Markiplier says he does not want to be known as Hollywood’s “games guy” after 'Iron Lung' success

Markiplier reflects on 'Iron Lung’s' $50m run and reluctance to focus on game adaptations

Markiplier has said he does not want to become known in Hollywood solely for adapting video games, despite the commercial success of his debut feature film Iron Lung.

The YouTube creator turned filmmaker released Iron Lung in January 2026. The horror adaptation generated $50 million worldwide from a reported $4 million budget, expanding from an initial US-only release into international cinemas. The film’s performance has positioned Markiplier to finance a second project.

Speaking in an interview with Lemonade Stand on February 25, he addressed whether he is now viewing other games as potential film material. “Yes, but also, I have to be careful with that,” he said. “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.”

He added: “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.”

Markiplier explained that working within an existing universe is not as “challenging” for him as developing original concepts. However, he acknowledged that he may adapt another game for his next film, though he did not confirm any specific title.

The director has previously stated that he intends to continue making films, but indicated it could be several years before his next project reaches cinemas.