Curry Barker reveals he turned down $2 million to rewrite Bear as a 'hero' in 'Obsession'

Barker's version of the film, produced on a reported budget of $750,000, has earned more than $200 million globally

Filmmaker Curry Barker has revealed that he rejected a $2 million offer to rewrite his breakout horror film Obsession, choosing instead to preserve the story he originally wanted to tell.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the 26-year-old writer-director said several companies encouraged him to alter key aspects of the screenplay, including changing the character of Bear into a more conventional hero.

Barker declined the proposal and proceeded with his version of the film, which was produced on a reported budget of $750,000.

"When we were shopping this around, there were companies that told me they would give me $2 million if I just rewrote the script to make Bear a hero," Barker said.

"I’m not rewriting the script to make Bear a guy that does all the right things. It’s so much more interesting that he doesn’t do the right thing and instead tries to make [the relationship] work and he just keeps making bad decision after bad decision."

According to Barker, maintaining the character's flaws was central to the film's appeal. He argued that transforming Bear into a traditional protagonist would have weakened the story's complexity and impact.

"The movie would have been so boring if Bear was going on a journey to figure out the lore of the One Wish Willow. So I turned down more money to tell the story that I was more interested in telling," he added.

The comments come amid a remarkable rise for Barker following the commercial success of Obsession.

The horror film, acquired for distribution after its festival debut, has significantly exceeded expectations, earning $286.5 milion globally and establishing Barker as one of Hollywood's most closely watched young directors.

In the same interview, Barker credited creative freedom for the film's success and suggested the industry should place greater trust in filmmakers.

He also confirmed work is continuing on his next project, Anything But Ghosts, while he prepares to write and direct a new adaptation of Texas Chainsaw Massacre.