A recent report by The Wrap reveals that the horror film “Obsession” has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $500 million at the global box office. This accomplishment makes “Obsession” the first original film of the 2020s to reach this impressive mark, outperforming Pixar’s “Elemental” that grossed $494.6 million worldwide.
“Obsession,” a low-budget film depicting a woman consumed by violent obsession due to a selfish wish, was produced with only $750,000. This makes it the highest-grossing film ever made with a budget under $1 million, surpassing the iconic Bruce Lee martial arts movie “Enter the Dragon.”
Directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, “Obsession” premiered on May 15 and has seen a remarkable success at the box office. The film’s weekly grosses increased consistently during its first three weeks in theaters, a feat not seen since “E.T.” The movie grossed $263.4 million in the U.S. and $238.1 million internationally, totaling $501.5 million worldwide by the end of its U.S. theatrical run on Aug. 14.
Despite its already impressive earnings, “Obsession” is yet to be released in South Korea. The film’s success has not only elevated its box office standing but has also opened doors for its young cast members. Inde Navarette, the female lead, is set to star as Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming “X-Men” film, while Michael Johnston, the male lead, is reportedly in discussions to join the cast of Universal’s new “The Mummy” movie alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.
The triumph of “Obsession” has set the stage for Barker’s next project, a horror film titled “Anything but Ghosts,” in which he will also star alongside co-writer Cooper Tomlinson. The film’s success has not only solidified Barker’s position as a rising filmmaker but has also showcased the potential for innovative storytelling in the horror genre.