If it worked for "Iron Lung," it could work for "The Amazing Digital Circus" too.

In 2023, an independent animation created by Gooseworx was launched on the Glitch Productions YouTube channel. "The Amazing Digital Circus" follows the story of humans trapped inside a circus-themed virtual reality simulation. Each character has personal traumas to overcome, all while dealing with an artificial intelligence bot trying to keep them trapped. On top of that, they must try to keep it together to keep themselves from becoming uncontrollable, digital monsters referred to as "abstractions." Since its release, the series has reached a sizable audience and has become one of the most-watched independent animated series on the video platform. Its pilot episode, as of writing, has amassed a total of 426 million views. With eight episodes available to watch online, all released episodes have a total view count of over 1.2 billion. Its finale is set to air next month on June 19, 2026, but some viewers will be fortunate enough to catch it earlier in theaters in select locations.

Since its theater release announcement, fans of the show worldwide have clamored for theatrical screenings in their locations. Some have also voiced their dismay over why an earlier theatrical release was even considered, given how not everyone has access to cinemas that could screen the independent project in their area. Glitch CEO Lerd Whichagul has responded as to why they want a theatrical run for "The Amazing Digital Circus" through an online statement. "The reason why we're pushing for any of this at all is because this one event has the entire potential to change how the entire industry views indie animation," writes Kevin. "If this works, if we get a YouTube animated series into thousands of theaters globally, it opens the door not just for us, but for many creators, many projects, and the future of original, creator-led storytelling."

Already, theaters in the US have had to expand their screenings for "The Amazing Digital Circus" after seats sold out quickly. Shows in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Venezuela have also been announced. While the show is available to watch on YouTube and Netflix, there is a growing demand to catch the unique characters on the big screen. This isn't the first time cinemas have been asked to screen independent projects by popular demand. Earlier this year, the release of YouTuber Markiplier's debut film "Iron Lung" led thousands of Filipinos to call for its local screening. And sure enough, their efforts paid off after "Iron Lung" had a successful run worldwide and in local theaters. To an average moviegoer, it begs the question, "Why should we screen 'The Amazing Digital Circus' in local theaters?"

As Kevin mentioned, to have such a project screen in theaters shows how powerful independent works can thrive if given a chance. We've seen it work for many online pilots, with a handful eventually getting picked up by streaming services or network television. Vivziepop's "Hazbin Hotel" and "Helluva Boss" series are the prime examples. Locally, we have projects like Rocketsheep Studio's "Hayop Ka!" as well as their upcoming "Zsazsa Zaturnnah" film to refer to. There are also several animated works featured in local film festivals like QCinema and Cinemalaya that audiences resonate with. These are all works made by creatives who have a vision that they want to share with the world through independent efforts. Keeping things indie lets them keep their vision as their own and gives them full creative control, free from network executives forcing in jokes or unnecessary storylines. Plus, supporting these projects proves that there is a demand for new, enticing works that aren't just recycled storylines, reboots, or dried-out sequels from mega franchises. 

Already, there are local fan efforts to try to get local theaters to run "The Amazing Digital Circus" finale on the big screen. A Change.org petition has already received over 3,204 verified signatures. An email campaign similar to what Markiplier fans did to get "Iron Lung" screenings to become a reality has also spread online. If all things go well, we might just thank "The Amazing Digital Circus" for adding even more fuel to local demand for independent works to thrive.