Young YouTuber Director Curry Barker's 'Obsession' Breaks Box Office Records

Curry Barker, a 26‑year‑old former YouTuber, directed the horror film "Obsession," which has earned about US$148 million worldwide on a production budget of roughly US$1 million. The movie opened with US$17.1 million and has continued to increase its weekly takings, reaching US$26.4 million in its third week—growth not seen since Steven Spielberg’s 1982‑era run with E.T. The film topped the box‑office charts, outperforming forecasts that predicted only US$8‑9 million, and even beat the revenue of major franchise releases.

In a recent podcast appearance, veteran director Steven Spielberg addressed young filmmakers, including Barker and fellow "Backrooms" director Kane Parsons. Spielberg warned against letting early success inflate one’s ego, urging them to treat each new project as a fresh start while acknowledging that strong box‑office performance can cement reputation with studios and executives. The remarks highlight the industry’s focus on sustaining creative momentum after breakout hits.