More than a conventional horror film, Michael Johnston’s latest psychological thriller, “Obsession,” explores the uneasy intersection of love, ego and fantasy, proving that the scariest monsters are often the ones we create ourselves

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 005.jpg — Outfit by Rails

Michael Johnston is already a familiar face to fans of supernatural drama. Whether you know him as Corey Bryant from the expansive “Teen Wolf” universe or recognize his voice from some of gaming’s biggest titles, Johnston has built a career on remarkable versatility.

Now, in 2026, he steps into a darker, more intimate chapter with “Obsession,” a psychological thriller that premiered in the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness program before its worldwide theatrical release.

In the film, Johnston undergoes a striking transformation as Bear, a man whose longing gradually mutates into something far more sinister. Navigating a morally ambiguous character with remarkable restraint, he delivers a performance that is both unsettling and deeply human. The result is a gripping thriller that delivers genuine suspense while inviting audiences to reflect on how unchecked desire, wounded ego and fantasy can become dangerously destructive.

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 002.jpg — Sweater by Flaneur; shirt and pants by Vuori; bag by Serapian Milano; shoes by Akomi; belt by Rails

DAMAN: Congratulations on the success “Obsession.” For readers discovering the film for the first time, how would you describe it?
Michael Johnston: Thank you so much! “Obsession” is about a guy named Bear who has a huge crush on his co-worker, Nikki. In his desperation, he buys a supernatural toy and makes a wish for her to fall in love with him. He gets exactly what he asked for, but it unleashes a terrifying curse with horrific consequences.

DA: What was it about Bear that made you immediately want to take on the role?
MJ: I’m a big psychological horror fan and I fell in love with the script immediately. What completely hooked me was the sheer nerve of the story. It explores morally gray areas without telling you how to feel. Bear isn’t your standard horror protagonist – he’s the architect of his own nightmare, and I jumped at the chance to play someone who slowly transforms into the antagonist of the piece.

DA: Do you relate to Bear in any way, or is he your complete opposite?
MJ: I am nothing like Bear. I’m a genuinely nice guy in real life, whereas Bear uses that persona as a mask for something much darker. However, it was important for me not to judge him and instead find the humanity in his actions so audiences could still relate to him.

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 003.jpg — Jacket by Vuori; shirt by Caleb Paris

DA: How would you pitch the film to fans of psychological thrillers?
MJ: I’d tell them to prepare for a smart, provocative and unpredictable ride. It’s also got this brilliant layer of uncomfortable, dark humor that adds levity without taking away from the scares.

DA: How did you and Inde Navarrette develop the relationship between Bear and Nikki so the obsession felt believable on screen?
MJ: A lot of it came down to our natural chemistry, trust and not over-rehearsing. Inde and our director, Curry, did a lot of experimenting with Nikki on set, and everything Inde threw my way was just brilliant. I focused on staying completely in the moment so I could react as naturally as possible, which made the whole process so much fun.

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 004.jpg — Jacket by Haikure; shirt by Vuori

DA: Do you think Bear truly loved Nikki, or was he really in love with the idea of her?
MJ: Bear was entirely consumed by the fantasy of who he wanted Nikki to be. His actions were driven by ego and desperation. I do think there’s a genuine layer of love for his friend somewhere, but his flaws and selfish choices ultimately won the battle.

DA: What do you think audiences will find most interesting about “Obsession”?
MJ: The way the film flips your expectations. Bear starts out as the obsessed lover but turns into the antagonist. Meanwhile, Nikki is the one acting obsessed but is actually the victim. It keeps you totally off-balance.

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 001.jpg — Suit by Pearled Ivory; shirt by Rails; bag by Serapian Milano; sunglasses by MCM

DA: Did making “Obsession” change the way you think about obsession in real life?
MJ: It definitely served as a reminder of how dangerous our own coping mechanisms can be when we act solely on our emotions. In the real world, obsession doesn’t need a magical artifact to become destructive.

DA: “Obsession” premiered in the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness program in September 2025 before its worldwide release. What was it like experiencing that audience?
MJ: The Midnight Madness crowd was uproarious. I could hardly hear the film over the laughs, gasps and screams. It was completely surreal!

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 006.jpg — Jacket by Haikure; shirt and jeans by Rails; T-shirt by Vuori

DA: What do you hope audiences will take away after watching the film?
MJ: While there are plenty of socially relevant themes about ego and consent to dig into, I ultimately just want people to have a blast. The film is a total roller coaster. If there’s a lot of spilled popcorn on theater floors all over the world, I’ll feel like we did our job!

