
Curry Barker's Next Film 'Anything but Ghosts' Receives Early Acclaim

By Jane McGonigal


By Jane McGonigal
Curry Barker, a director rapidly gaining recognition for his innovative horror projects, is again at the forefront of cinematic discussions. Following the critical and commercial triumph of his recent horror feature, 'Obsession', anticipation is building for his next endeavor. Even as 'Obsession' captivated audiences, Barker was already deeply engrossed in developing his subsequent film, a horror-comedy titled 'Anything but Ghosts', set to be distributed by Focus Features. This new venture has already garnered significant praise from within the industry, signaling its potential to be another standout work from the emerging talent.
The acclaimed filmmaker Seth Rogen has offered a glowing endorsement for Barker’s upcoming movie, suggesting it even surpasses his prior success. Rogen shared his high regard for 'Anything but Ghosts' in his commendation for Barker, who was featured on Time’s prestigious '100 Most Influential Rising Stars' list. Rogen’s enthusiastic remarks highlight not only Barker's directorial prowess but also his acting skills, describing him as equally formidable in both roles. This dual talent suggests a versatile artist capable of shaping compelling narratives both in front of and behind the camera.
Renowned actor and filmmaker Seth Rogen has expressed immense admiration for Curry Barker's forthcoming horror-comedy, 'Anything but Ghosts', claiming it to be even superior to Barker's previous celebrated work, 'Obsession'. Rogen's endorsement, made within the context of Barker's inclusion on Time's 100 Most Influential Rising Stars list, underscores the burgeoning talent of the young director. His comments not only applaud Barker's visionary directing but also his commendable acting skills, recognizing him as a versatile force in the film industry.
Despite some critics potentially underestimating Rogen's nuanced perspective, given his public persona often associated with comedic roles, he has consistently demonstrated a keen eye for filmmaking over the years. His recent co-direction of Apple TV's critically acclaimed cringe-comedy series, 'The Studio', alongside Evan Goldberg, further solidifies his credentials. Having previously collaborated with Goldberg on successful films like 'This Is the End' and 'The Interview', Rogen's praise for 'Anything but Ghosts' carries significant weight. While the film's official release is set for May 7, 2027, Rogen’s early positive feedback serves as a promising indicator for its potential success, igniting anticipation among both critics and audiences for Barker’s continued creative evolution.
'Anything but Ghosts' is a unique blend of comedy and horror, conceived and directed by Curry Barker. The storyline revolves around two individuals who masquerade as paranormal investigators, only to find themselves entangled in genuinely supernatural occurrences, far exceeding their fabricated claims. Barker not only directs but also stars in the film alongside Cooper Tomlinson, an actor from 'Obsession', who additionally co-wrote the screenplay. Tomlinson described the film as a unique blend of comedic dynamics reminiscent of Key and Peele, infused with the chilling atmosphere of 'Hereditary', hinting at its innovative approach to the genre.
Barker and Tomlinson share a rich history of collaborative projects, dating back to their sketch comedy YouTube channel, 'that’s a bad idea', established in 2016. Their partnership continued to flourish, leading to their first feature-length film, 'Milk & Serial', released in 2024. The current climate in Hollywood, marked by the triumphs of films like 'Obsession', 'Kane Parsons’ Backrooms', and other independent horror productions, indicates a shift where digital platforms like YouTube are becoming viable entry points for aspiring filmmakers. The high caliber of these independently produced films makes this evolution in filmmaking deeply appreciated by audiences and industry insiders alike, showcasing a new era of talent discovery and creative freedom.
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Game designer and author who writes about using games to improve real life and solve problems.

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