Curry Barker horror comedy set for 7 May 2027 release

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Focus Features and Blumhouse's Atomic Monster division have announced that Curry Barker's forthcoming horror-comedy venture, 'Anything But Ghosts', will arrive in cinemas on May 7, 2027. The distribution arrangement grants Focus worldwide rights, with Universal Pictures International managing exhibition across territories outside North America. The film marks Barker's second feature directorial effort, following his breakout success with 'Obsession' earlier this year.

Barker has co-written the screenplay alongside Cooper Tomlinson, his creative partner from 'Obsession', who also features as one of the lead actors. The ensemble cast additionally comprises Violet McGraw, Chris Reinacher, Bryce Dallas Howard and Aaron Paul, with Barker himself taking a starring role alongside Tomlinson. The production narrative concerns a troupe of aspiring paranormal investigators who become unexpectedly embroiled in circumstances beyond their comprehension, with events escalating into perilous and chaotic territory. Production companies involved include Spooky Pictures, Divide/Conquer, Image Nation and the principals' own That's a Bad Idea banner, with producers including Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Jason Blum, Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath.

Barker's debut feature 'Obsession' became a commercial sensation upon its May 2026 release, demonstrating exceptional staying power at the box office. The supernatural thriller generated $263.4 million domestically and approximately $520 million worldwide against a production budget below $1 million, a return that has secured its position as Focus Features' most profitable acquisition. The film opened to $17.1 million in its domestic debut but defied conventional box-office patterns by achieving a 39 per cent increase in its second weekend and a further 14 per cent in its third, a trajectory rarely witnessed in contemporary theatrical markets. The film garnered substantial critical appreciation alongside its commercial triumph, with performer Inde Navarrette attracting early Oscar speculation for her role.

The forthcoming project reportedly inhabits the same fictional universe as 'Obsession', expanding the world Barker has established. Speaking about the production process, Barker revealed the demanding schedule, noting he directed whilst simultaneously delivering the film's most substantial acting role. He described working from a 130-page screenplay compressed into a 26-day shooting schedule, acknowledging that he had resisted editorial recommendations to trim the script despite counsel to do so. The film will face theatrical competition from other May 2027 releases, including Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of the Christ (Part One)' and '20th Century Studios' 'Beach Read'.

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