Cooper Tomlinson and Curry Barker, who met at the New York Film Academy, transformed their friendship into a successful creative partnership, leading to the creation of the box office hit, Obsession. The film, which grossed $334 million, has captivated audiences with its thrilling storyline.
The Birth of a Phenomenon
Tomlinson and Barker originally met in 2018, bonding over their love for The Walking Dead and Weezer. They soon realized the potential of producing content on YouTube, leading to their channel, That’s a Bad Idea. Their early projects included the award-winning short film The Chair and the feature Milk & Serial.
In July 2023, Tomlinson attended a celebration for Barker's role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. That night sparked the idea for Obsession, inspired by a Simpsons episode. Barker pitched the idea to producer James Harris, leading to the film's $750,000 production and a $15 million acquisition by Focus Features.
From Concept to Screen
The supernatural horror film, starring Michael Johnston as Baron “Bear” Bailey, explores the consequences of a wish gone wrong. Initially, Barker considered playing the lead role, but Tomlinson supported his decision to focus on directing.
Test footage was shot with Tomlinson playing Bear, but Johnston's performance ultimately secured him the role. Tomlinson, who played Bear's friend Ian, recalls the experience fondly, praising Johnston's portrayal.
Future Projects and Reflections
Tomlinson and Barker have completed their follow-up film, Anything But Ghosts, also set in the Obsession universe. Aaron Paul features in the film, marking a milestone for the duo, who once attended a screening of El Camino where they met Paul.
Tomlinson expresses gratitude for the overwhelming success of Obsession, highlighting the importance of their collaborative journey. He notes the challenges of balancing auditions, collaboration, and personal projects, but emphasizes the value of their creative partnership.
Looking Ahead
As Obsession continues its theatrical run, discussions of a sequel and a potential TV show are underway. Tomlinson remains tight-lipped about these developments but is enthusiastic about future possibilities in the Obsession universe.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/obsession-cooper-tomlinson-pulls-back-curtain-on-movie-1236628981/
