YouTube star Markiplier set to release directorial debut film "Iron Lung"
Mark Fischbach, best known as Markiplier, is set to release his first film “Iron Lung” on Jan. 30, 2026.
One of the most anticipated horror movies releasing in 2026 is finally making its debut on the big screen. Iron Lung is an adaptation of the indie horror video game Iron Lung, released in 2022, going viral shortly afterwards. Following the release of the game, YouTuber Mark Fischbach, best known as Markiplier, announced he would be writing, directing, starring in, and self-financing an adaptation of the hit game.
The film follows a convict who is sent to explore an ocean of blood discovered on a desolate moon using a shabby submarine nicknamed the “Iron Lung.” His journey takes place in a post-apocalyptic future after an event known as “The Quiet Rapture” resulted in all known stars and habitable planets in the universe disappearing.
Prior to the film’s release, it had already developed a dedicated fanbase and a massive media following due to the popularity of Markiplier. He originally launched his YouTube channel in 2012, initially for sketch comedy, but quickly pivoted to gaming, gaining traction with the horror survival game Amnesia.
As Markiplier continued to upload a variety of videos, he began to build a massive fanbase following the release of the 2014 indie horror game Five Nights at Freddy’s. His gameplay of the game skyrocketed, gaining millions of views and rapid subscriber growth, later establishing him as a top gaming influencer.
For gaming and pop culture enthusiasts, the cast of Iron Lung has some familiar voices throughout the film. One notable cast member is Troy Baker, best known for his role in the game The Last of Us as well as the game Batman: Arkham Knight. Additionally, the voice actor for Charlie Magne in the hit show Hazbin Hotel, Elsie Lovelock, will also be included in the upcoming film.
Popular gaming YouTuber Seán McLoughlin, or Jacksepticeye, will act alongside Fischbach. For gaming YouTube fans, seeing the two act on screen together is a big deal due to Jacksepticeye and Markiplier being featured in many videos together over the last decade.
The anticipation surrounding Iron Lung’s release is prevalent due to tickets selling out in minutes across 2,500 theaters. Our own Chisholm Trail 8 in Newton will get its own showing of Iron Lung on opening day for the film. According to Deadline.com, the film is projected to garner $9M-$10M when it opens on Jan. 30.
Tickets for Iron Lung are available on the Chisholm Trail 8 website starting on Jan. 30.
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