Obsession director Curry Barker has landed a deal with Universal Film Group and Blumhouse Atomic Monster, under which Barker will write, direct, and produce his third feature for both studios. This is also the third film that Universal has backed for Barker, with his breakout feature, Obsession, being released by Universal’s Focus Features, which is also behind his upcoming second project, Anything But Ghosts, that Barker wrote, directed, and will star in.
While all details for the new feature are under wraps, it is said to be an original Barker horror idea that he pitched to Universal. NBCUniversal Entertainment chairman Donna Langley made a statement to The Hollywood Reporter regarding the deal, stating,
Barker has an exceptional ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist, pairing an innate instinct for what resonates with audiences with extraordinary filmmaking prowess. [His] talent is redefining what’s possible and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with him.
Blumhouse Atomic Monster duo James Wan and Jason Blum wrote in a joint statement about the deal, explaining,
With Obsession, Curry did what only a handful of filmmakers manage in a generation: he made something wholly original that connected with a massive audience, and that connection is what we care about most. The best filmmakers can work anywhere, and we are proud to have a growing slate with Curry. Getting to put this project in front of the fans his work speaks to is the whole reason we do this.
Barker expressed his excitement over the deal as well in his own statement, writing,
This film is something I’ve been excited to make for a while, 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.
Universal Film Group is set to distribute Barker’s new project worldwide.
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