Why "Internet Collaborative IP" Catapulted Two YouTubers Past Star Wars

Summary

Two YouTube creators have turned low‑budget horror films into box‑office powerhouses, with Kane Parsons' "Backrooms" earning $213 million worldwide on a $10 million budget and Curry Barker's "Obsession" pulling in $225 million on a $750,000 budget. Together they have outgrossed Disney’s "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu," which has made $294 million since its release on a $165 million budget. Industry partners such as A24, Focus Features and Blumhouse have helped the creators tap the horror boom, while analysts attribute the success to a new model of “internet collaborative IP” that leverages community‑built storytelling and direct fan engagement. This marks only the second theatrical triumph for a YouTuber, following Markiplier’s $50 million "Iron Lung" adaptation.