The wait is finally over. After more than two years of silence, secrecy, and countless hours spent “rendering in his bathroom,” YouTube megastar Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) has officially unveiled the release plan for the highly anticipated Iron Lung movie, his directorial feature film debut.
Fans have been waiting for this moment since the project was first teased. This isn’t just a YouTuber making a cameo; this is a fully self-financed, self-produced, written, directed, and edited horror sci-fi epic. Here is the ultimate guide to the bloodiest movie of 2026.
The Release Date
Mark your calendars. The Iron Lung movie hits theaters on:
January 30, 2026
Why It Is Theaters-First (And Not Streaming Yet)
If you are waiting for a Netflix or YouTube Premium link, you will be waiting a while. Markiplier has made it clear the Iron Lung movie was designed specifically for the theatrical experience.
Mark is self-distributing this movie. He is bypassing the major Hollywood studio machine to work directly with independent theaters. He wants audiences to experience the sound design, the claustrophobia, and the visual terror in a dark room with a massive screen.
Because he is handling the distribution himself, streaming is not the priority right now. His focus is entirely on the theatrical rollout.
For the opening weekend (Jan 30–Feb 1), the film is aiming for a limited release in 50–100 independent theaters across the United States.
Update: Big chain theaters have picked it up! Irong Lung will be playing in over a thousand theaters across the US now.
Watch the Official Trailer
Plot: The Ocean of Blood
The film is a faithful adaptation of the 2022 indie horror phenomenon. The setting is bleak, terrified, and claustrophobic.
According to the official synopsis:
“The stars are gone. The planets have disappeared. Only individuals aboard space stations or starships were left to give the end a name — The Quiet Rapture.“
After decades of dying out in the void, the “Consolidation of Iron” discovers a barren moon designated AT-5. On this moon, they find something impossible: An ocean of blood.
Desperate for resources to sustain the last of humanity, they launch the 13th expedition. A convict is welded inside a small, makeshift submarine (the “Iron Lung”) and dropped into the blood ocean. The sub’s forward viewport is welded shut due to the pressure; the pilot can only navigate using grainy sensors and a camera. If they succeed, they earn their freedom. If not, they die in the blood.
Breaking the World Record for Blood
Markiplier didn’t just want to make a horror movie; he wanted to make the bloodiest horror movie.
In a statement to Variety, Markiplier claimed that “Iron Lung” now holds the world record for the most blood in a horror movie.
“Or any movie for that matter,” he added.
While the previous record was widely considered to be held by the 2013 Evil Dead remake (which used 50,000 gallons of fake blood), Markiplier seems to have gone above and beyond. The production was so intense that Markiplier jokingly noted he “went to the hospital” because he got too much fake blood in his eyes. He describes the post-production process as a labor of love (and gore): “My bathroom might be a render farm now but I can’t wait for people to see the blood, sweat, blood, tears, blood and blood that went into this movie.”
Meet the Cast
Markiplier stars in the film as the pilot, but he has assembled a stellar cast including voice acting legends and fellow creators.
| Actor | Role | IMDb Profile |
| Mark Fischbach (Markiplier) | The Pilot / Director / Writer | View IMDb Profile |
| Caroline Rose Kaplan | Co-Star | View IMDb Profile |
| Troy Baker | Co-Star | View IMDb Profile |
| Elsie Lovelock | Co-Star | View IMDb Profile |
| Seán McLoughlin (Jacksepticeye) | Co-Star | View IMDb Profile |
| Elle LaMont | Co-Star | View IMDb Profile |
| Kazuki Jalal | Co-Star | View IMDb Profile |
| Isaac McKee | Co-Star | View IMDb Profile |
Watch the Final Trailer
The Source Material: David Szymanski
The Iron Lung movie is based on the viral indie horror game created by David Szymanski.
Szymanski is a celebrated developer in the “boomer shooter” and indie horror space. He is perhaps best known for creating DUSK, a fast-paced retro shooter, as well as Gloomwood, Squirrel Stapler, and Butcher’s Creek.
The Relationship: Markiplier played Iron Lung shortly after its release and fell in love with its oppressive atmosphere. He reached out to Szymanski to adapt it, and the two have maintained a close and supportive relationship throughout production. Szymanski even has a cameo in the film.
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Play the Original Game: Iron Lung on Steam
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Check out Szymanski’s other works: David Szymanski Developer Page
The Original Game Trailer
See Where It Started: Markiplier Plays Iron Lung
Markiplier Returns for the “Lore Update”
Where Can You Watch It?
As of now, there are roughly 192 theater locations confirmed, but that number is growing as fans request the film at their local venues.
If you want to see this film, theaters are your best bet. Because this is an independent release, fan demand is what gets it into local cinemas.
