‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms’ Revive Box Office and Set New Records

Producers Jason Blum and James Wan believe that recent horror films like ‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms’ are playing a crucial role in revitalizing the movie industry. This insight emerged during a PGA panel where both producers discussed the current state of cinema, the recovery of theaters post-COVID, and the future of their collaborative venture, Blumhouse–Atomic Monster.

Blum remarked that the success of these films evokes a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of earlier filmmaking eras. He stated, “There’s almost this feeling of the ’70s, of a new generation of young people making edgy movies that are connecting in theaters in a crazy way,” while highlighting ‘Obsession’ director Curry Barker and ‘Backrooms’ director Kane Parsons, both of whom are young and hail from online content creation.

Blum also addressed the challenges the movie industry has faced since the pandemic. He noted a lingering uncertainty surrounding theatrical releases and questioned the ongoing relevance of theaters. However, he emphasized that ‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms’ demonstrate that audiences still crave the cinema experience. According to Blum, these films stand out because they originate from creators who began their careers online, rather than through traditional film schools or studio systems.

‘Obsession’ premiered on May 15, 2026. Written and directed by the 26-year-old Curry Barker, known for his YouTube work, the film was produced on a modest budget of around $750,000. Remarkably, it has gained traction during its run, now in its third week, exhibiting unusual box office trends with increasing weekly earnings instead of the typical decline.

‘Backrooms’, directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, is another significant film highlighted during the event. Based on Parsons’ viral YouTube horror series, it was produced with a budget of approximately $10 million and is projected to achieve one of A24’s strongest openings ever, with estimates soaring up to $90 million. The film is also co-financed by Chernin Entertainment.

Blum and Wan also discussed future plans for their company Blumhouse–Atomic Monster, which merged in 2024. The company now operates across film, television, gaming, and live events, with a commitment to adapt to audience preferences and avoid complacency.

Wan, renowned for directing iconic films like ‘Saw’, ‘The Conjuring’, and ‘Insidious’, shared his personal connection to the horror genre. He reflected on growing up watching horror films from the 1980s and 1990s, inspired by filmmakers such as John Carpenter and Wes Craven. He emphasized that horror plays a vital role in sustaining the film industry, stating, “The horror genre keeps saving our industry.”

Blum also outlined his long-term vision for the company, expressing the aspiration to become “the Disney of horror” within five years. This ambition reflects their goal of building a large, multi-platform horror brand that continues to evolve while remaining appealing to younger audiences.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!