'Obsession' director Curry Barker lands new horror deal with Blumhouse Universal

• Barker will write, direct and produce the untitled horror film for Universal
• 'Obsession' is on track to surpass $300 million worldwide this weekend
• 'Anything But Ghosts' stars Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard and is in post-production

Director Curry Barker is set to make his third feature film — an untitled original horror project — with Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Universal Film Group, riding the wave of his debut feature Obsession becoming Focus Features' highest-grossing release of all time.

The deal was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter.

What the new project involves

Barker will write, direct and produce the as-yet-untitled film, which is based on an original pitch from the filmmaker himself. Plot details are being kept under wraps. The project comes to Universal Film Group through Barker's existing relationship with Blumhouse Atomic Monster, alongside Roy Lee and Steven Schneider's Spooky Pictures and Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath's Divide/Conquer. Universal Film Group will handle worldwide distribution.

What the studios are saying

NBCUniversal Entertainment Chairman Donna Langley was effusive in her praise for the filmmaker. "Curry Barker has an exceptional ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist, pairing an innate instinct for what resonates with audiences with extraordinary filmmaking prowess," Langley said. "Barker's talent is redefining what's possible and we're thrilled to continue our partnership with him."

Blumhouse Atomic Monster's James Wan and Jason Blum also issued a joint statement celebrating the partnership. "With 'Obsession,' Curry did what only a handful of filmmakers manage in a generation: he made something wholly original that connected with a massive audience, and that connection is what we care about most," they said.

"The best filmmakers can work anywhere, and we are proud to have a growing slate with Curry. Getting to put this project in front of the fans his work speaks to is the whole reason we do this."

Barker himself expressed enthusiasm for the reunion. "This film is something I've been excited to make for a while, and I'm thrilled to be reteaming with Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Universal Film Group for it," he said. "They've built the kind of home for bold, original storytelling that every filmmaker dreams of, and I couldn't imagine better collaborators for this film."

The success behind the deal

Obsession is currently on course to surpass $300 million worldwide this weekend, cementing its place as the most successful film in Focus Features' history. Blumhouse Atomic Monster, Spooky Pictures, and Divide/Conquer had all signed on to Barker's second film, Anything But Ghosts, before Obsession even had its premiere in Toronto. Blumhouse Atomic Monster subsequently came aboard Obsession as an executive producer.

Barker's second film still to come

Anything But Ghosts, Barker's second feature, is currently in post-production for Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Focus Features. Barker directs and stars in the film, which he co-wrote alongside Cooper Tomlinson, who also appears in the cast. Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard co-star in the story of two fraudulent paranormal investigators who are forced to confront real ghosts — and the lies at the heart of their business.

Barker is represented by Underground, United Talent Agency, The Lede Company, and Yorn Levine.