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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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