Curry Barker's next movie unites Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, and Universal

Not long ago, Curry Barker – yes, the director who gave us Milk & Serial (you can actually catch that on YouTube if you fancy), Obsession, and the not-yet-released Anything but Ghosts – was openly mulling over what on earth to do next. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he was genuinely torn between jumping on a big franchise flick or sticking to his own original work. And he wasn’t exactly shy about the dilemma:

'The big conversation is: Do I want to do an IP movie? Or do I want to do my original? I have an idea for my original, but I have so many ideas for Texas Chainsaw Massacre as well. I have a lot to weigh and that’s where the stress really comes from. I don’t know what to do next.'

Well, the debate's over, at least for now. Barker has officially put his ideas for Texas Chainsaw Massacre on ice, because he’s just signed on to write, produce, and direct a brand new original film for Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, and Universal.

What We Actually Know

Admittedly, there’s not a lot of plot or genre detail out there yet. Everyone involved is keeping tight-lipped. But the deal itself isn’t exactly pocket change – The Hollywood Reporter says Barker closed what they’re calling a 'rich eight-figure deal.' That’s not the sort of budget studios hand out to just anyone.

Here’s how Barker put it (and you can feel the PR polish): '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. 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.'

Why Universal and Blumhouse Again?

Barker’s hardly new to this particular studio crew. Universal’s Focus Features put out both Obsession and his upcoming Anything but Ghosts. Not only that, but Blumhouse and Atomic Monster hopped on board Obsession after it debuted at festivals, and they’re backing Anything but Ghosts as well. So, this new deal’s basically an extension of what’s already been a very busy creative marriage.

Studio Brass Are Chuffed

NBCUniversal Entertainment chair Donna Langley dropped this chest-thumping comment about it: '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. Barker’s talent is redefining what’s possible, and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with him.'

Blumhouse bigwigs Jason Blum and James Wan also weighed in – and not subtly either: '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. 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.'

Quick Recap: Where Barker Is Now

• Likely Next Up: Untitled original film from Barker with Blumhouse/Atomic Monster/Universal
• Budget: Some 'rich eight-figure' amount (that’s at least tens of millions)
• Anything but Ghosts: Currently in post-production – also Universal, also with these same companies
• Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Still lots of ideas, but that project is officially on hold for now
• Obsession: Picked up by Universal/Focus, and Blumhouse/Atomic Monster jumped on board after it premiered at festivals

As it stands, that’s the shape of it: Barker’s sticking with his trusted studio partners for another original film. Chances are we’ll get more than a few teaser headlines once they start dropping actual details about the project.