Markiplier’s Iron Lung to be available for purchase on YouTube May 31

The horror film "Iron Lung," written, directed, and starring popular YouTuber Mark Fischbach, known as Markiplier, will be available for purchase exclusively on YouTube starting May 31. The announcement was made by Fischbach during a panel at the Cannes Film Festival.

The movie is an adaptation of the indie horror video game of the same name by David Szymanski. Set in a post-apocalyptic future following an event called "The Quiet Rapture," the story follows a convict forced to pilot a decaying submarine through an ocean of blood on a desolate moon. The cast includes Caroline Rose Kaplan, Troy Baker, and Elsie Lovelock.

Fischbach explained the decision for a YouTube-exclusive release by stating he is loyal to the platform, where he built a career with over 37 million subscribers. The digital premiere follows a notably successful theatrical run. "Iron Lung" opened in cinemas on January 30 and has grossed over $50 million globally against a production budget reported to be between $3 million and $4 million. The film reached audiences largely through Fischbach's social media presence, with minimal traditional marketing spending.

Fischbach self-distributed the film in the United...