Bryce Dallas Howard Teams Up With Aaron Paul for Curry Barker’s Intriguingly Titled Anything But Ghosts
Bryce Dallas Howard trades dino thrills for spectral chills, joining Aaron Paul in Anything But Ghosts, the latest from Obsession director Curry Barker.
Well, here’s a combo I didn’t expect: Bryce Dallas Howard and Aaron Paul are teaming up for a horror movie called Anything But Ghosts. This one’s coming from Curry Barker, a filmmaker you might not have heard much about yet—but I guarantee you’ll be seeing his name a lot more, because he’s also in charge of A24’s next big spin on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
What We Know About 'Anything But Ghosts'
Details on the plot? Zilch. The producers are keeping things tighter than a locked crypt on Halloween night. The movie just finished shooting, with Bryce Dallas Howard and Aaron Paul starring, and in a move directors rarely get away with, Curry Barker is not only directing and co-writing, but apparently acting in it too. He co-wrote this one with his usual partner in crime, Cooper Tomlinson.
Why You Should Pay Attention to Curry Barker
So, why does Barker’s work matter? Last week, news broke that A24 handed him the keys to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise. He’s writing and directing a new take, and judging by his comments, he’s got some opinions on what’s gone wrong with all the previous remakes and sequels (most of which, let’s be real, weren’t exactly masterpieces).
He then doubled down: aside from the 2003 remake (*he* thinks it’s 'quite good'), he felt like most of the spinoffs took the totally wrong approach. He thinks the series never lived up to its potential. Hard to argue there, honestly.
If Barker’s the guy to finally figure out Texas Chainsaw, sign me up. But first, all eyes on Anything But Ghosts.
Barker’s Last Movie: 'Obsession'
Barker’s previous film, Obsession, just hit the SXSW scene. The premise: a music store worker nabs a cursed toy and wishes his old friend Nikki would fall for him. Not shockingly, this ends in a trainwreck of cosmic misfortune. Chris Bumbray from our team saw it at SXSW and described Barker's style as unafraid to hammer home the difference between real love and dangerous obsession. He specifically called out the mix of bleak humor and moments so gory and sudden you almost laugh (then kind of hate yourself for laughing). Obsession lands in theaters May 15, so you can see for yourself.
Quick Catch-Up: What’s Bryce Dallas Howard Up To?
- She just wrapped up a Prime Video comedy/action movie called Deep Cover, where she partners with Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed as improv actors recruited to go undercover in London’s underbelly. (Sounds ridiculous, could be fun.)
- Behind the camera, she's also been directing several episodes of Ahsoka season 2.
So to recap: Barker’s heat-check continues, Howard’s schedule is packed, and whatever Anything But Ghosts turns out to be, it’s now officially one to watch—especially if you’re curious how Barker handles Chainsaw’s legacy next.