A24 has officially debuted a second trailer for its highly anticipated horror feature, Backrooms. This film adapts the well-known internet phenomenon into a terrifying cinematic experience, boasting a cast led by Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Theatrical Debut and Cast Reveal

Moviegoers can mark their calendars, as Backrooms is scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 29, 2026. The ensemble cast also includes Lucite Maxwell, Finn Bennett, and Avan Jogia.

Trailer Highlights and Plot Teases

The latest trailer focuses heavily on Chiwetel Ejiofor's character. He discovers a bizarre, seemingly infinite maze of rooms hidden within what appears to be an ordinary store, suggesting a doorway into another dimension.

Ejiofor attempts to convince Renate Reinsve’s character of this unsettling discovery, though she initially remains skeptical. Later footage shows Ejiofor recruiting Lukita Maxwell and Finn Bennett to witness the phenomenon as proof.

After the group seemingly vanishes, the trailer concludes with Reinsve taking the perilous step of entering the Backrooms herself, suggesting her reluctant involvement deepens.

Understanding the Backrooms Phenomenon

The concept of the Backrooms originated from a thread on the online forum 4chan, establishing the lore of these unsettling "wrong areas" of reality. These liminal spaces are typically depicted as monotonous, carpeted environments illuminated by buzzing fluorescent lights.

Those who stumble into the Backrooms risk becoming lost for extended periods. Furthermore, the lore specifies that these empty spaces are inhabited by various monstrous entities.

From Creepypasta to Mainstream Success

Following its initial appearance, the Backrooms concept gained significant traction and popularity across platforms like Reddit. The phenomenon achieved mainstream visibility largely due to the viral success of a series of short films.

These short films, launched by director Kane Parsons in 2022, brought the unsettling aesthetic to a wider audience. Notably, Severance creator Dan Erickson cited The Backrooms as one of his key inspirations for the Apple TV+ series.

Production Details

The screenplay for the A24 adaptation was penned by Will Soodik and Roberto Patino. James Wan and Michael Clear are attached to produce the film through Wan’s production company, Atomic Monster.