Curry Barker Discusses His Passion for Horror, His Rise to Fame, and Future Collaborations with Jason Blum
Curry Barker: Rising Star in Horror Film
Curry Barker is quickly making a name for himself as one of the most exciting new voices in horror. Esteemed producer Jason Blum has praised Barker, highlighting him as a standout filmmaker in the genre. With his latest film, Obsession, now in theaters, Barker recently shared insights into his creative process and future aspirations.
Barker discussed his long-standing collaboration with Cooper Tomlinson, who stars in Obsession, along with a talented ensemble of emerging actors. Their partnership began in film school, where they decided to leave and pursue filmmaking full-time. After dropping out, the duo created content together and launched their sketch comedy brand "That’s A Bad Idea," which enhanced their online visibility and set the stage for projects like Obsession.
Reflecting on his earlier work, Barker noted the significant impact of his low-budget horror film Milk & Cereal, which gained a substantial online following. He believes this film was pivotal in bringing him into the mainstream, as industry publications and entertainment outlets began to take notice of his unique creative voice.
The momentum continued with early acclaim from Jason Blum, who has championed Barker’s work. This support has been profoundly meaningful to him, and he mentioned that their collaboration is just beginning, with plans for future projects that will further elevate his standing in the horror community.
In casting the lead role of Bear in Obsession, Barker detailed his discovery of actor Michael Johnston. Initially shortlisted, it was Johnston’s compelling voice and emotional depth that captivated Barker. He recognized a subtle darkness in Johnston’s presence that made him the ideal choice for Bear, a character requiring both vulnerability and unease.
Barker also revealed that one scene in Obsession nearly pushed the film into NC-17 territory due to its intensity. While the original cut was more extreme, adjustments were made to maintain the film’s accessibility without sacrificing the emotional impact of the moment.
Looking ahead, Barker expressed a desire to engage more deeply with the horror genre while exploring new creative avenues. He hinted at upcoming projects tied to A24’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Anything But Ghosts, promising a busy future as he continues to shape his distinctive voice in both established franchises and original works.
Obsession is currently showing in theaters.
