Horror franchises often stumble by trying to supersize what made them great. A tight, clever concept gets stretched into a bloated sequel with bigger budgets and bigger mythology—and often, a bigger mess. But Obsession, the indie horror hit built around a wish-granting service called One Wish Willow, sidesteps that trap. Its core idea—that desire itself is the monster—is so flexible it could fuel endless stories. And writer-director Curry Barker has a plan that could make it horror's answer to the greatest anthology series ever made.
In a recent chat with ScreenRant, Barker revealed he's already dreaming beyond a traditional sequel. While he has a concept for a follow-up film, his most exciting idea is an eight-episode television anthology. Each episode would center on a different person making a wish, with the One Wish Willow as the constant thread. "I'd love the idea of a TV show, which is eight episodes. Each episode is a wish," Barker said. It's a pitch that understands the secret sauce of Obsession: the wish itself is the star, not any single character.
Why an Anthology Format Fits 'Obsession' Perfectly
Barker's vision sidesteps a common franchise pitfall: forcing every idea into a feature-length mold. "Some wishes don't deserve an hour and 45 minutes," he noted. "Some wishes should only be a 60-minute thing." That flexibility is key. An anthology lets each story breathe at its own pace—some tight and twisty, others sprawling and psychological. It also opens the door for other filmmakers to direct episodes, bringing fresh styles like body horror, dark comedy, or sci-fi into the mix. The rules of the One Wish Willow stay consistent, but the storytelling can evolve wildly.
This approach echoes the best anthology series in TV history, from The Twilight Zone to Black Mirror. Each episode stands alone, yet they're united by a central theme: the dangerous allure of getting what you think you want. For fans of Stephen King's 'The Institute', which also explores dark desires, this feels like a natural next step for horror storytelling.
The Twist That Changes Everything: Happy Endings?
The most intriguing part of Barker's pitch came when actor Michael Johnston asked if any episode could have a happy ending. Barker's reply was tantalizing: "Who knows? Maybe there's an episode where it really works out, and you're waiting for something crazy to happen, and it just never does." That uncertainty is a game-changer. Most wish-gone-wrong stories follow a predictable arc—the wish backfires, the character suffers. But if viewers can't assume every wish is doomed, the tension becomes deliciously unpredictable. Every episode becomes a guessing game: will this one break the pattern?
That kind of narrative playfulness is rare in horror, where audiences often anticipate the twist long before it arrives. By subverting expectations, Barker could keep viewers on edge, never sure if a happy ending is a trap or a genuine reprieve. It's a smart way to keep the anthology fresh across eight episodes.
A Universe of Possibilities
Barker's anthology idea also taps into a universal truth: everyone wants something. Fame, revenge, wealth, love, youth—the One Wish Willow can grant any desire, but at a cost. That premise allows the series to explore different characters and settings without feeling repetitive. One episode might follow a desperate actor seeking stardom; another could center on a grieving spouse wishing for a second chance. The horror comes not from a masked killer but from the dark side of human longing.
For fans of 'Jessica Jones', which also delved into psychological trauma and desire, this anthology could offer a similarly character-driven horror experience. And with the success of A24's 'Backrooms', there's clearly an appetite for innovative horror that breaks the mold.
Barker's vision is still just a wish—no official greenlight yet. But if it comes true, Obsession could become the anthology series horror fans have been craving. We'd use our One Wish Willow wish to make it happen.
