Draft:In Space with Markiplier

In Space with Markiplier is a 2022 two-part interactive comedy-science-fiction film written and directed by Mark Fischbach, better known by his online pseudonym Markiplier. The film stars Fischbach, as well as Steve Taylor, Mick Lauer, Lio Tipton, Linda Bradshaw and Pamela Horton in major roles, with several other content creators having cameo roles.

The film is a spiritual successor to Fischbach's 2019 film A Heist with Markiplier, and follows Mark, the head engineer, handing over the command of Invincible II to the Captain (the audience's lens), but catastrophe soon strikes. Like Heist, it is split into several short videos, where each video has multiple end cards that will direct viewers to different timelines. Unlike his previous films, which branched into a variety of endings, both parts of In Space with Markiplier have fixed narrative endings as well as scenes the viewer is guaranteed to see, allowing for a cohesive narrative that spans across all possible paths.

Cast

 * Mark Fischbach as Mark
 * Jordan Bradley as Captain
 * Lio Tipton as Lady
 * Steve Taylor as Computer
 * Rosanna Pansino as Scientist
 * Morgan Simone as the Bandit
 * Arin Hanson as Narrator / Dr. Cecil H.H. Mills
 * Mick Lauer as Gunther B. Gunnerson / Detective
 * Pamela Horton as Celcionna F. Kelvina
 * Bob Muyskens as Burt
 * Wade Barnes as Wug / Wubba
 * Matthew Patrick as Mack / Theory Crew / Himself
 * Holt Boggs as Shuttle Pilot
 * Linda Bradshaw as Dorene L. Whitacre
 * Ethan Nestor as Agent Crank / Wormhole
 * Tyler Scheid as Agent Smiles
 * Brian Wecht as Ninja Crew
 * Dan Avidan as Sexy Crew
 * Robert Rexx as Diner Staff
 * Baldermort as Invincible Tower
 * Michael, Andrew, and Evan Gregory as Bam Bam, Sparkles McGhee, and Cue Tip
 * Mo Alfy as Joe / Murder Victim
 * Sara Burke as Widow / Window Guard
 * Carlos Pena, Roderick Loving, Jason Campbell, Judy Lee, Sophia Tinsley, Reggie Lussier, Kai Woodley, Gabriel Leite, Amani Alexander, Adam Weightman as Crew Members

Development
Fischbach teased the idea of a sequel to A Heist with Markiplier in a December 2019 interview. He said, "If I do it again, and I might, I would wanna do it in an even better way than I did this time. And I have no idea what that means, and I have no idea how to say that, but, you know, if I did it again I would wanna surpass what I've already made." Development began on a potential continuation. In June 2020, YouTube Originals announced their ordering of a second interactive special to be written by Fischbach and produced by Rooster Teeth.

In January 2021, it was announced that YouTube Originals would be reducing its slate of upcoming content. As In Space with Markiplier was already contracted and ordered, its production was not affected.

Filming
Similar to Heist, the film was produced by Rooster Teeth in Austin, Texas. Burning Tractor provided visual effects, with owner Wes Meyers working as visual effects supervisor. "TBD Post" provided post-production. Both companies were involved in these same roles in Heist.

Marketing
On September 3, 2021, the first animated teaser was uploaded to Mark's YouTube channel, revealing the film's official title. On December 11, 2021, a second teaser was unveiled at the 11th Streamy Awards. On March 4, 2022, the official trailer was released, announcing the release date of April 4, 2022, set to coincide with the 10 year anniversary of Fischbach's first YouTube video. Prior to the initial release, much of the nature of the series was not revealed, including its two-part structure. In addition to online promotional material, the film was advertised by billboards in several locations in the United States,  some of which mirrored promotional materials for prior YouTube Originals.

Reception
An estimated five hours after launch, Part One had 1.4 million views. As of April 30th, 2023 Part One sits around 20 million views while Part Two has 7.1 million.

In Space with Markiplier was popular with viewers, with both parts trending on YouTube after their respective releases. Part 1 received 1.4 million views in the first five hours, and two million views in two days for the second part.

The series also received coverage from Variety, who noted the film's popularity in contrast to YouTube shifting its focus away from original programming. . It was nominated in the 1st Children's and Family Emmy Awards for Outstanding Interactive Media.