Curry Barker on 'Obsession' and Jason Blum's Horror Vision

A Rising Star in the Horror Genre

Curry Barker is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new voices in the horror genre. His work has captured the attention of industry leaders, including mega-producer Jason Blum, who has praised Barker as one of the most promising filmmakers in the field today. With his latest film, Obsession, now making its way to theaters, Barker took some time to share insights into the project, his creative process, and what's next for his career.

Collaborating with Cooper Tomlinson

Barker began by discussing his long-standing creative partnership with Cooper Tomlinson, who stars in Obsession alongside a talented group of new actors. Their collaboration dates back to their days in film school, where they first met and developed a shared passion for storytelling. After dropping out of school, the two decided to pursue filmmaking full-time. Together, they launched a sketch comedy brand called "That's A Bad Idea," which helped them build an online following and set the stage for future projects like Obsession.

The Success of Milk & Cereal

In another part of the conversation, Barker reflected on the breakout success of his low-budget horror film Milk & Cereal. The film gained significant traction online, introducing his work to a broader audience. When asked if the viral response marked the moment Hollywood started taking notice, Barker admitted that it was this project that pushed him into the mainstream conversation. He noted that industry publications and entertainment outlets began paying attention to his work and creative voice, marking a turning point in his career.

Recognition from Jason Blum

The momentum continued as Barker spoke about receiving early praise from influential horror producer Jason Blum. Blum has described Barker as one of the most exciting emerging voices in the genre. Barker expressed that the support has been deeply meaningful, adding that Blum has been "awesome" in championing his work. He also hinted that their relationship is not just a one-off collaboration, as they plan to continue working together on future projects as his profile in the horror space continues to grow.

Casting Michael Johnston as Bear

When it came to casting the lead role of Bear, played by Michael Johnston, Barker shared how he discovered the actor. Initially on a casting shortlist, Johnston stood out due to his extensive voiceover background, which Barker didn't even realize at first. What caught his attention most was the actor's compelling and emotionally textured voice. Barker also sensed a subtle edge of darkness in Johnston's presence, which made him feel that the actor was the perfect fit for Bear—a character requiring both vulnerability and an undercurrent of unease.

Navigating the Film's Intense Moments

Barker also discussed the more extreme elements of Obsession. One particular sequence involving the character Sarah nearly pushed the film into NC-17 territory. In its original cut, the scene was significantly more intense, forcing Barker to make adjustments to avoid the restrictive rating. He noted that while the moment remains one of the film's most charged, the changes were necessary to maintain the film's broader accessibility without losing the emotional and psychological weight that made the sequence effective.

Future Projects and Ambitions

Rounding out the conversation, Barker briefly touched on his ambitions beyond Obsession. He expressed a clear desire to continue expanding within the horror genre while also exploring new creative territory. He also teased upcoming work tied to A24's Texas Chainsaw Massacre project, as well as Anything But Ghosts, signaling a busy slate ahead as he builds on his momentum and continues shaping his voice across both established franchises and original material.

Now Playing in Theaters

Obsession is now playing in theaters, offering audiences a glimpse into the evolving world of horror through Barker's unique lens. As he continues to push boundaries and explore new narratives, it's clear that Curry Barker is a filmmaker to watch in the years to come.