“Anything But Ghosts” Set for May 2027 Release, Follow-up to Barker's “Obsession”
Filmmakers Curry Barker and Cooper Tomlinson are poised to release their latest collaboration, “Anything But Ghosts,” on May 7, 2027. Distributed by Focus Features, this upcoming horror-comedy arrives on the heels of Barker’s record-breaking success with “Obsession,” a film that shattered box office expectations and became the studio's top-grossing movie. "Anything But Ghosts" promises a distinct cinematic experience, diverging from its predecessor while retaining Barker's unique directorial vision, and stars both Barker and Tomlinson in lead roles.
The concept for "Anything But Ghosts" originated prior to the widespread acclaim of “Obsession.” Barker and Tomlinson, long-standing creative partners, penned the screenplay and completed principal photography on the project before “Obsession” transformed into a global phenomenon. The new feature casts the duo as aspiring paranormal investigators who find themselves entangled in an escalating series of terrifying and chaotic events. With a modest production budget of around $5 million, the film also features a talented ensemble cast including Aaron Paul, Bryce Dallas Howard, Violet McGraw, and Chris Reinacher.
Barker and Tomlinson's journey began with their digital channel, That’s a Bad Idea, where their comedic sketches garnered significant attention. Their viral horror short, “Milk and Serial,” an $800 production, further propelled Barker's directing career. Focus Features, which secured the distribution rights for “Obsession” at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival for $15 million, holds global distribution rights for “Anything But Ghosts,” with Universal Pictures International handling overseas distribution. Universal has become a consistent home for Barker's work, also backing his subsequent original feature.
Producers for “Anything But Ghosts” include Jason Blum representing Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Roy Lee and Steven Schneider from Spooky Pictures, and Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath of Divide/Conquer. The film is a collaborative effort with Image Nation and That’s a Bad Idea. Barker and Tomlinson serve as executive producers alongside Daniel Bekerman and Image Nation’s Ben Ross.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Barker reflected on the challenges and excitement of editing “Anything But Ghosts” from his apartment while “Obsession” was achieving unprecedented success. He expressed gratitude for his support system, which reassured him of the unique qualities of “Anything But Ghosts.” Barker emphasized that while the new film would offer a different narrative and tone compared to “Obsession,” his distinctive artistic style would remain prominently featured. "Obsession" garnered over $500 million globally and is currently a strong contender in awards discussions, cementing its place as the fifth highest-grossing horror film worldwide.
The forthcoming release of "Anything But Ghosts" represents a significant moment for Curry Barker and Cooper Tomlinson, offering audiences a fresh yet familiar cinematic voice after the immense success of their previous endeavor. The film’s development predating its predecessor’s triumph highlights the independent spirit and creative drive of these two collaborators, promising a unique and engaging addition to the horror-comedy genre.
