Michael Johnston has responded to the possibility of a sequel to breakthrough horror film Obsession, saying that despite the film’s huge success at the box office, there are currently no plans. The 30-year-old actor has discussed returning to the film, but admitted it would be difficult to reprise the role.Johnston recently reflected on the film’s unexpected success and discussed the future direction of the series. While expressing his thoughts on returning, he also made his current position clear to the audience. “Look, it’s a magical world. Anything can happen. I would love that. I would say, there are no plans for that. And, I don’t know how many people want the Cubs back. I think the general consensus is that he got what he deserved,” he said on the “I’ve Never Said This Before” podcast.An alternate ending to the film was never shown in theaters
Michael Johnston says that despite the horror film’s breakout success, there are currently no plans for a sequel. Image source (Instagram)
Michael Johnston humorously talks about what it would be like if a sequel were made. He teased that his own concept would focus on Bell’s parents returning to the small town to discover what happened to their son, only to stumble upon the same supernatural forces that plagued him. Despite the comedic overtones, he emphasized that writer-director Corey Buck had a different vision for the expanded story.
Corey Buck’s anthology concept excites Michael Johnston
Michael Johnston was particularly enthusiastic about Buck’s proposed direction for the franchise. “Cory’s idea was to make it an anthology series, which was really, really cool. All different stories. I’m excited to see A Wish Come True,” the actor said, suggesting he prefers an anthology approach rather than a direct sequel exploring the same characters and narratives.
Writer-director Curry Barker and actor Michael Johnston spoke about the future of Obsession , revealing there are currently no plans for a direct sequel while also teasing the possibility of an anthology format. Image source (Instagram)
Michael Johnston reflects on Nikki and Bell’s relationship
Elsewhere in the interview, Johnston reflected on one of the film’s central narrative questions: whether Nikki, played by Inde Navarrete, actually harbors genuine feelings for Belle. “That’s a good question, and one I didn’t ask myself until after we were done filming,” he admits.Looking back on the work, Johnston described his character’s fundamental insecurity as an obstacle to trusting Nikki’s true feelings. “Bale never believed that Nikki would have real feelings for him because the character was so lacking in confidence,” he explains. Conversations with Navarrete, 25, and Barker, 26, after filming wrapped provided him with new perspectives on the character dynamics.According to Johnston’s recollection, both Navarrete and Barker thought Nikki had been subtly expressing her feelings and then became frustrated with Bell’s inability to respond publicly. “Navarrete told him that she played Nikki as someone who wanted him to be honest but eventually lost patience when he couldn’t,” Johnston recounted of their post-production discussions.
Michael Johnston discusses Bell’s relationship with Nikki and reveals new details about the film’s original ending. Image source (Instagram)
An alternate ending to the film was never shown in theaters
Johnston also revealed that viewers almost witnessed a completely different ending to the film. “We went through a few different moments. The most important thing…Nikki was going to make the decision at the end. The first thing we did was actually shoot gunfire and blood splatter. It was practical, terrifying and devastating,” he said of the original filmed version.The darker version of Nikki’s death was eventually abandoned in favor of an ending in which Nikki survived the film that was eventually released. Johnston revealed that Navarrete’s emotionally powerful performance in the film’s final scene was completed in just one take, demonstrating the actress’ commitment to the material and the filmmaker’s satisfaction with her work.
Inde Navarrete said she prefers to communicate with fans in person rather than focusing on the reaction to the film online. Image source (Instagram)
Inde Navarrette’s recipe for film success
The film’s breakout success also resonated with Navarrete, who studiously avoided participating in the online discussion surrounding the film despite its growing cultural prominence. “This is the beginning of a new progression and a new step in my career, and I really want to make sure that I protect myself first, but also thank everyone who loves the movie,” she said when discussing her reception to the film.Navarrete explained that her deliberate distance from social media conversations enhances the meaning of direct fan interaction. “Whatever I get in person allows me to meet that person in person, receive what they have to say, and say ‘thank you’ directly to them,” she said, emphasizing how face-to-face connection makes the audience’s support feel more real.Obsession is still playing in select theaters and available for digital purchase on a variety of platforms.
