Following the blockbuster success of Obsession, filmmaker Curry Barker has officially set up his next original horror project with Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Universal Film Group. According to the announcement, Barker will write, direct, and produce the untitled feature, which is based on an original idea developed from his own pitch. Plot details are currently being kept under wraps.
The project marks the latest collaboration between Curry Barker and some of the biggest names in the horror industry. The film comes to Universal through the filmmaker’s ongoing relationship with Blumhouse Atomic Monster, Roy Lee and Steven Schneider’s Spooky Pictures, and Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath’s Divide/Conquer. Universal Film Group will distribute the movie worldwide.
The announcement follows an extraordinary year for Barker, whose horror film Obsession became one of the biggest surprise box office stories of 2026. Produced on a reported budget of approximately $750,000, the film has gone on to gross around $286 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing release in the history of Focus Features and turning Barker into one of the most sought-after young filmmakers in Hollywood. Critics largely praised Obsession for its unsettling atmosphere, effective scares, and Barker’s confident direction, helping the film build strong word-of-mouth alongside its remarkable box office run.
Curry Barker’s rise accelerated dramatically after Obsession became one of 2026’s biggest sleeper horror hits, proving that original horror films can still become major theatrical events through strong word of mouth and audience support.
Donna Langley, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, praised Barker in a statement, highlighting his ability to connect with audiences. “His exceptional ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist, pairing an innate instinct for what resonates with audiences with extraordinary filmmaking prowess,” Langley said. “Curry’s talent is redefining what’s possible and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with him.”
Blumhouse Atomic Monster leaders Jason Blum and James Wan also expressed their enthusiasm for continuing to work with the filmmaker. “We’re proud to have a growing slate with Curry,” they said in a joint statement. “Getting to put this project in front of the fans his work speaks to is the whole reason we do this.”
The new project will be produced by Roy Lee and Steven Schneider through Spooky Pictures alongside Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath of Divide/Conquer. The producing teams have been involved in numerous successful horror films over the years, giving Barker’s latest feature a strong genre foundation even before any story details have been revealed.
The announcement comes as Barker’s profile continues to rise within the industry. Before Obsession, the filmmaker gained attention through his online horror work and the viral thriller Milk & Serial. Since the success of Obsession, he has quickly become one of the leading figures in a new generation of filmmakers who built audiences online before making the transition to studio-backed theatrical features.
Barker already has several major projects in development. His next completed feature, Anything But Ghosts, stars Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard and is currently in post-production. The filmmaker is also attached to direct a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film for A24, further cementing his status as one of horror’s fastest-rising talents. However, the focus shifts to Barker’s newly announced original horror film. While Universal, Blumhouse Atomic Monster, and the filmmaker are keeping story details secret, the project’s announcement signals continued confidence in Barker following the remarkable success of Obsession.
No release date, casting information, or production timeline has been announced.
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