After more than two years of development, YouTube powerhouse Markiplier is officially bringing his feature-film debut, the sci-fi horror thriller “Iron Lung,” to the big screen in late January 2026.
Markiplier whose real name is Mark Fischbach took on nearly every major role in the project, serving as producer, writer, director, editor, financier, and lead actor. The film is inspired by the 2022 indie horror video game “Iron Lung” created by David Szymanski.
Unlike traditional studio releases, Fischbach is self-distributing the movie, partnering directly with independent theaters nationwide. For its opening weekend from January 30 to February 1, the plan is for the film to screen in 50 to 100 independent cinemas. Ticket sales will begin Friday, the same day as the film’s Los Angeles premiere at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Downtown.
While the theatrical release is locked in, no official streaming plans have been announced yet. Post-production and final delivery stretched nearly three years after Markiplier revealed in April 2023 that filming had wrapped. Alongside him, the cast includes Caroline Rose Kaplan, Troy Baker, and Elsie Lovelock.
In a statement to Variety, Fischbach reflected on the massive undertaking:
“They said it shouldn’t be done not that it couldn’t be done, but that it would be ‘woefully unwise’ for one person to write, direct, act, and edit a movie alone. I proved them wrong. My bathroom might be a render farm now, but I can’t wait for people to see the blood, sweat, blood, tears, blood and blood that went into making this movie.”
He also joked that Iron Lung may hold a world record for “the most blood in a horror movie — or any movie.”
Story Overview: A Descent Into Terror
According to Markiplier’s official description, Iron Lung is set after the collapse of the known universe:
The stars have vanished. The planets are gone. Only fragments of humanity remain aboard scattered space stations. This apocalyptic end becomes known as The Quiet Rapture. Years later, a mysterious discovery is made on a barren moon an ocean of blood. Desperate for resources, authorities construct a submarine and weld a convicted prisoner inside. With the viewport sealed shut due to crushing pressure, the mission becomes a one-way descent into the unknown. This will be the 13th expedition.
From YouTube to the Big Screen
Markiplier is one of the most influential creators in the world, boasting over 73 million followers across platforms, including more than 37 million YouTube subscribers. His content spans horror gaming, comedy, interactive films, and large-scale storytelling projects.
He currently co-hosts hit podcasts “Distractible” and “Go! My Favorite Sports Team,” both acquired by Spotify in 2023. In scripted entertainment, he starred in Amazon Prime Video’s “The Edge of Sleep,” and created YouTube Originals such as the Emmy-nominated “In Space with Markiplier” and “A Heist with Markiplier.”
Outside entertainment, Fischbach co-founded the inclusive clothing brand Cloak, which has partnered with the Trevor Project for charity initiatives. He is also widely known for hosting large-scale charity livestreams, raising millions for causes including Charity Water, Direct Relief, Best Friends Animal Society, and the Environmental Defense Fund.