A24, the boutique film studio known for its unique taste and subversiveness, has just reached a significant milestone: releasing a $200 million movie. The film in question is 'Backrooms,' a horror movie directed by Kane Parsons, a 20-year-old YouTube creator. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering A24's history of releasing smaller, more niche films. What makes this success even more intriguing is the fact that 'Backrooms' is an R-rated horror movie, a genre that A24 has not traditionally focused on.
The studio's previous successes, such as 'Moonlight' and 'The Witch,' were considered sleeper hits, with domestic box office totals of over $25 million. However, 'Backrooms' has already surpassed these numbers in just two weekends, with a domestic gross of $135.3 million and an international total of $50.5 million. This puts it in the top 10 highest-grossing movies of the year domestically and on track to surpass the $200 million mark worldwide.
What's even more fascinating is the fact that 'Backrooms' is based on IP that Hollywood has not fully tapped. The studio's decision to invest in this project and its potential sequel suggests a shift in A24's strategy. They are now aiming for blockbuster success, as evidenced by the high budget and stacked cast of 'Marty Supreme.'
This new direction is further supported by A24's interest in other potential blockbusters, such as the 'Elden Ring' adaptation, based on the popular video game. The studio is clearly expanding its horizons and embracing a more commercial approach, while still maintaining its signature taste and quality.
However, the question remains: what will be the next breakout hit for A24? With their pedigree and new-found ambition, it's difficult to predict, but one thing is certain: A24 is now firmly in the blockbuster game, and it will be interesting to see what they do next.
