Iron Lung: How Markiplier’s Movie Set Precedent Before Release

Zion Borriboonratana, Editor-In-Chief

January 28, 2026

Graphic created by Zion Borriboonratana, featuring the wordmark and the interior of the Iron Lung submarine itself

Moving from YouTube videos to theater screens, the horror sci-fi movie “Iron Lung” is breaking barriers in the film industry. Directed, funded, written, edited and starring famous YouTuber Markiplier, the film showcases the capabilities of independent moviemaking and marketing with a pre-established fan base. With the movie set to release Jan. 30, 2026, millions of fans have already preordered tickets, with presales surpassing $5 million.

“Iron Lung” began as a horror indie game by David Szymanski, telling the story of a convict forced to explore a blood ocean in the hopes of it becoming a vital resource for what is left of humanity, using nothing but a rusty submarine in the scope of a dying universe. The game was received as “Very Positive” on Steam, complimenting “Iron Lung” on its unique approach to the horror genre.

This also caught the attention of Markiplier, whose first playthrough on YouTube accrued 12 million views as of Jan. 28, 2026, where he voiced similar reception. Inspired by the game’s potential and worldbuilding, he collaborated with Szymanski to create a film adaptation, generating excitement among his 38.1 million subscribers.

Although the first trailer released on his channel Oct. 14, 2023, the movie lacked two crucial elements to a film’s success: a marketing campaign and a distribution company. Initially releasing in only 60 theaters, Markiplier encouraged his disappointed fans to contact their local movie theaters and request the film, eventually expanding the release to more than 4,100 theaters worldwide. “You all believed in me,” Markiplier said to his fans. “I’m really, really happy and really, really grateful.”

As a foundational YouTuber in the gaming sphere, Markiplier’s film has found success in a way never seen before. By building an audience over a decade and growing up alongside them, the love, trust and loyalty of his fans led to “Iron Lung’s” massive upcoming release. With evidence of the film’s success, it could pave the way for more independent studios and creators to break into the film industry as well.

About the Contributor

Zion Borriboonratana, Editor-In-Chief

Senior, Zion Borriboonratana, is a third year journalism student and Editor-In-Chief. He hopes to make each magazine the best it can be and help new members find their footing. In his free time, he enjoys studying video game design and reading books. As a fun fact, he exclusively listens to the Deltarune soundtrack and has not listened to any other music for months.

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