Kojima Expresses Admiration for Backrooms and Teases Potential Collaboration with Kane Parsons: “I’m Honestly A Bit Jealous!”

Backrooms has finally hit Japanese theaters, several months after its debut in the U.S., and Hideo Kojima has played a significant role in promoting the film’s release in Japan. He not only shared his thoughts for promotional posters but also took part in a joint Q&A with director Kane Parsons, where he expressed his admiration for the film and hinted at potential future collaborations.

Given Kojima’s extensive knowledge of cinema, it’s not surprising to see him involved in the film’s Japanese rollout. Although a third-party company is handling distribution, the film was produced by A24, the same studio Kojima is partnering with for his own film project. During a discussion following a screening in Roppongi, Tokyo, Kojima shared his thoughts on the mystery and tension that Parsons crafted in Backrooms.

“I had already seen the Backrooms short film, so I was curious about how this feature would turn out,” Kojima remarked during the September 4th screening. “The movie is packed with clever tricks, and its art and sound direction are so inspiring that it honestly makes me a bit envious! I don’t want to spoil anything, but I also find the story structure fascinating; the visual design and sound are so well integrated that I can hardly compete with such talent!”

Kojima expressed gratitude to Kane Parsons and Risa Unai for the Japanese premiere stage greeting for “Backrooms.” He shared a lighthearted moment on Twitter, recalling how the film, rated R in the U.S. and highly rated elsewhere, received a G rating in Japan, making it suitable for all ages. At the screening he attended, many parents brought young children, and he overheard kids telling their parents they might not sleep that night. He humorously recounted a little boy peppering his father with questions about the film’s massive sets, almost revealing the truth himself before holding back.

The collaboration between Kojima and Parsons for this Q&A event is a delightful highlight, but it’s clear that Kojima has a knack for gathering talented filmmakers and actors he admires, much like collecting Pokémon for future projects. Just before the screening, Parsons was photographed at the entrance to Kojima Productions, and during the Roppongi Q&A, he hinted that this might not be their last encounter. “I’d love to collaborate with a certain someone in the near future,” he said, sharing his appreciation for Japanese architecture and other aspects of his visit.

Backrooms has become a cultural phenomenon, and given its online origins, the unsettling atmosphere it creates, and its unique production, it’s no wonder Hideo Kojima has taken a liking to it. While we’ll have to wait and see if any collaboration materializes, the prospect of these two creative minds working together is certainly exciting.