Inde Navarrette Discusses Potential ‘Obsession’ Sequel and Nikki’s Future
Few horror films have taken off like ‘Obsession‘ did this year. Created on a modest budget by a 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-filmmaker, it quickly became a global sensation, sparking discussions about a sequel almost immediately. Inde Navarrette, the film’s breakout star, has now shared her thoughts on returning for another installment.
Curry Barker filmed the horror-romance in just 20 days with a budget of around $750,000. After its premiere in the Midnight Madness section of the Toronto International Film Festival, Focus Features won a bidding war, reportedly paying between $14 million and $15 million. Since its release in May, the film has grossed over $500 million worldwide, marking it as the biggest success in Focus Features’ 24-year history.
The story centers on Bear Bailey (Michael Johnston), a shy music store employee who wishes on an antique toy called a One Wish Willow for his crush, Nikki (Navarrette), to love him. Navarrette’s intense portrayal of Nikki became the film’s standout feature, with her screams and expressions turning into some of the year’s most viral memes. Her performance has even sparked Oscar buzz, and she has already won Best Performance at the Seattle International Film Festival.
So, would she be interested in a sequel? On THR’s ‘Awards Chatter’ podcast, recorded live in front of 500 students at Chapman University, host Scott Feinberg asked Navarrette about the possibility of a sequel, to which she expressed her openness. She humorously noted that she feels she’s in no position to decline. This marks a notable change from her previous comments.
Previously, Navarrette had mentioned that she appreciated the film’s standalone nature. She suggested it would be intriguing if Barker pursued the anthology series he had discussed, featuring different stories tied to various wishes, allowing her to enjoy it without fear. This shift in her perspective has surprised many fans.
Navarrette also shared her thoughts on what Nikki might be doing after the film ends. She described it as a complex situation, emphasizing that Nikki is just beginning her grief journey. She connected this to the challenges of processing events beyond one’s control, such as losing a loved one or one’s autonomy.
This insight implies that a sequel would likely explore the aftermath of Nikki’s experiences rather than just delivering more scares. It aligns with the film’s themes, which critics and audiences have often linked to issues of consent, manipulation, and identity loss.
Barker has been vocal about the potential for a sequel, stating that creating one isn’t difficult and confirming he has ideas in mind. Some reports suggest he might explore other One Wish Willow stories within the same universe instead of directly continuing Nikki’s narrative.
As of now, no sequel has been officially confirmed. Barker has other projects on his plate, including the horror comedy ‘Anything But Ghosts’ featuring Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard, and a remake of ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ for A24. ‘Anything But Ghosts’ is set in the same universe, and Navarrette has mentioned that fans can look for an Easter egg referencing Nikki.
You wished for this. Official trailer for OBSESSION, only in theaters May 15.
Text 724-876-4554 🖤 https://t.co/rNfs9wfwml— Obsession (@obsessionmovie) March 11, 2026
Any potential return would need to accommodate her expanding schedule. Navarrette is set to portray Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming ‘X-Men’ reboot, slated for 2028, and she will also appear in the action film ‘Invertigo’ next year. Timing will be a crucial factor for any follow-up.
She has indicated that she is being thoughtful about her career choices at this stage. Her campaign for Best Actress for ‘Obsession’ means she’ll be in the awards conversation for months to come. If she receives a nomination, it would be a rare recognition for a performance in a horror film.
Fans eager to see Nikki return may need to exercise some patience, but Navarrette’s recent comments are the clearest indication yet that she is open to the idea. With a global hit, a director with plans, and a star ready to return, the pieces are aligning. Whether a sequel will be a direct continuation or a new wish story, it’s evident that there is an audience ready for it.
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