Deep beneath the crimson waves of an alien ocean, Mark Fischbach, universally acclaimed as YouTube sensation Markiplier, offers a chilling sneak peek into his latest masterpiece, “Iron Lung.” Drawing inspiration from David Szymanski’s indie video game, Fischbach wears multiple hats as the film’s writer, director, financier, and lead actor.
The trailer paints a vivid picture of a grim and hopeless future. Emerging from a sea of blood, Fischbach’s character confronts the dystopian wasteland resulting from a devastating event known as the “Quiet Rapture”. This catastrophe obliterated every known habitable planet, forcing humankind to survive on interstellar bases and spacecraft. When resources reach a critical low, humanity’s governing body, the Consolidation of Iron, turns their desperate gaze to a remote moon. This moon’s unique selling point? Its vast oceans of blood. In a bid to uncover potential life-saving resources, a convict, played by Fischbach, is chosen to dive into these mysterious waters in a sealed submarine. With no escape route and the submarine’s entrance permanently sealed, the mission seems less like a quest for survival and more like a death sentence.
Supporting Fischbach’s performance is YouTube heavyweight Seán McLoughlin, famously recognized as Jacksepticeye and known for his role in the 2021 blockbuster, “Free Guy.” Other notable cast members include “The Plot Against America” veteran Caroline Rose Kaplan and “Alita: Battle Angel” star Elle LaMont. David Szymanski is rumored to grace the screen with a special cameo. The production roster boasts names like Jeff Guerrero, Will Hyde, and Amy Nelson, who previously collaborated with Fischbach on the Emmy-nominated interactive special “In Space With Markiplier.” Andrew Hulshult is the maestro behind the film’s soundtrack.
From YouTube to the Silver Screen: The Rise of Horror
“Iron Lung” may be Fischbach’s first full-length feature, but the YouTube legend, boasting an impressive 35 million subscribers, is no stranger to innovative storytelling. Past projects include interactive YouTube series such as “Who Killed Markiplier?”, “A Heist With Markiplier,” and “In Space With Markiplier.” Beyond YouTube, Fischbach is gearing up for a TV rendition of “The Edge of Sleep” podcast. Additionally, he co-hosts the bi-weekly “Distractible” podcast with Bob Muyskens and Wade Barnes and the lively “Go! My Favorite Sports Team” with Tyler Scheid.
The horror film landscape isn’t solely Fischbach’s domain. Earlier this year, the eerie “Skinamarink,” directed by Kyle Edward Ball, made waves online. The RackaRacka channel creators, Danny and Michael Philippou, delighted audiences with the A24 film “Talk to Me.” Anticipation also builds for Kane Parsons’ “The Backrooms,” with A24 and Atomic Monster at the helm.
Conclusion
The world of horror cinema is witnessing an exciting evolution as YouTube creators transition to the big screen, with Markiplier’s “Iron Lung” leading the charge. As we wait in anticipation, fans and horror enthusiasts can satiate their curiosity with the film’s haunting trailer. The release date remains under wraps, but the cinematic landscape will undoubtedly be richer for its addition.
