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Markiplier has transitioned from YouTube sensation to movie director with Iron Lung, his gripping take on the popular independent horror game. This self-financed endeavor marks his initial foray into filmmaking, where he assumed almost every critical role off-camera.
In remarks given to Variety, Markiplier quipped about the undertaking, stating, “They cautioned against it… saying it would be ‘terribly ill-advised’ to try my hand at scripting, helming, acting, and editing a film solo. I proved them wrong. My restroom might now function as a processing hub, but I’m eager for viewers to witness the gore, toil, gore, anguish, gore, and gore that everyone put into this project.”
Discover more about Markiplier and his forthcoming fright flick below.
Who Is Markiplier?
Markiplier — given name Mark Edward Fischbach on June 28, 1989 — is a top content producer in digital media. Boasting more than 37 million followers on YouTube, he established his name through high-octane video game content, particularly horror game recordings, coupled with humorous skits, engaging series, and video blogs. Raised in Ohio after his birth in Honolulu to a German-American father and a Korean mother, he initially majored in biomedical engineering before leaving school to concentrate on YouTube as a full-time pursuit in 2012.
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Since that time, Markiplier has broadened his scope significantly beyond solely gaming material. He was a co-creator of hit YouTube Originals such as A Heist with Markiplier and In Space with Markiplier, debuted popular podcasts, and is recognized for his charity live broadcasts which have accumulated millions for initiatives like cancer research. He is also immersed in acting and voiceover work — and currently, he is launching his movie directing premiere with Iron Lung, a self-financed take on the famous horror game where he also stars.
What Is Iron Lung About?
Iron Lung is a science fiction horror movie inspired by the indie game developed by David Szymanski—and throws viewers into one of the darkest realities conceivable. As Markiplier describes, “The stars no longer exist. The planets are gone. Only those residing on space stations or spacecraft remained to christen the finale — The Quiet Rapture.”
He goes on, “Following decades of deterioration and decaying infrastructure, the Iron Consolidation has discovered something on a desolate moon known as AT-5. A sea of blood. Hoping to find vital resources, they immediately begin an undertaking. A submersible is engineered, and an inmate is sealed inside. Given the stress and depth of the sea, the front viewport has been reinforced with metal. Achievement equates to freedom. Failure means replacement. This marks the 13th attempt.”
Markiplier also unveiled that the movie holds a global record “for the highest quantity of blood in a horror film — or any film, period.”
Where Can I Watch the Iron Lung Movie?
Markiplier’s terror movie is slated for release in select theaters commencing January 30, 2026, with a brief showing at approximately 50–100 autonomous cinemas throughout the U.S.
Can I Stream Iron Lung?
Not yet — Iron Lung is not currently available for streaming. As of now, no streaming service or digital launch timeframe has been revealed. A streaming or digital rental launch is anticipated following its theatrical release, but followers will have to await further announcements from Markiplier.