Michael Johnston responded to the possibility of a sequel to the breakout horror film ‘Obsession,’ stating that although it was extremely successful at the box office, no plans are in place for one. The 30-year-old actor discussed returning to the film but recognised difficulties in rehashing it.Johnston recently reflected on the film’s unexpected success and discussed the franchise’s future direction. While expressing openness to the idea of returning, he made his current stance clear to audiences. “Look, it’s a magical world. Anything can happen. I would love that. I will say, there’s no plan for that. Also, I don’t know how many people would want Bear back. I think the general consensus is that he kind of got what he deserved,” he stated on the ‘I’ve Never Said This Before’ podcast.The film’s alternate ending that never made it to theatres
Michael Johnston says there are currently no plans for an Obsession sequel, despite the horror film’s breakout success.Image credit (Instagram)
Michael Johnston offered a humorous take on what a sequel might look like if one were to be made. He joked that his own concept would center on Bear’s parents returning to town to discover what happened to their son, only to inadvertently encounter the same supernatural force that afflicted him. Despite the comedic pitch, he emphasised that writer-director Curry Barker has a different vision for expanding the story.
Curry Barker’s anthology concept excites Michael Johnston
Michael Johnston expressed particular enthusiasm for Barker’s proposed direction for the franchise. “Curry’s idea of having it be an anthology series is really, really cool. All different stories. I’d love to see a wish gone right,” the actor said, indicating that he would prefer an anthology approach rather than a direct sequel exploring the same characters and narrative.
Writer-director Curry Barker and actor Michael Johnston have addressed the future of Obsession, revealing there are currently no plans for a direct sequel while teasing the possibility of an anthology approach.Image credit (Instagram)
Michael Johnston reflects on Nikki and Bear’s relationship
Elsewhere in the interview, Johnston reflected on one of the film’s central narrative questions: whether Nikki, portrayed by Inde Navarrette, ever truly harboured genuine feelings for Bear. “That’s a great question, and I never even asked myself that until way after we were done shooting,” he admitted.Looking back at the production, Johnston described his character’s fundamental insecurity as a barrier to believing in Nikki’s authentic affection. “Bear never believed Nikki could genuinely have feelings for him because of the character’s deep lack of confidence,” he explained. After filming concluded, conversations with Navarrette, 25, and Barker, 26, provided him with new perspective on the character dynamics.According to Johnston’s recollection, both Navarrette and Barker believed Nikki had been subtly expressing her feelings before becoming frustrated with Bear’s inability to reciprocate openly. “Navarrette told him she played Nikki as someone who wanted him to be honest, but ultimately lost patience when he couldn’t,” Johnston recounted of their post-production discussions.
Michael Johnston discussed Bear’s relationship with Nikki and revealed new details about the film’s original ending.Image credit (Instagram)
The film’s alternate ending that never made it to theatres
Johnston also revealed that audiences nearly witnessed a substantially different conclusion to the film. “There are a couple different moments that we played with. The big one would be… Nikki’s about to decide at the end. The first thing we did was actually film the gun going off and the blood splatter. It was practical, it was so gruesome, and it was devastating,” he described of the original filmed version.That darker version, in which Nikki perishes, was ultimately abandoned in favour of the ending shown in the final released film, where Nikki survives. Johnston revealed that Navarrette’s emotionally powerful performance in the film’s final scene was achieved in just one take, demonstrating the actress’s commitment to the material and the filmmakers’ satisfaction with her work.
Inde Navarrette said she prefers connecting with fans in person rather than following the film’s online reactions.Image credit (Instagram)
Inde Navarrette’s approach to the film’s success
The film’s breakout success has also resonated with Navarrette, who has deliberately avoided engaging with online discussions surrounding the movie despite its growing cultural prominence. “It’s the beginning of a new process and a new step in my career, and I really want to make sure that I’m protecting myself first while also giving thanks to everybody who loves the movie,” she said when discussing her approach to the film’s reception.Navarrette explained that her deliberate distance from social media conversations has enhanced the meaning of direct fan interactions. “Whatever I get in person, then it allows me to physically see that person, receive what they’re saying and to say ‘thank you’ to them directly,” she stated, emphasising how in-person connections provide more authentic appreciation of audience support.‘Obsession’ remains in select theatrical locations and is available for digital purchase on various platforms.
