Why did Markiplier get rejected by Hollywood?

Mark Fischbach, known as Markiplier, is one of the most influential content creators on YouTube, boasting over 37 million subscribers and millions of loyal fans. In 2019, he pitched "The Edge of Sleep," an adaptation of his popular podcast that garnered 6 million downloads, to major Hollywood platforms. Markiplier's team believed that this success would translate well to television, especially with Markiplier set to reprise his role as the lead character. 

However, major studios and streaming platforms completely dismissed the project. Undeterred, Markiplier and his team decided to self-finance the adaptation. They managed to complete the filming during the pandemic, with New Regency, the studio behind Oscar-winning films like The Revenant and Bohemian Rhapsody, stepping in to finance the remainder of the budget.

The Response: 

After its completion, the team pitched "The Edge of Sleep" again in 2023, but Hollywood platforms still passed on the series. Eventually, Markiplier turned to Amazon Prime Video, which acquired the rights but failed to provide substantial promotional support. The series premiered on October 15, 2024, three days earlier than planned, without an official trailer or promotional campaign.

After Markiplier hosted a three-hour live stream for his fans, urging them to rate and support the project, the show quickly rose to No.7 by the weekend, highlighting his fanbase's power. But many were still scratching their heads as to why Amazon has not made a major push for the (seemingly) very popular show.

Why so harsh, Hollywood?

It's not that major platforms are unwilling to greenlight creator-led projects. MrBeast is about to release Beast Games, a show that Amazon Studios reportedly paid $100 million for. Tubi also just approved several creator-driven projects under its Issa Rae X Stubios initiative, described as “A Fan-Fueled Studio for Aspiring Filmmakers.”

However, issues at creator-led projects have emerged. In September, at least five contestants filed a class-action lawsuit alleging they were “shamelessly exploited” during the production of Beast Games. A recent article highlighted how poor production practices often plague creator-led projects transitioning to mainstream media, as creators are unfamiliar with union rules. But this is hardly enough of a reason for such a fan fave, Markiplier, to get the cold shoulder from the Hollywood big guns.

Creator Ryan Ng offers an interesting video essay on this exact topic: Why YouTubers Will NEVER Be Mainstream. Maybe YouTubers need to stop trying to get into Hollywood and just focus on what they are good at: becoming hella BIGGER than Hollywood. 

How did Susan Wojcicki change YouTube?

In 2006, Google’s Susan Wojcicki pitched a bold idea: “Google should buy YouTube” for $1.65 billion. Despite skepticism, the gamble paid off—by 2023, YouTube was generating $31.5 billion annually. In 2014, Susan Wojcicki became YouTube’s CEO, launching a "golden age" for the platform.

With just a camera and a computer, creators could reach millions and reshape the media landscape. Unknown talents became stars overnight with viral hits like “Hot Felon,” “Apparently Kid,” and Tatia Pilieva’s emotional short film “First Kiss.” The year marked an explosion of new channels as creators shared their stories, skills, and passions—from DIY projects to personal art—captivating audiences worldwide.

However, Wojcicki’s vision of a democratized platform reveals a lingering issue: nearly two decades after its launch, men still dominate YouTube’s top ranks. Why, on a platform intended for everyone, are female creators underrepresented at the top?

Discover the story behind YouTube’s gender gap. Read more here and check out our new investigative podcast Who Killed the Female YouTube Star?