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Markiplier’s Self-Financed Iron Lung Debuts Above $20 Million as Fan Push Fuels Wide Release

The release bypassed a traditional distributor by leaning on his YouTube audience to secure screenings.

Overview

  • Inverse reports a $21.7 million first weekend, while FandomWire cites The Numbers at $22.9 million worldwide, including $19.7 million domestic and $3.2 million overseas.
  • Mark Fischbach wrote, directed, starred in, financed, and handled distribution for the sci‑fi horror feature.
  • Fischbach urged fans to request local showings, helping theaters expand bookings without a conventional studio partner.
  • Coverage notes reports of an approximately $3 million production budget, which Fischbach has not publicly confirmed.
  • Analyses frame the turnout as part of a broader shift in which online creators convert built‑in followings into theatrical impact.