Curry Barker's 'Anything But Ghosts' Locked for May 2027 Release
Focus Features and Blumhouse have set a May 7, 2027, release date for 'Anything But Ghosts,' the horror-comedy follow-up to Curry Barker's breakout hit 'Obsession.' The film, co-written and starred by Barker and Cooper Tomlinson, follows wannabe ghosthunters in a story set within the same universe as its predecessor. With a reported budget of approximately $5 million, the project aims to capitalize on the massive box office success of 'Obsession,' which grossed over $519 million worldwide against a budget of less than $1 million.
Key points
- Release Date: May 7, 2027, via Focus Features (worldwide) and Universal Pictures International (international).
- Cast & Crew: Directed by Curry Barker; co-written and starred by Barker and Cooper Tomlinson; features Violet McGraw, Chris Reinacher, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Aaron Paul.
- Production Details: Budgeted at approximately $5 million; produced by Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Spooky Pictures, and Divide/Conquer.
- Box Office Context: Predecessor 'Obsession' grossed $519 million worldwide, achieving a rare 39% second-weekend jump and becoming Focus Features' highest-grossing film.
- Development: Script and shoot were completed before 'Obsession' became a phenomenon; Barker noted the new film is 'very different' but retains his distinct voice.
Background
This announcement follows the unprecedented success of 'Obsession,' which was acquired by Focus Features out of the 2025 Toronto Film Festival for $15 million and subsequently became the highest-grossing film ever acquired from a festival. The new release date mirrors the launch window of 'Obsession,' which debuted in mid-May 2026. Earlier coverage confirmed the film is set in the same universe as its predecessor, a detail highlighted by Deadline.
How outlets are covering it
Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline all confirm the May 7, 2027, date and the core cast/crew details. The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes the film's $5 million budget and notes that Barker and Tomlinson sold the script and shot the feature before 'Obsession' became a phenomenon. Deadline provides additional box office context, noting 'Obsession's' $263.4 million domestic total and its status as Focus Features' top-grossing film. Variety highlights the critical acclaim of 'Obsession,' including Oscar buzz for co-star Inde Navarrette. All sources agree on the distribution rights held by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International.
Why it matters
The success of 'Obsession' demonstrated the viability of low-budget, high-concept horror-comedies in the current market. 'Anything But Ghosts' represents a strategic move to leverage this momentum, with a modest $5 million budget designed to maximize profit potential. The film's placement in the same universe as 'Obsession' suggests a potential franchise or anthology direction, which Barker has previously discussed in interviews.
What to watch
Marketing campaigns for 'Anything But Ghosts' are expected to ramp up in late 2026. The film will compete with other major releases in the May 2027 window, including Lionsgate's 'The Resurrection of the Christ (Part One)' and 20th Century Studios' 'Beach Read.' Universal Pictures International will handle international distribution, while Focus Features manages worldwide rights.
- Curry Barker's 'Anything But Ghosts' Sets May 2027 Release Date Variety
- Curry Barker and Cooper Tomlinson’s ‘Anything But Ghosts’ Set for May 2027 The Hollywood Reporter
- OBSESSION Director’s Next Horror Movie Officially Has A Release Date Yahoo
- Curry Barker’s Next Movie ‘Anything But Ghosts’ Sets May 2027 Release Deadline
- Curry Barker’s ‘Anything But Ghosts’ Locks May 2027 Release by Focus TheWrap
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