Particle.news
Download on the App Store

A24’s Backrooms Tracking to a $20 Million Opening After Strong First Reactions

A sub-$10 million budget raises the chance that positive word of mouth delivers a standout return.

Overview

  • Industry tracking pegs the late-May release at about $20 million domestically, with some forecasts stretching to a $20–30 million range.
  • Early critic reactions highlight Kane Parsons’ debut as confident and chilling, praising the visuals, score, and lead turns from Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve.
  • Several reviewers note limits in story depth and pacing, suggesting a tense, atmospheric experience that asks for patience.
  • Backrooms opens in U.S. theaters on May 29, 2026, entering a frame just after The Mandalorian & Grogu and without premium large-format screens.
  • The film adapts a viral creepypasta and Kane Pixels YouTube series that drew about 190 million views, with A24, Chernin, Atomic Monster, and 21 Laps producing and a reported production cost under $10 million.