) are also boosting interest, especially among younger audiences who grew up with Roblox, Minecraft, and analog‑horror aesthetics.
Presales Suggest Strong Demand
Distribution sources say presales for Backrooms are comparable to those of Scream 7, which opened to $63.6 million. While Backrooms is expected to be more front‑loaded and may not reach that level, the comparison underscores the intensity of fan interest. Preview screenings begin Thursday at 4 p.m., with the film opening in 3,000 theaters nationwide.
A Tight Race With The Mandalorian and Grogu
The biggest competition this weekend comes from Lucasfilm and Disney’s Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, which is projected to fall roughly 60% in its third weekend — landing around $40 million.
That sets up a potential photo finish for the No. 1 spot.
Current totals:
- The Mandalorian and Grogu: $104.5 million
- Obsession: $67.8 million
Even if Backrooms edges out the Star Wars title, Mandalorian and Grogu will retain IMAX screens, giving it continued premium‑format momentum.
Why This Opening Matters for A24
A24 has built its brand on prestige, indie‑leaning films — but Backrooms represents a new frontier: a mainstream, youth‑driven horror blockbuster with franchise potential.
A $40M+ opening would:
- Mark the largest debut in A24 history
- Signal a major shift in how studios adapt internet‑native IP
- Prove that Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences will show up theatrically for the right property
- Position Backrooms as a potential long‑term horror franchise
This could reshape A24’s release strategy going forward.
Other New Releases This Weekend
While Backrooms dominates the conversation, two other films are entering wide release:
The Breadwinner (Sony)
- PG-rated family comedy starring Nate Bargatze
- Tracking for $8M–$10M
- Supported by special discounted ticket pricing (“The Nate Rate”)
Pressure (Focus Features)
- WWII drama starring Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser
- Tracking mid–single digits at 1,825 theaters
- Strong early reviews at 86%
Limited release: Power Ballad (Lionsgate), starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, opens in 10 theaters.
Final Outlook
If projections hold, Backrooms could deliver a historic weekend for A24 and signal a major shift in how Hollywood approaches YouTube‑born IP. With strong presales, positive reviews, and a passionate online fanbase, the film is positioned to challenge a Star Wars title for the top spot — something few would have predicted even a year ago.
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