Overview
- Backrooms, directed by 20‑year‑old Kane Parsons, opened this weekend to about $81–81.5 million in North America and roughly $118 million worldwide, giving A24 its biggest opening ever and setting multiple records for an original horror debut.
- Curry Barker’s Obsession continued its rare upward run with a roughly $26.4 million third weekend, pushing its domestic total past $100 million and global receipts to about $148 million on an estimated sub‑$1 million production cost.
- Both films drew heavily from Gen Z audiences, with reports showing Backrooms’ crowd about 85% under 35 and roughly half under 25, demonstrating that creators with large online followings can convert fans into theatrical turnout.
- Backrooms was made for about $10 million and is already many times profitable, Parsons has signaled he expects further Backrooms projects, and analysts say sequels or franchise plans are likely for both titles.
- Industry leaders and analysts say the weekend — which saw these horror originals outperform a new Star Wars tentpole that tumbled roughly 69–70% in its second weekend — will push studios to scout creator‑origin IP, target youth marketing, and reassess franchise-first development.