'Backrooms' Surges to Historic $85M-$88M Opening Weekend Beating 'Mandalorian & Grogu'

Backrooms defies expectations by targeting a historic domestic opening of about $85–88 million, surpassing Disney’s Mandalorian and Grogu debut the prior weekend. The horror thriller from A24 is on track for a $38.4 million first day, including $10.4 million from Thursday previews, as it expands to more than 3,400 North American theaters and about 50 international markets. Analysts anticipate a three‑day total near $90 million, with overseas markets contributing roughly $36 million for a global range of $121–124 million. Kane Parsons, at 20 years old, directed a campaign grounded in digital and fan‑driven buzz, not a blockbuster publicity push, signaling a shift in genre release strategies. Focus Features’ Obsession meanwhile is set to top $106 million worldwide, underscoring the weekend’s horror momentum against established franchises.