We’ve seen young directors have breakout feature debuts; it’s not really a strange thing, but when it comes to “Backrooms” helmer Kane Parsons, there seems to be an extra layer of jealousy going on as the 20-year-old was able to turn his viral YouTube short into a major theatrical release with the help of niche genre studio A24. With that said, a kind of gross conspiracy theory has arisen because of Parsons’ success with the surreal horror film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Avan Jogia, and Lukita Maxwell, as there is an accusation that someone else directed “Backrooms” in the wake of buzzy critical reactions to the twisty new movie.
Thankfully, Duplass has stepped up and taken to social media to clap back by debunking that non-evidence-based narrative before it really gains any substantial traction from movie and horror nerds.
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“With all due respect, I don’t remember seeing you on set. When I was there, Kane was 100% in control. More so than directors three times his age,” Duplass said in response to a post making the wild claim that Parsons didn’t direct the upcoming flick.
That’s not the end of it, as Parsons took the moment to make his own humorous response on YouTube with a comment by adding a faux conspiracy theory that the majority of Hollywood films are directed by one person. “This is actually all true. They don’t tell you this, but 96% of all movies released in North America and Europe are actually directed by the same person. They call him ‘The Older Gentleman.’ He has had all of Hollywood in a chokehold for decades now. They make you sign over all of your intellectual property, life rights, and genetic information to them when you enter the industry. He loves movies.”
We have to keep reminding ourselves that you can throw a rock online and find some of the worst takes imaginable, or people having trouble grasping realities. Hopefully, this settles this conspiracy theory before the movie takes off, as it looks like it could make a big splash with a general audience when it releases. That aforementioned YouTube short from Parsons has amassed an impressive 78 million views, which, of course, could explain why he was given such a great opportunity from a studio known for taking chances on new filmmakers and actively seeking out unique projects.
You can see Duplass’ social media response below, as “Backrooms” heads to screens on Friday, May 29.
Hmmm, with all due respect I don't remember seeing you on set. When I was there, Kane was 100% in control. More so than many directors 3x his age. https://t.co/GXQsI5jxG0
— Mark Duplass (@MarkDuplass) May 26, 2026
Kane has drop a bombshell pic.twitter.com/aCYj5BJQLP
— Burelandon644 (@Landon1426360) May 27, 2026
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