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𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 
 
It is unremarkable for movies to receive standing ovations at film festivals. It is, however, unusual for a crowd to chant a director’s name before their film even begins. That was the scene buyers encountered inside the Royal Alexandra Theatre at last year’s Toronto Film Festival as Curry Barker unveiled his full-length theatrical debut 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 in the Midnight Madness sidebar. There’s no burying the lede here: 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is about as good as horror gets. This Midnight Madness gem lives on past the witching hour. 
 
Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a quintessential nice guy forever pining for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Fumbling his chance to come clean once more and in a fugue state of dejection, he turns to a monkey's paw object, One Wish Willow, which he acquires in a woo-woo curio shop. His wish? That Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world. In no time at all, Nikki is horny for Bear. A finger snap transformation, it is exactly what he had been fantasizing about. Once spirited and independent, she is a creature tirelessly living for just one purpose: to love him. She is a specter haunting Bear’s home—the horrific curdling of the perfect girlfriend. And now, after a litany of insane behavior, he is desperate for Nikki to change back. 
 
Make no mistake: that 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 works as well as it does rests firmly on lead Johnston’s shoulders. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 sets the stage for a new, exciting chapter for Johnston. We are witnessing the reinvention of a major talent who, until now, has been most widely recognized for his work on 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧. 
 
The full interview at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM 
 
Talent: Michael Johnston @themichaeljohnston
Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: MVMT Studios 
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

I had the absolute privilege of voicing Nathan Summers in Marvel Animation’s #XMen97💥

Season 2 streams July 1, only on Disney+

#VoiceActing #MarvelAnimation #DisneyPlus #Cable

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Couldn’t have wished for a better night ✨

At the OBSESSION premiere in LA with all our favorite people. In theaters THIS FRIDAY!

Live laugh obsess.

📍LA premiere 05/11/26
📸 @indenavarrette

Live laugh obsess.

📍LA premiere 05/11/26
📸 @indenavarrette

Live laugh obsess.

📍LA premiere 05/11/26
📸 @indenavarrette

Live laugh obsess.

📍LA premiere 05/11/26
📸 @indenavarrette

Live laugh obsess.

📍LA premiere 05/11/26
📸 @indenavarrette

Live laugh obsess.

📍LA premiere 05/11/26
📸 @indenavarrette

Live laugh obsess.

📍LA premiere 05/11/26
📸 @indenavarrette

Live laugh obsess.

📍LA premiere 05/11/26
📸 @indenavarrette

In writer-director Curry Barker’s new horror hit “Obsession,” there’s nothing scarier than a man who thinks he’s a “nice guy.”

Just ask Michael Johnston, the 30-year-old actor who plays that so-called nice guy. The movie follows his character, Bear, who pines after his longtime friend Nikki but is too lost in his own self-loathing to act. “Bear is someone whose self-worth depends entirely on the validation of others,” Johnson says. “When he’s rejected, his niceness evaporates because he was only ever thinking about himself.”

So when Bear comes upon a vintage novelty item called a “One Wish Willow,” which promises to grant its owner a single wish, he asks that Nikki love him “more than anyone  in the entire world.” In classic monkey’s paw fashion, Bear gets his wish and his dream girl—until she becomes his nightmare.

We talked to Johnston about what “Obsession” says about the horrors of the male loneliness epidemic, the movie’s most revealing scenes, and what he’d ask of a One Wish Willow. Read the spoiler-filled deep dive at the link in our bio.

Photographer: Jared Treviño
Photography Assistant: Lorena Puentes

In writer-director Curry Barker’s new horror hit “Obsession,” there’s nothing scarier than a man who thinks he’s a “nice guy.”

Just ask Michael Johnston, the 30-year-old actor who plays that so-called nice guy. The movie follows his character, Bear, who pines after his longtime friend Nikki but is too lost in his own self-loathing to act. “Bear is someone whose self-worth depends entirely on the validation of others,” Johnson says. “When he’s rejected, his niceness evaporates because he was only ever thinking about himself.”

So when Bear comes upon a vintage novelty item called a “One Wish Willow,” which promises to grant its owner a single wish, he asks that Nikki love him “more than anyone  in the entire world.” In classic monkey’s paw fashion, Bear gets his wish and his dream girl—until she becomes his nightmare.

We talked to Johnston about what “Obsession” says about the horrors of the male loneliness epidemic, the movie’s most revealing scenes, and what he’d ask of a One Wish Willow. Read the spoiler-filled deep dive at the link in our bio.

