Obsession star Michael Johnston has tempered speculation about a sequel to the surprise horror hit, saying there are currently no plans to continue the story despite the film’s commercial success.

Speaking on the I’ve Never Said This Before podcast, Johnston, who played Bear in the indie horror film, said he would welcome the opportunity to return but acknowledged that a follow-up is not in development.

“Look, it’s a magical world. Anything can happen. I would love that,” Johnston said.

“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 added.

Actor jokes about sequel idea

Although he dismissed the possibility of an immediate sequel, Johnston jokingly suggested a storyline centred on Bear’s parents.

The actor imagined a follow-up in which Bear’s parents investigate their son’s disappearance, only to repeat his mistake by stepping onto the mysterious willow.

Johnston clarified that the pitch was made in jest rather than as a serious proposal for the franchise.

Anthology approach could expand franchise

Instead of a direct sequel, Johnston expressed enthusiasm for writer and director Curry Barker’s vision of expanding Obsession into an anthology series.

“Curry’s idea of having it be an anthology series is really, really cool,” Johnston said.

“All different stories. I’d love to see a wish gone right,” he added, suggesting future films could explore new characters and supernatural scenarios within the same universe.

Indie horror success

Obsession has emerged as one of 2026’s biggest independent horror success stories alongside Backrooms.

Produced on a reported budget of $750,000, the film became an unexpected global box office phenomenon, earning approximately $400 million worldwide and establishing itself as one of the year’s standout genre releases.

While a sequel has not been announced, Johnston’s comments indicate the franchise could continue through standalone stories rather than direct continuations of the original film.