Markiplier Calls Out Hollywood After Iron Lung Becomes Horror Hit

"At least a lot of Hollywood was willfully ignoring the potential of YouTubers here. There is that level of respect that I just haven't met yet. People have made movies before, just that it would be 'woefully unwise' to tackle writing, directing, acting and editing a movie myself."

"With a leaner budget and a mighty return, the film joins the ranks of hits like 2002's My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the independent Canadian comedy that twisted a $5 million budget into a nearly $400 million box office haul, demonstrating that independent films can stun the box office."

Markiplier, a prominent YouTuber since 2012, directed and starred in a feature film adaptation that achieved significant commercial success with a $50 million box office return on a $4 million budget. Despite competing against major studio releases, the film succeeded through grassroots distribution. Fischbach expressed frustration with Hollywood's reluctance to recognize YouTubers' potential, noting a persistent lack of respect from the industry. He undertook the ambitious project of writing, directing, acting, and editing the film himself, despite industry skepticism. The film's success places it alongside other independent hits like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, demonstrating that lean budgets and strong creative vision can compete effectively in the marketplace.

Read at Kotaku