Full Breakdown
Curry Barker Secures Eight-Figure Deal with Universal for Third Studio Horror Film
6/21/2026, 10:20:18 PM
Core Deal: Eight-Figure Contract for Untitled Horror Project
Universal Film Group has offered director Curry Barker an eight-figure contract to produce his third studio horror film, an untitled “original horror idea” unrelated to his prior work.
Background & Context: YouTube Roots to Box-Office Hits
Barker, a former YouTube creator, released the found-footage feature *Milk And Serial* in 2024 after failing to secure distribution. Fan enthusiasm helped fund *Obsession*, which premiered at TIFF in 2025 and later outperformed *The Mandalorian* and *Grogu* domestically. His second studio film, *Anything But Ghosts*, was produced with Universal-owned Focus Features. Throughout, Barker has partnered with horror specialist Blumhouse under its Atomic Monster banner.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- 2024: *Milk And Serial* released on YouTube.
- 2025: *Obsession* debuts at TIFF; Focus Features acquires rights.
- Early 2026: *Obsession* dominates domestic box office, rivaling *Backrooms* and Spielberg’s *Disclosure Day*, trailing only *Toy Story 5*.
- Mid-2026: Universal announces eight-figure deal for Barker’s third film.
- 2026-2027: Production planned for untitled horror film; potential Texas Chainsaw Massacre project for A24.
Data & Statistics
The deal is reported to be eight figures (minimum $10 million). *Obsession* delivered a “better than 300-to-1” return on investment. Its domestic earnings placed it ahead of *The Mandalorian* and *Grogu* and neck-and-neck with *Disclosure Day*, trailing only *Toy Story 5* for the weekend. The eight-figure figure represents a major studio commitment to a relatively new filmmaker.
Key Figures & Groups
Official Statements & Responses
Barker said he is excited to make the new film and praised his collaboration with Blumhouse and Universal as a “home for bold, original storytelling,” expressing confidence in the studios’ support.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This film is something I’ve been excited to make for a while,” — Curry Barker, Director
- “And I’m thrilled to be reteaming with Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Universal Film Group for it. They’ve built the kind of home for bold, original storytelling that every filmmaker dreams of, and I couldn’t imagine better collaborators for this film.” — Curry Barker, Director
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The announcement provides no plot details for the untitled horror film, and it is unclear how Barker will balance this project with the reported A24 *Texas Chainsaw Massacre* commitment. No official release date has been announced.
What’s Next: Production Outlook
The untitled film is slated to begin production later in 2026 under the joint banner of Universal and Blumhouse. Barker’s schedule also includes work on the A24 *Texas Chainsaw Massacre* sequel, though timelines for that effort remain undisclosed.
