Mark Duplass Vouches for Kane Parsons as Director of 'Backrooms' Amid Online Speculation

The horror film 'Backrooms' is poised to dominate this weekend's box office, and its director is just 19 years old. Yet online chatter has emerged questioning whether Kane Parsons truly directed the project, which is adapted from his popular YouTube series.

Star Mark Duplass has stepped in to set the record straight. On social media, he responded directly to skeptics, stating: "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."

Duplass expanded on his defense in an Instagram post, offering further insight into his experience during production. "A lot of takes going around right now about whether Kane Parsons, at the tender age of 19, actually directed Backrooms or whether it was more ghost directed by one of his more experienced producers," Duplass wrote. "I was there."

The actor went on to explain the circumstances of his involvement. "I suspect one of the reasons I was hired was because I mentor a lot of young filmmakers, and they may have thought it was good to have someone there who's sensitive to that, and I was prepared to help out. And what happened was he didn't need any of us."

Duplass highlighted Parsons' extensive preparation and professionalism behind the camera. "He was intensely prepared," Duplass said. "He spent the last five years of his life building out one of the most detailed mythologies I've ever been a part of. Worked incredibly closely with his crew, particularly his DP and shot design, and was very sensitive and calm and smart in dealing with actors. So, for those of you who have all these thoughts, were you there?"

The A24 film marks Parsons' feature directorial debut and features an ensemble cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. The movie is currently in nationwide theatrical release. While the film will eventually arrive on HBO Max, viewers looking to see it now must visit cinemas. Fans can also revisit Parsons' original YouTube videos online at no cost.