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 007.jpg — Outfit by Rails; sunglasses by Christian Louboutin; shoes by Akomi

DA: Before “Obsession,” many people knew you as Corey Bryant in “Teen Wolf.” How different was stepping into Bear’s world?
MJ: It was quite different. “Teen Wolf” is an ensemble world driven by deep mythology and monsters. “Obsession” is a much more intimate, isolated space. We don’t dwell on the lore; we focus entirely on the psychological toll. It felt much more personal and intense.

DA: Have you ever found it difficult stepping into a genre you hadn’t worked in before?
MJ: I focus more on the prep than the genre itself. If I know the material inside and out, I can trust the director to set the tone while I focus on staying present and taking risks. Acting is all about overcoming challenges, and I look forward to pushing myself even further in the future.

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 008.jpg — Sweater by Flaneur; shirt and pants by Vuori; bag by Serapian Milano; shoes by Akomi; belt by Rails

DA: Are there any genres you’re particularly excited to explore next?
MJ: I’m not tied to any one genre. As long as I connect with the character and story, I’m ready!

DA: What kinds of roles are at the top of your wish list now?
MJ: Playing Bear in “Obsession” was so incredibly satisfying that it gave me a real hunger for more complex, villainous roles. I’m fascinated by the challenge of finding the core humanity in an antagonist. I’d love to sink my teeth into a comedy, a period piece or a role that requires a heavy accent. I’m also really looking forward to a project where I can bring my singing to the screen.

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 009.jpg — Sweater by Flaneur; shirt and pants by Vuori; bag by Serapian Milano; shoes by Akomi; belt by Rails

DA: Alongside your on-screen work, you’re also an accomplished voice actor with credits including “Demon Slayer,” “The Artful Escape” and “Tales of Zestiria.” How does voice acting differ from performing in front of the camera?
MJ: They require different technical skill sets. In voice-over, all emotion, pacing and storytelling must be conveyed entirely through your voice without visuals. To get that raw energy through the mic, you have to be animated and expressive with your body, all while avoiding making physical noise with your movements. On the other hand, the camera lens picks up every single micro-expression, so a sense of stillness is essential.

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 010.jpg — Jacket by Vuori; shirt by Caleb Paris

DA: Let’s go back to where it all began. When did you first realize you wanted to become an actor?
MJ: My entry into acting started through my love for video games. Around the age of 12, I was playing “Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance” when I unlocked a behind-the-scenes video of the voice actors in the booth making the fighting sounds. I was captivated. I quickly started creating my own characters and two-dimensional games, and made it my mission to become a voice actor. It wasn’t until I moved to Los Angeles at 18 that I started pursuing on-camera work.

DA: Who or what had the biggest influence on the way you approach character and storytelling?
MJ: My father is mostly to blame for my love of storytelling! He used to read books to me and do funny voices for all the different characters. Plus, our shared love for scary movies and thrillers sharpened my eye for tension and atmospheric storytelling. A few films that really stood out during my formative years are “28 Days Later,” “Children of Men,” “Poltergeist” and the “Kill Bill” films. I also watched a lot of cartoons growing up, like “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and, of course, “SpongeBob SquarePants”!

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 011.jpg — Jacket by Haikure; shirt and jeans by Rails; T-shirt by Vuori

DA: Working in Hollywood is famously demanding. How do you stay mentally and emotionally grounded?
MJ: It’s all about routines and boundaries. When I’m not working, I stay in the gym, cook healthy meals and maintain a clutter-free home so there’s plenty of room for creativity. I also keep my inner circle small and try not to spend my free time talking about the industry.

DA: Looking back at your journey so far, do you feel satisfied, or do you still have bigger ambitions ahead?
MJ: I’ve been acting for a long time, but I know “Obsession” might be the first time many people are seeing my work on a larger scale. I’m so proud of this film and incredibly grateful that our hard work is being recognized. That said, I absolutely have bigger aspirations. This is just the beginning of a whole new chapter for me.

Michael Johnston by Lensbymi for DAMAN August 2026 012.jpg — Suit by Pearled Ivory; shirt by Rails; sunglasses by MCM

DA: Finally, what advice would you give aspiring actors?
MJ: My advice would be to make sure there’s nothing else in the world you’d rather do, because you really have to be crazy to pursue this career. It’s incredibly difficult to break into, requires a thick skin and demands years of commitment. There’s absolutely no guarantee or clear pathway to success, and the industry is constantly changing. But if that doesn’t scare you off, study the films you love, find a mentor and get ready to fall flat on your face a thousand times!

Photography Lensbymi
Styling Kimberly Yvette Goodnight
Grooming Lucy Gargiulo for Exclusive Artists using Armani Beauty and Oribe Hair
Production Media Playground PR

Michael Johnston steps into the moral gray with “Obsession” for DAMAN’s August/September 2026 cover story

KIMBERLY YVETTE GOODNIGHT,

LensbyMi,

Lucy Gargiulo,

Media Playground PR,

Michael Johnston,

Obsession