Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
‘Obsession’s Michael Johnston Wants To Play “Intentional, Meaningful Queer Role”: “Maybe I’ll Write It Myself”
Michael Johnston, star of the hit film Obsession, says he hopes to take on a meaningful and deliberately queer role now that his career gives him greater choice. He said the ambition reflects both his experience growing up gay in the Bible Belt and the positive response to his earlier work, suggesting such representation can help audiences feel more able to accept themselves.
Speaking on the I’ve Never Said This Before podcast, Johnston said a character’s sexuality has generally not been central to his role choices, but that he now wants to tell a queer story with purpose. He recalled receiving thousands of messages after playing Corey Bryant in Teen Wolf from viewers who said the role helped them come out or feel better about themselves, and said he may write the project himself. Johnston recently played Bear in Obsession, which passed $300 million worldwide and became Focus Features’ highest-grossing film.
In short
- Johnston wants a purposeful queer role.
- His upbringing informs the ambition.
- Obsession has earned over $300 million globally.
Explained simply
Michael Johnston is an American actor who achieved substantial commercial success with the film Obsession, which earned more than £300 million worldwide and became Focus Features' highest-grossing release. He has worked across television and film throughout his career.
Johnston grew up gay in the American Bible Belt, a traditionally conservative region of the United States. He has previously described receiving messages from viewers of his television work, particularly the series Teen Wolf, who said that the representation helped them feel more confident in their own identities.
With Obsession's financial success, Johnston now occupies a position of greater prominence and industry influence. This increased visibility and the positive audience response to his previous work have given him the freedom to be more selective about the roles he pursues.