Markiplier’s feature-film directorial debut is finally heading to theaters. Iron Lung, the horror sci-fi project he produced, wrote, directed, edited, financed, and stars in, is set to open in late January 2026 after more than two years in development.
The film is based on the 2022 indie horror game from David Szymanski. Markiplier first revealed the project in 2023 after completing shooting and has spent the years since pushing it through post-production and securing a theatrical window.
According to Variety, Markiplier is self-distributing Iron Lung and working directly with independent theaters across the United States. For its opening weekend from January 30 to February 1, he aims to screen the film in 50 to 100 locations.
The creator has not yet finalized details for a streaming release. Alongside Markiplier, the cast includes Caroline Rose Kaplan, Troy Baker, and Elsie Lovelock.
What Iron Lung is about
The YouTuber issued a statement describing the movie: “The stars are gone. The planets have disappeared. Only individuals aboard space stations or starships were left to give the end a name: The Quiet Rapture.
“After decades of decay and crumbling infrastructure, the Consolidation of Iron has made a discovery on a barren moon designated AT-5. An ocean of blood. Hoping to discover desperately needed resources, they immediately launch an expedition. A submarine is crafted, and a convict is welded inside.
“Due to the pressure and depth of the ocean, the forward viewport has been encased in metal. If successful, they will earn their freedom. If not, another will follow. This will be the 13th expedition.”
Markiplier described the project’s scale and commitment, noting the extensive work that went into the production and referencing claims that the film holds a world record for the most blood used in a movie.
Beyond Iron Lung, he recently starred in New Regency’s The Edge of Sleep and appears in the Emmy-nominated YouTube Originals series In Space with Markiplier.
