Following 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms,' another terrifying 'creepypasta' is coming to the big screen
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Warner Bros. is producing a film based on the internet creature Sirenhead, which has garnered over 1 billion YouTube views.
- The move follows the financial success of digital-native horror narratives like 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession,' targeting Generation Z audiences.
- Zach Cregger is attached as co-writer and producer, with Brian Duffield set to direct the high-budget feature.
Warner Bros. is set to produce a feature film based on Sirenhead, the popular internet creature that has amassed over one billion views on YouTube. This decision marks a significant move to capitalize on the growing trend of digital-native horror narratives and attract Generation Z audiences to commercial cinema in 2026. The project gains momentum following the global financial success of low-budget films like 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession,' which demonstrated the profitability of urban legends originating from digital platforms. Sirenhead, created in 2018 by Canadian illustrator Trevor Henderson, is depicted as a tall, skeletal entity with sirens for a head, known for making people disappear. The character quickly evolved from a drawing into a widespread phenomenon across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Roblox, spawning a universe of fan theories, independent short films, and alternative video games. Warner Bros. secured the film rights after an aggressive bidding war against major studios including Sony, Universal, Paramount, and 20th Century Studios. The studio has tapped Zach Cregger, known for his work on 'Barbarian,' as a co-writer and producer. Brian Duffield, director of the suspense film 'No One Will Save You,' has been assigned to direct the Sirenhead movie. This venture into adapting digital horror phenomena reflects a broader industry trend. The commercial success of independent productions based on virtual myths, such as 'Backrooms' directed by content creator Kane Parsons, has validated audience interest in these stories. While these digital adaptations are gaining traction, traditional blockbusters like 'Toy Story 5' continue to generate significantly higher revenues, indicating a clear hierarchy in the commercial film landscape.
Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.