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Curry Barker Signs Eight‑Figure Universal‑Blumhouse Deal as Obsession Tops $300 Million

Keeping Barker in the Universal and Blumhouse orbit, the agreement reflects studios’ move to protect theatrical runs and capitalize on youth‑driven micro‑budget hits.

Overview

  • Obsession has now passed roughly $300 million at the worldwide box office, reaching about $297.4–300 million after a rare string of weekend gains that expanded its audience.
  • Focus Features and Universal have delayed the film’s planned streaming window and extended its theatrical play to preserve momentum and box‑office returns.
  • On Friday, reports said Barker closed a reported rich eight‑figure deal with Universal Film Group and Blumhouse Atomic Monster to write, produce and direct an original horror film.
  • Barker already has a second feature, Anything But Ghosts, in post‑production for Focus and Blumhouse and it features Barker alongside actors including Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard.
  • The film’s rise from a roughly $750,000 budget to a record‑setting festival acquisition and Focus’s top earner has prompted studios to court internet‑native filmmakers and rework acquisition and release strategies.