‘Obsession’ Sequel Talks Haven’t Happened… Yet
Focus Features took a big chance on Curry Barker‘s romantic horror phenomenon Obsession, and that gamble has paid off in spectacular fashion.
The film continues its Cinderella run at the box office, having now topped $150 million domestically and more than $225 million worldwide. While the production budget was a remarkably modest $750,000, it’s important to note that Obsession wasn’t simply a $750,000 movie that magically turned into a blockbuster. Focus Features reportedly acquired the film for $15 million and then poured millions more into marketing and distribution.
Still, there’s no way around it: this was a massive swing by Focus Features, and it connected in a way few could have predicted. Obsession isn’t just a hit. It’s one of the biggest horror success stories of all time.
Even more impressive is the film’s staying power. Nearly three weeks into release, Obsession continues to grow. This weekend, the film dropped just 7%, adding another $25 million to its total and cementing itself as one of the most surprising horror breakouts in modern box office history.
Even before Obsession hit theaters, Barker had already lined up a slate of new projects. The filmmaker’s second feature for Focus Features, Anything But Ghosts, is currently in post-production and expected to arrive next year. He’s also developing the new The Texas Chain Saw Massacre film for A24, meaning one of horror’s hottest young filmmakers already has plenty on his plate.
At this point, everyone in Hollywood seems eager to work with Barker, who has proven himself to be a talent well beyond his years.
So what about Obsession?
The truth is, I don’t think we even need to have the conversation about whether there will be a sequel. There will be. There will probably be a series at some point, too, as Barker has previously teased. The real question isn’t if it’s happening. It’s when.
That brings us to a new interview with Obsession producer James Harris of Tea Shop Productions, one of the key creative forces behind the film whose contributions have sometimes been overshadowed by the larger brands of Atomic Monster and Blumhouse.
Harris, whose producing credits include 47 Meters Down, Fall, and the upcoming Fall 2, has been making the press rounds following the film’s explosive success. Speaking with Variety, he revealed something somewhat surprising: there haven’t been any official conversations yet about Obsession 2.
“I’m sure there’ll be an Obsession 2 conversation sooner rather than later,” says Harris. “But let’s see when Curry is even available to make it, because I’m sure he’s having more meetings that he knows what to do with at this stage.”
Considering how busy Barker has been, and how everyone involved is still enjoying the unprecedented success of the first film, that’s probably not as shocking as it sounds. As I said above, I think most people simply assume it’s going to happen. It’s just a matter of when.
The bigger question mark may be whether Barker returns to direct.
Personally, I could easily see him writing and producing the sequel while focusing his attention on some of the larger projects currently on his schedule. Depending on how busy he gets, I could also see him handing the baton to another filmmaker to take the reins.
Maybe Cooper Tomlinson gets a shot at it. Wink wink.
For now, though, it sounds like everyone is still enjoying the ride before deciding where Obsession goes next.
One thing seems certain: audiences aren’t done obsessing over Obsession anytime soon.
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