‘Obsession’ Star “Wants to Be the Villain” in ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’; Already Appears in Franchise [Exclusive]

EXCLUSIVE: With Obsession writer/director Curry Barker officially tapped to direct the next installment of Texas Chainsaw Massacre for A24, we had to ask star Michael Johnston a hypothetical question: would he ever be interested in joining the iconic horror franchise?

Johnston, who actually appeared in the 2023 video game as Danny (“I got to do all the blood-curdling screams,” he told Dread Central), didn’t hesitate with his response. 

“Uh, yes. I love The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, especially the original,” said Johnston. “But I want to be the villain.”

After watching Johnston in Obsession, it’s not hard to picture him thriving in an iconic horror franchise like TCM. Johnston plays Bear, a hapless 20-something working at a music store who gets exactly what he asked for after his wish for his crush to love him “more than anyone else in the world” comes true.

Though Bear is the film’s protagonist, he’s definitely not the hero of this story. It’s a tricky role, but Johnston does phenomenal work here making Bear childish, desperate, and sympathetic all at once.

Personally, I think he’d be perfect as Nubbins Sawyer, a.k.a the Hitchhiker in the first film. Maybe I should grab a One Wish Willow….

Obsession arrives only in theaters May 15. Get your tickets now.