Curry Barker Balances Box-Office Triumph with a Measured Path Forward for “Obsession”

“Obsession,” released May 15, 2025 by Focus Features, turned a $750,000 budget into a global gross of $286.49 million (Box Office Mojo) or $265 million (Variety), the studio’s highest-grossing release. It earned $19 million in its fifth domestic weekend, marking four consecutive weeks above its $17 million debut. Commentators cite the earnings as a catalyst for awards talk, likening the trajectory to Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” and noting a possible Best Director nomination for Barker.

Variety Magazine

When asked about a follow-up, Barker said he is not in a rush to begin “Obsession 2.” He emphasized a desire to protect the story’s integrity and indicated that a later release would still attract audience interest. He has not set a specific timeline, but repeatedly stressed that a sequel will not be produced immediately.

Curry Barker Already Has a “Cool Idea” for ‘Obsession 2’

Barker floated an anthology series where each episode follows a new character who finds the One Wish Willow, calling the premise “a lot more to be done.” He also confirmed a new “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” entry, saying he would only proceed if it feels fresh while respecting the original. In a separate interview, he said the curse lies in the wish itself, not the Willow, and that a carefully worded wish could avoid disaster, shifting the film’s focus from a cursed object to the moral cost of controlling another’s autonomy.

‘Obsession’ Director Curry Barker Reveals the One Wish Willow Isn’t Actually Cursed

The film’s unprecedented box-office performance, combined with its genre-bending narrative, positions “Obsession” as a case study for how low-budget horror can influence studio branding, awards strategies, and audience expectations for original storytelling.

Variety Magazine

Sources differ on the total worldwide gross ($286.49 million vs. $265 million) and on the fifth-weekend domestic earnings ($19 million versus the $17 million opening figure). No official clarification has been issued, leaving the exact numbers unsettled.

Variety Magazine

• “I don’t want to go straight into Obsession 2. I have such a cool idea for it that I won’t say. I’m not saying it has to be five, six years from now. But I think people would be just as excited for it if it came a little down the road. It’s a whirlwind and I’m trying to figure it out.” — Curry Barker, Director

Curry Barker Already Has a “Cool Idea” for ‘Obsession 2’

• “This just happens to be a premise where there is a lot more to be done. It's not really a sequel,” — Curry Barker, Director

IGN Entertainment

• “I wouldn’t be interested if I didn’t think I could find a way in that feels fresh and new, while still respecting the original," Barker explained.” — Curry Barker, Director

IGN Entertainment

• “I wish they understood that we’re tired of slop. We want good movies back. People are still hungry for movies that are original without some big IP, as long as the story is good.” — Curry Barker, Director

‘Obsession’ Director Curry Barker Says Gen Z Is “Tired of Slop” and Demands Better Movies

Barker’s upcoming slate includes development of the anthology series, his “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” entry, and an as-yet-unspecified schedule for “Obsession 2.” Observers will monitor how the film’s awards campaign proceeds alongside these expansions.

IGN Entertainment