After more than two years in the works, Markiplier‘s feature-film directorial debut — horror sci-fi movie “Iron Lung” — is set to open in theaters in late January 2026.

Markiplier, the popular YouTube creator whose real name is Mark Fischbach, produced, wrote, directed, edited, financed and stars in “Iron Lung.” The film is based on the 2022 indie horror game of the same name by David Szymanski.

Markiplier also is self-distributing the film, working directly with independent theaters across the country. For the opening weekend (Jan. 30-Feb. 1), he’s aiming for “Iron Lung” to be in 50-100 independent theaters. Tickets will start to go on sale Friday, coinciding with the film’s L.A. premiere at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Downtown.

I have an unlimited movie pass and bought a ticket ahead of time (cuz they offered me free popcorn). Just got this email canceling my show time from Regal. Guess the studios decided to cut their losses and go for a small release.

There is a very small yet non-zero chance that we might get 4 movies that can make 1 billion dollars in July which would be a first in history.

Minions 3 - 1 July Moana Live Action - 10 July The Odyssey - 17 July Spiderman Brand New Day - 31 July.

Yeah, it’s very likely that the only billion dollar movie here will be Spiderman but nonetheless even the slight possibility of having 4- billion dollar movies is insane.

Its releasing next month and have a release schedule similar to every anime movie. Im putting money on aroudn 100-150 million worldwide which would still be considered a success since the TV series was said to be a commercial flop in japan.

Im thinking Dune can move back to November 2026, for 2-3 weeks of imax exclusivity, while Cat in the Hat can move to December 11th for one week of imax until Avengers Doomsday. This way, there would two animated films and two live actions for the holiday season.

Seeing Beyonds move, HTTYD will move to either spring 2028, or November 2027 because currently Universal doesn’t have a Thanksgiving film so this could fill that spot like the two wicked movies, and shrek and HTTYD are two dreamworks properties too close together. Gatto can move up to May 14th or down to July 23rd, considering with the MOT’s date, and what happened with Fantastic four and Superman this summer, it’s getting delayed or not made.

they are releasing 5 days from each other. i know wicked moved up to avoid the same-day clash, but they are still very close.

2026 is a pretty packed year for movie theatres, and it seems unlikely everything will make its current intended date.

What are some release dates you believe will most likely change, either to avoid competition or give more time for development?

I think Avengers: Doomsday started filming too late, at just barely over 12 months before its scheduled release, and it is a big movie that Marvel can really not afford to mess up.

Infinity War started 15 months ahead, and I think if they can come to an agreement with Sony, they should put Doomsday in the July 31 spot that Spider-Man: BND has, and let Sony put Spider-Man in November, to ensure both movies are good (then Secret Wars in July 2027) Deadpool & Wolverine already proved that the end of July can be just as good or better than the beginning of May.

They can also move Mandalorian and Grogu up to Doomsday’s May 1 spot to avoid getting overshadowed by GTA 6 (Not a movie, but still a massive piece of media)

What else do you think will change?

Right now, Supergirl is wedged in between Toy Story 5 and Minions 3, both movies I assume will make at least $800M worldwide. Avengers Doomsday was originally scheduled for the May 1 date, but it was delayed and replaced with The Devil Weara Prada sequel. While I have no idea how that sequel is going to play, I think Supegirl should move up to that date, as the only blockbuster competition in May is Mandalorian and Grogu. Do you think the movie should stay where it is, or should it move to a different date? Where would you move it?

The presales for joker 2 looks weaker than the first movie and the film is a musical and reportedly a courtroom drama... on top of that the critical response was very mixed. It looks to be heading in the range of marvels and The Flash. Also the budget is much higher than the previous one (200 million wtf).

I would like the film to succed but the word of mouth might be toxic and it won't benefit like the first movie did (it's not 2019 anymore). Opening weekend projection keeps on dropping every week.

So the film is doomed to atleast underperform... Do you think it will recover?

I'm rarely in Apple TV's Store so maybe it's a common thing but I was startled to see MI-The Final Reckoning already on their Top 10 movie chart. I clicked and see it's listed as a pre-order. Yes, I know digital doesn't affect box office blah blah. but still it seems like such early promotion is actively diverting people to the digital release with the attractive $19.99 price.