Hollywood studios are rapidly pursuing internet-originated content as they seek fresh sources for box office success. Last month, producer Roy Lee received multiple inquiries from different studios within a single day, all eager to develop a film based on a viral online character named Siren Head. Each studio viewed the IP as a potential blockbuster and sought Lee’s expertise to bring it to the big screen.

This surge of interest is linked to the significant commercial achievements of two recent low-budget horror movies, “Obsession” by Curry Barker and “Backrooms” by Kane Parsons, which have grossed $403 million and $349 million worldwide, respectively. Their unexpected box office performance has prompted studios to expand their search beyond traditional filmmaking channels, looking to internet shorts, memes, and independent video games as new content pipelines.

Lee, who leads Spooky Pictures in Los Angeles and helped produce three of Barker’s films before “Obsession” was released, explained that studios are shifting their strategy. Historically, they preferred collaborating with experienced filmmakers for safer bets, but the success of these internet-born projects has changed that approach. According to Lee, studio executives are now pressuring junior staff to discover and secure original creators with viral digital properties.

This trend reflects a growing industry effort to adapt to changing audience preferences and to capitalize on the viral nature of online media. Studios hope that by tapping into internet trends and emerging talent, they can develop properties with built-in fan bases and fresh creative perspectives, revitalizing box office offerings amid a competitive entertainment landscape.