Fresh off the unprecedented success of Obsession, filmmaker Curry Barker is already looking ahead to his next big-screen venture. The director, who became a household name in horror circles almost overnight, has officially locked in a release date for his upcoming project, Anything But Ghosts. The film, which blends horror with buddy-comedy energy, is set to hit theaters on May 7, 2027—nearly a year to the day after Obsession first terrified audiences worldwide.
Barker's follow-up boasts a star-studded cast, headlined by Breaking Bad icon Aaron Paul. Joining him are Bryce Dallas Howard and Violet McGraw, alongside Barker's longtime collaborator Cooper Tomlinson. The film's logline teases a chaotic premise: "When a group of fame-seeking wannabe ‘ghosthunters’ find themselves in over their heads, things spiral wildly and terrifyingly out of control."
For Barker, this project marks a return to his roots. Before Obsession turned him into a cinematic sensation, he built a following on YouTube with sketch comedy. Anything But Ghosts sees him step back in front of the camera, embracing that comedic sensibility while still delivering the scares that made his name. It's a tonal shift that could surprise fans, but given his track record, it's a gamble worth taking.
The release date announcement comes as Obsession continues its awards-season run. The film, which shattered box office records—becoming the highest-grossing non-animated original film of the past decade and the highest-grossing original horror movie of this century—has earned critical acclaim, with Inde Navarrette's performance as Nikki Freeman drawing particular praise. Many are also rooting for Barker to snag a Best Director nomination, though he seems more focused on what's next.
Universal Pictures International will handle international distribution for Anything But Ghosts, while Focus Features retains worldwide rights. The producing team includes heavy hitters like Jason Blum, Roy Lee, and Steven Schneider, with Barker, Tomlinson, and Ben Ross serving as executive producers. This pedigree suggests the project is in very good hands.
While Obsession was a solo directorial effort, Anything But Ghosts feels like a collaborative passion project. Barker and Tomlinson have a long history together, and their on-screen chemistry could be a major draw. The addition of Paul, Howard, and McGraw adds mainstream appeal, potentially broadening the film's reach beyond the horror faithful.
For those who can't wait until 2027, there are plenty of ways to get your horror fix. If you're looking for something in the vein of Obsession, you might want to stream this free horror gem that's been called a perfect follow-up. Or, if you're in the mood for a deep dive, check out A24's most essential horror films—a list that's sure to keep you up at night.
As the release date approaches, expect more details to emerge about Anything But Ghosts. With a cast like this and Barker's unique vision, it's shaping up to be one of the most anticipated horror-comedies of the decade. Mark your calendars for May 7, 2027—you won't want to miss what Barker has up his sleeve.
