YouTube star-turned-indie film director Markiplier has shed some light on what fans can expect from his next movies, but expressed concerns about doing more video game adaptations.
Markiplier’s debut feature film ‘Iron Lung‘ released in January 2026 to the tune of $50 million from worldwide showings, blossoming from what was initially a small, US-only affair to a global phenomenon that left the YouTuber teary-eyed with shock and gratitude.
With a budget of merely $4 million, Markiplier gave the middle finger to Hollywood productions and raked in more than enough to launch a second project… but fans shouldn’t expect him to make video game adaptations for the rest of his film career.
Markiplier hesitant to adapt too many horror games
Markiplier sat down for an interview with the Lemonade Stand on February 25, where he was asked about his vision for his next movie.
Contrary to the hosts’ expectations, Mark was hesitant about tackling too many video games, saying he doesn’t want to be known for adapting other artists’ work.
“Are you seeing other games as ideas now?” one of the hosts asked. “Is this a lens you’re looking at the world in?”
“Yes, but also, I have to be careful with that,” he answered. “There is a trap there. If I only do game adaptations, then I become the ‘games guy.’ And especially if I do horror game adaptations, I become that.
“Everything I’ve done before this has been original writing that I’ve done… I feel like I could probably do another game adaptation next, and that’d be fine, but if the next one isn’t an original idea, then I am hindering myself as an artist and to be taken seriously as I move forward.”
(Topic begins at 1:05:25)
Overall, Markiplier said the ease of having a built-in universe in which to tell a story isn’t “challenging” enough for him as a writer, and he hopes to continue flexing his narrative skills with ideas of his own.
However, Mark admitted that he will likely adapt another game for his next movie, but he didn’t name-drop any specific titles and remained reserved when directly asked for the name of his second film.