Photographer: Jared Treviño
Photography Assistant: Lorena Puentes

Love to see cinema doing well 🖤
Some favorites of @themichaeljohnston from our recent cover shoot for Anthem

Amazing team! Thank you all! xx

@blumhouse @obsessionthemovie

Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: @suede___studios
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #anthemmagazine #obsession

Love to see cinema doing well 🖤
Some favorites of @themichaeljohnston from our recent cover shoot for Anthem

Amazing team! Thank you all! xx

@blumhouse @obsessionthemovie

Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: @suede___studios
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #anthemmagazine #obsession

Love to see cinema doing well 🖤
Some favorites of @themichaeljohnston from our recent cover shoot for Anthem

Amazing team! Thank you all! xx

@blumhouse @obsessionthemovie

Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: @suede___studios
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #anthemmagazine #obsession

Love to see cinema doing well 🖤
Some favorites of @themichaeljohnston from our recent cover shoot for Anthem

Amazing team! Thank you all! xx

@blumhouse @obsessionthemovie

Photography by Reto Sterchi @retosterchi
Styling by Shameelah Hicks at The Wall Group @shameelahhicks
Grooming by Lucy Gargiulo @lucygmakeup
Produced by Jesse Simon @jessemsimon
Location: @suede___studios
Global Brand Ambassador: Kee Chang @keeyoun
Special Thanks to Dominique Appel, Emily Rennert & Zoe Tucker 
 
#MichaelJohnston #anthemmagazine #obsession

Premiere ✨
@obsessionthemovie

Premiere ✨
@obsessionthemovie

Premiere ✨
@obsessionthemovie

Premiere ✨
@obsessionthemovie

Premiere ✨
@obsessionthemovie

Premiere ✨
@obsessionthemovie

Premiere ✨
@obsessionthemovie

Premiere ✨
@obsessionthemovie

Premiere ✨
@obsessionthemovie

Premiere ✨
@obsessionthemovie

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Michael Johnston (@themichaeljohnston) steps into darker territory with Obsession (@obsessionthemovie), one of the year’s most talked-about horror films.

For our latest digital cover, Johnston opens up about Bear’s complicated headspace, the danger of wanting too much, and turning familiar charm into something dangerous.

Read the full story at the link in bio.

Photographer: @jaredtshoots
Photography Assistant: @lelob.puentesphotography
Words/Editor-in-Chief: @aedanjuvet
Cover Designs: @laramiecheyenne
Publicity: @imprintpr

#michaeljohnston #obsession #coverstory #thestardustmagazine

Past few days with @obsessionthemovie 🤩

Styling @shameelahhicks
Grooming @lucygmakeup

Thank you @focusfeatures @imprintpr

Past few days with @obsessionthemovie 🤩

Styling @shameelahhicks
Grooming @lucygmakeup

Thank you @focusfeatures @imprintpr

Past few days with @obsessionthemovie 🤩

Styling @shameelahhicks
Grooming @lucygmakeup

Thank you @focusfeatures @imprintpr

Past few days with @obsessionthemovie 🤩

Styling @shameelahhicks
Grooming @lucygmakeup

Thank you @focusfeatures @imprintpr

Past few days with @obsessionthemovie 🤩

Styling @shameelahhicks
Grooming @lucygmakeup

Thank you @focusfeatures @imprintpr

Past few days with @obsessionthemovie 🤩

Styling @shameelahhicks
Grooming @lucygmakeup

Thank you @focusfeatures @imprintpr

Past few days with @obsessionthemovie 🤩

Styling @shameelahhicks
Grooming @lucygmakeup

Thank you @focusfeatures @imprintpr

Past few days with @obsessionthemovie 🤩

Styling @shameelahhicks
Grooming @lucygmakeup

Thank you @focusfeatures @imprintpr

Past few days with @obsessionthemovie 🤩

Styling @shameelahhicks
Grooming @lucygmakeup

Thank you @focusfeatures @imprintpr

Michael Johnston X Anthem Magazine

Get the full story at ANTHEMMAGAZINE.COM on 5/1

#MichaelJohnston #AnthemMagazine

It’s 9-1-1. What could go wrong??

It’s 9-1-1. What could go wrong??

It’s 9-1-1. What could go wrong??

You wished for this. New trailer for OBSESSION, only in theaters May 15.