After opening with a higher-than-expected $18.2 million in 3,015 North American theaters, Iron Lung, the live-action adaptation of David Szymanski’s 2022 R-rated video game faced stiff competition from the Super Bowl, impacting moviegoing audiences.
Written and directed by YouTuber Markiplier (real name: Mark Edward Fischbach) in his directorial debut, the horror thriller grossed $6 million in its second weekend, marking a 67% drop from its opening. While steep, the decline is not unusual for a niche horror release and still reflects solid audience interest.
With a production budget of just $3 million and minimal marketing costs, the film’s current $30.8 million domestic and $6 million international cume represents more than a 10x return on investment, ensuring financial success. Industry analysts, including Luiz Fernando, predict the film could finish its North American run with $40–50 million.