A star from the breakout horror hit Obsession recently discussed the potential for a spinoff after the film’s unprecedented success at the box office.
Directed and penned by Curry Barker, Obsession emerged as one of the most unexpected successes of 2026. This supernatural horror thriller tells the story of Bear (played by Michael Johnston), a solitary music store worker who employs a mystical object called the One Wish Willow to make his love interest, Nikki (portrayed by Inde Navarrette), fall for him.
The situation escalates quickly when Nikki’s love turns into a perilous fixation. Produced on a shoestring budget of under $1 million, the movie has turned into a cultural touchstone and ranks among the top-earning horror films of the year.
Earlier in the month, Barker suggested the possibility of growing the franchise through an anthology series rather than a direct sequel, with each new installment exploring a unique narrative tied to the One Wish Willow. During an interview with Ash Crossan from ScreenRant for the film’s home release, Johnston expressed his excitement about this idea and hinted at possibly reprising his role, albeit as a different character. Below are his remarks:
“Are you kidding? I would absolutely love to. I even joked with Curry about using a prosthetic nose and coming back. That would be incredible. The anthology format sounds excellent. Curry is quite busy at the moment, which is well-deserved, but it seems like an obvious next step. I wouldn’t rule it out, but I can’t confirm anything. I just think it’s a fantastic idea. I was so intrigued when I first read the script and even looked up One Wish Willow online to see if it was real.”
When questioned about whether he would use the One Wish Willow himself, Johnston humorously dismissed the idea, noting the potential consequences of such wishes. Here’s what he said:
“No, I’d toss it into the fire, though I’m not sure what would happen if I did. Definitely not. I used to think I’d wish for a rule book to find out what wishes would benefit my friends and me, but I can see that going wrong too. Imagine a huge book falling from the sky and crushing me. So, no, I wouldn’t dare use it. It’s just too risky. Even wishing for a billion dollars in clean money would bring problems. ‘Where did this money come from?’ The government would just seize it. The only safe use might be to have some cash for dining out, but beyond that, what could you really do with it?”
Given Obsession‘s stellar box office performance, the anthology approach seems quite feasible. The film launched with strong reviews and positive buzz, eventually pulling in over $371 million globally and setting a new record for Focus Features.
The movie quickly became a viral phenomenon, with fans lauding its mix of psychological horror, dark comedy, and supernatural elements. This success has catapulted Barker into the spotlight as one of the most exciting new directors in the horror genre, alongside celebrated performances by Navarrette and Johnston.
A large part of the movie’s charm stems from Barker’s creation, the One Wish Willow. Like the cursed objects in classic horror stories, this artifact offers a simple yet versatile premise ripe for multiple narratives. Each wish brings unintended consequences, paving the way for future films to introduce new characters, settings, and plots while maintaining ties to the original mythos.
The concept has drawn parallels to iconic franchises like The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror, and The Monkey’s Paw, which all feature ordinary people facing extraordinary situations after making seemingly innocuous decisions. An anthology structure would allow Obsession to expand its universe without directly continuing Bear and Nikki’s story, making room for new actors and creative plots.
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a sequel or spinoff. However, considering the film’s successful box office run, Barker’s public musings about an anthology, and Johnston’s keen interest in participating further, the prospects for the franchise’s expansion look promising. If the One Wish Willow is revisited, it could unveil many more cautionary tales waiting within the Obsession saga.
Obsession is now available on VOD.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
