Backrooms: Has YouTube Just Saved Hollywood?
Jun 1, 2026
Summary
Marina Hyde and Richard Osman discuss the massive box office success of the horror films *The Backrooms* and *Obsession*, highlighting how young, internet-native directors are reshaping cinema. They analyze the on-set drama surrounding Tom Hardy’s potential firing from the series *Mobland* and debate the backlash against Belle Burden’s memoir *Strangers*, focusing on accusations of concealed wealth versus emotional truth.
Topics discussed
Intro and Octopus Energy sponsorship
Episode overview: Spielberg, Mobland, and Backrooms
The Backrooms: Origins in internet creepypasta
Kane Parsons and the YouTube-to-cinema pipeline
Young directors, horror trends, and audience feedback
The changing ecosystem of micro-budget horror success
Reviewing The Backrooms film experience
Thursday Murder Club and Lloyds Bank ad
Mobland drama: Tom Hardy vs. the writers
History of actors being fired from hit shows
Belle Burden's memoir and the privilege backlash
Memoir fact-checking and the Amy Griffin lawsuit
Publishing risks and the 'my truth' culture
Microdramas, Screen Time, and closing thoughts
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