After the blockbuster success of his debut feature “Obsession,” Curry Barker‘s next film, an original horror concept, is set up with Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Universal Film Group.
Barker will write, direct and produce his third feature which comes to Universal Film through the filmmaker’s relationship with Blumhouse Atomic Monster, Roy Lee and Steven Schneider’s Spooky Pictures and Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath’s Divide/Conquer. It’s based on an original idea from a pitch from Barker, and plot details are under wraps.
Barker’s second film, “Anything But Ghosts,” is currently in post-production for Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Focus Features, which released “Obsession.”
Said Barker, “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.”
“Curry Barker has an exceptional ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist, pairing an innate instinct for what resonates with audiences with extraordinary filmmaking prowess,” said NBCUniversal Entertainment Chairman Donna Langley. “Barker’s talent is redefining what’s possible and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with him.”
“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,” said Blumhouse Atomic Monster’s James Wan and Jason Blum in a joint statement.
Blumhouse Atomic Monster, Spooky Pictures and Divide/Conquer had already signed onto “Anything But Ghosts” even before “Obsession” premiered in Toronto. Blumhouse Atomic Monster then came on board “Obsession” as an executive producer.
“Obsession” has become Focus Features’ highest-grossing release of all time and is expected to surpass $300 million worldwide this weekend.
Barker’s third film will be distributed worldwide by Universal Film Group.
Barker directs and stars in “Anything But Ghosts” which he co-wrote alongside Cooper Tomlinson, who also stars. Co-stars include Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard in the story of two fraudulent paranormal investigators who are forced to face real ghosts and the lies underpinning their business.
Barker is repped by Underground, United Talent Agency, The Lede Company, and Yorn Levine.
News of the deal was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
