Fans of the Backrooms franchise reported multiple takedown notices from A24 on Reddit, prompting director Kane Parsons to promise a thorough investigation. The outcome could shape how fan‑created artwork and indie games interact with major studio copyrights.
Key Takeaways
- A24 issued takedown notices against fan‑created Backrooms art
- Multiple creators reported removals on Redbubble and Google Play
- Kane Parsons pledged to investigate the claims
The internet‑born creepypasta Backrooms has evolved from a viral image into an A24‑produced 2026 horror blockbuster, and now it sits at the heart of a copyright controversy. On July 15, a Reddit user known as “GnarlyNet” posted on the official Backrooms subreddit claiming that a simple yellow wallpaper pattern—derived from the original meme that sparked the liminal‑space craze—was removed from Redbubble after a complaint from “A24 Films LLC”.
Incident Overview
Just a day earlier, another Redditor shared a similar experience: Redbubble had taken down two of their designs—a fluorescent‑lit hallway featuring two women and a Backrooms‑styled office space—citing the same A24 takedown request. Both creators argued that their work was inspired by the original viral image, not by Parsons’ cinematic adaptation, yet the platform upheld the removal without further clarification.
Copyright Conflict Background
Backrooms’ cultural footprint extends beyond memes; it now fuels numerous indie games, short films, and digital artworks. Large studios often rely on automated content‑moderation tools that issue blanket takedowns for any material perceived to infringe on their IP. Analysts suggest that A24 may be employing such automated services, which would explain the sweeping nature of the strikes across diverse fan‑generated assets.
Kane Parsons’ Response
Late on July 15, Parsons himself replied to GnarlyNet’s Reddit thread, stating, “I’m looking into this. Should not be happening.” His brief yet reassuring comment signals a willingness to address the tension between protecting the Backrooms brand and preserving the creative ecosystem that has amplified its popularity.
Implications for the Future
The controversy arrives as other creepypastas—such as the SCP Foundation and Sirenhead—are being eyed for film adaptations. If studios like A24 continue to enforce aggressive copyright claims, independent creators could face mounting barriers, potentially stifling the grassroots innovation that originally propelled these stories into mainstream awareness. Parsons’ investigation, therefore, may set a precedent for how major productions engage with fan‑driven content moving forward.
