When a viral YouTube sensation steps up to helm a major A24 horror feature, Hollywood skeptics are bound to start whispering. When rumors surfaced claiming teenage filmmaker Kane Parsons was being “ghost-directed” on ‘Backrooms,’ indie icon Mark Duplass fiercely shut the chatter down.
Having witnessed the production firsthand, Duplass flatly dismissed the internet gossip, praising Parsons’ absolute command on set. Far from needing a Hollywood mentor, the young director arrived with a meticulous, five-year mythology already built. According to Duplass, Parsons displayed an emotional intelligence and intense preparation that put industry veterans to shame, proving he is entirely in the director’s chair.
Mark Duplass Backed Kane Parsons’ Creative Control On Backrooms
Mark Duplass strongly pushed back against online rumors claiming young filmmaker Kane Parsons was not truly directing Backrooms himself.
The debate started after a social media user suggested that the ambitious A24 horror project must have secretly been controlled by older industry professionals behind the scenes because Parsons was too young to handle such a production.
Duplass responded directly to the accusation on X and dismissed it entirely based on his own experience working on set. The actor stated that Parsons was completely in charge throughout filming and even compared his leadership favorably to that of directors much older than him.
“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.”
Duplass also challenged the credibility of people making assumptions online without firsthand knowledge of the production in a follow-up Instagram video. He ended his response with a pointed question aimed at critics:
“For all of you who have these thoughts… were you there?”
The actor’s comments quickly gained traction online and sparked broader conversations about how young creators from YouTube and internet culture are sometimes viewed skeptically when transitioning into major Hollywood productions.
Duplass Praised Kane Parsons’ Preparation And Creative Vision For Backrooms
Beyond shutting down the rumors, Duplass extensively praised Parsons’ work ethic and creative abilities during the making of Backrooms. He revealed that he originally expected to mentor the young filmmaker because of his own background in helping emerging directors navigate productions.
According to Duplass, however, Parsons hardly needed guidance once filming began. The actor explained that the director arrived on set intensely prepared after spending years developing the mythology behind the viral horror universe.
In case you missed it: The Terrifying Internet Urban Legend That Hooked A24 Long Before The ‘Backrooms’ Movie
“I suspect one of the reasons I was hired was because I mentor a lot of young filmmakers … and I was prepared to help out … [but] he didn’t need any of us.”
Duplass further revealed that Parsons had dedicated nearly five years to building the intricate lore surrounding Backrooms, which impressed both the cast and crew.
“He was intensely prepared. He spent the last five years of his life building out one of the most detailed mythologies I’ve ever been a part of.”
The actor also praised Parsons’ demeanor while working with performers, describing him as calm, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent despite the pressure of directing a large-scale feature film at such a young age.
According to Duplass, Parsons handled actors with maturity and confidence throughout the production process.
Have you watched ‘Backrooms’? Let us know in the comments section below.
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