The Backrooms Horror Film Eyes Massive Upset Over The Mandalorian & Grogu in Box Office Battle

Industry trackers are buzzing with an unexpected prediction: the horror movie "The Backrooms," adapted from the wildly popular internet creepypasta, could pull off a box office surprise by topping "The Mandalorian & Grogu" when both films open on the same weekend in late 2026.

Early projections from box office analysts at sites like The-Numbers and Deadline show "The Backrooms" generating between 65 million dollars and 85 million dollars in its first three days. That range would put it ahead of the Star Wars spinoff, which is currently tracking for 50 million dollars to 70 million dollars domestically.

The momentum behind "The Backrooms" stems from years of organic online hype. The concept exploded on platforms like Reddit and TikTok with eerie liminal-space videos that terrified a generation of viewers. Director James Reitman, who previously helmed a hit found-footage thriller, kept the budget under 20 million dollars while delivering practical effects and a relentless atmosphere that test audiences described as "unbearably tense."

"We leaned into what made the original so scary: endless yellow rooms, buzzing lights, and the feeling that something is always just around the corner," Reitman told reporters at a recent preview screening. "No big stars. No heavy CGI. Just pure dread."

On the other side, "The Mandalorian & Grogu" arrives with massive expectations. The film reunites Pedro Pascal and the adorable Grogu for a big-screen adventure that picks up after the Disney+ series. Early reviews praise the action and heart, but some analysts point to franchise fatigue after multiple Star Wars projects in recent years. Disney's marketing campaign has been heavy on nostalgia and Baby Yoda cuteness, yet pre-sales data suggest families are split between this and other family options already in theaters.

Box office expert David A. Gross of FranchiseRe says the clash creates a rare David-versus-Goliath moment. "Horror audiences show up opening weekend no matter what," Gross noted. "Star Wars needs broader appeal and repeat business. Right now, 'The Backrooms' is benefiting from word-of-mouth that feels unstoppable."

Social media reactions already lean heavily toward the horror entry. Clips of the film's "no-clip" sequence have racked up over 200 million views across platforms, with fans posting theories and jump-scare compilations. Meanwhile, "The Mandalorian & Grogu" trailers have solid engagement but face more mixed comments about plot predictability.

Global factors could swing either way. "The Backrooms" is playing in over 3,200 theaters in North America with strong international day-and-date releases in horror-friendly markets. "The Mandalorian & Grogu" expands to nearly 4,000 screens and benefits from premium formats like IMAX and 3D, which could boost its per-screen average.

Still, the possibility of a horror underdog victory is exciting entertainment insiders. A win for "The Backrooms" would mark the first time a micro-budget internet adaptation beats a major studio tentpole on opening weekend since the "Paranormal Activity" era more than a decade ago.

Moviegoers now have a clear choice this Friday: step into the endless yellow nightmare or fly through the stars with Mando and Grogu. Early indicators suggest many are choosing the scream over the Force.