"Obsession" Star Michael Johnston Promises "Incredible" Queer Role With "Steamy Moment"

Michael Johnston, the breakout star of the horror hit “Obsession,” says a prominent queer role is coming, though he has not named the project. Johnston told Attitude magazine he expects “a really incredible queer story in my future,” one that includes what he called his “steamy moment” on screen. The openly gay actor, 30, did not say what the project is, who is making it or when it will arrive. He floated another possibility, noting he might write it himself.

The comments follow his turn as Bear, a toxically hopeless romantic, in Curry Barker’s “Obsession.” The film has grossed more than $500 million, a mark only five horror movies have reached. Johnston said that success lets him choose his next work, and that he wants “a really intentional queer role” with real meaning.

He spoke as Attitude put him on its cover and honored him with its Film Award at a London ceremony on Wednesday. He also looked back on a career that began with gay characters before he was publicly out. Johnston played Corey Bryant on MTV’s “Teen Wolf” from 2015 to 2017, and later starred in the queer drama “Slash.” He said he was not comfortable with his own sexuality during “Teen Wolf,” and that he hid it until he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

Viewers noticed anyway. Johnston said he received thousands of messages from people who felt better about themselves after seeing the character, and some told him they were able to come out to their parents. Playing the role bravely, he said, helped him accept himself.

His slate already includes a major studio project. Johnston is reportedly in talks to join Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in the fourth “Mummy” film. Talks have not been finalized.

Johnston described a former sense of weakness about his sensitivity as a strength today, because it made him more empathetic. He said he remembers seeing gay characters growing up and thinking others like him existed, and he wants to offer that to someone else.