A24 Takes Action to Reverse Backrooms Artwork Takedowns on Redbubble
A24 has responded to reports of takedowns targeting Backrooms-inspired artwork on Redbubble, saying it was made aware of an automated claim submitted on its behalf and that it has begun steps to reverse it and reinstate the listing. The dispute has drawn attention back to the origins of the Backrooms concept, which predates the 2026 movie release and was built by a broader online community.
Key takeaways
- A24 says it was alerted to an automated Redbubble claim submitted on behalf of “A24 and Backrooms movie” and that it has started the process to reverse it and restore the affected listing.
- A24 stated it does not claim ownership over the yellow wallpaper pattern, the original reference post, or community works that formed around it.
- The original Backrooms idea is traced to a 2019 anonymous 4chan creepypasta that helped establish the liminal “noclipping” theme.
- Kane “Pixels” Parsons, who created a 9-minute found-footage horror at age 16, is cited as a major early creator whose work helped fuel the franchise’s growth into a feature film.
- A community creator says Redbubble removed their artwork following a complaint tied to “A24 Films LLC,” which they dispute and say they recreated the 2019 pattern rather than copying the film.
What A24 says it’s doing about the Redbubble takedown
In an official reply posted to the Backrooms movie Instagram account, A24 said it learned about an automated claim that had been submitted to Redbubble on behalf of A24 and the Backrooms movie. A24 said it began steps immediately to reverse the claim and reinstate the listing.
A24 also emphasized that it is not asserting ownership over the “yellow wallpaper” design, the original post that referenced it, or the community works created around the concept. The company said it will continue supporting artists who were inspired by the original material.
The update follows a situation raised by a Backrooms community member, who claimed they were asked to remove an artwork piece. In their account, they said the takedown was initiated through Redbubble after a complaint was filed under “A24 Films LLC.” They said they did not receive direct communication from A24 and that they could not independently verify who submitted the complaint.
How the Backrooms concept predates the film
The Backrooms concept is widely associated with an anonymous creepypasta posted to 4chan in 2019. That early post helped define the “liminal labyrinth” feeling and the idea of noclipping out of reality, which then spread through additional short stories, videos, and games.
One of the creators credited with expanding the legend was Kane “Pixels” Parsons. The narrative recounts that at age 16, Parsons created a 9-minute found-footage horror short that gained significant popularity and eventually helped lead to a feature film adaptation.
When the takedown issue was discussed publicly, Parsons responded directly, saying he was “looking into this” and that it “should not be happening.” The community discussion around the incident also pointed to concerns that large companies adapting internet-born concepts could set a precedent for retroactive enforcement against independent artists.
In the follow-up discussion, the artwork creator said their piece was recreated from the original 2019 Backrooms image pattern using Inkscape, and they disputed the removal—arguing it was based on the earlier reference rather than copied from A24’s film or merchandise.
