‘Obsession’ Co-Stars Inde Navarrette and Michael Johnston Just High-Fived Their Way Into the X-Men Universe
Few horror movies launch careers quite like ‘Obsession,’ the microbudget film that turned two relatively unknown leads into some of the year’s most talked-about actors. Now those same leads are finding out that their paths keep crossing, and this time the overlap is in the mutant universe. It’s a fun twist for a film that already had a wild ride.
Written and directed by Curry Barker, ‘Obsession’ follows Bear, a lonely music store employee who uses a bewitched novelty toy called the One Wish Willow to make his unrequited crush fall in love with him. Since opening in theaters in May, it has banked more than $520 million worldwide on a $750,000 budget, making it one of the year’s biggest films. Michael Johnston plays Bear, while Inde Navarrette plays Nikki, whose unsettling performance even inspired a fan-driven Oscar campaign.
Now the pair have opened up about another thing they have in common: the X-Men. In a new interview, the duo shared a playful high-five when asked about their involvement in the mutant universe.
Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette share their joy for being part of the X-Men. Read our interview: https://t.co/Lyh1ooHV98 https://t.co/8xHXOoo28G
— Nexus Point News (@NexusPointNews) October 26, 2026
When the interviewer pointed out that both stars are now involved in the X-Men universe, Johnston and Navarrette celebrated with a quick high-five. Navarrette told Nexus Point News that being part of it is “an honor,” and said she is really excited. Johnston said it has been really cool.
The moment captures how quickly things have moved for both actors. Few casts see their two leads end up in the same franchise within months of a breakout hit.
Navarrette’s role is the bigger one. Marvel confirmed at D23 that the ‘Obsession’ star will play Rogue in its upcoming reboot of the X-Men. She joins a cast that includes Sadie Sink as Jean Grey and Kit Connor as Cyclops, with Christopher Abbott as Professor X.
She has said Rogue is her first big character and that she felt some fear of failure after Nikki and ‘Obsession.’ That fear largely disappeared when she saw how excited people were. She is also a self-described huge Marvel fan.
Fans are already curious about her take on Rogue’s accent. During an eTalk red carpet interview, she offered a quick version of Rogue’s iconic catchphrase, “sugar,” while noting that she hasn’t practiced much and plans to work on it with the Marvel team.
Johnston’s connection is different but just as real. He voices the young Nathan Summers, also known as Nathan Dayspring, in Marvel Studios Animation’s ‘X-Men ’97,’ appearing in 3 episodes. He explained that he recorded the part years ago, and that it has been fun to see it come out and watch people love the show.
He added that he loves the X-Men himself, so being part of the world feels pretty cool. The ‘Teen Wolf’ alum has also been linked to a new ‘Mummy’ movie, though that remains a rumor.
The interview also touched on why the leads work so well together. Johnston said playing Bear reminded him of being in high school and being too afraid to share his feelings, which helped him find the character’s yearning. Navarrette said original stories are really important, and that the response felt validating after the team took a big creative swing.
Their chemistry has been a talking point since the film’s release. Johnston’s layered performance, full of yearning and quiet desperation, balances Navarrette’s more extreme turn.
Navarrette has several projects lined up, including the sci-thriller ‘The Waffle House Index’ and a Halloween hosting stint on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ Barker’s next film, ‘Anything but Ghosts,’ is set to premiere on May 7, 2027. ‘Obsession’ itself is headed to Netflix in the US on November 17, giving even more viewers a chance to catch up.
For now, the high-five says it all. Two actors who built a hit on a shoestring budget are heading into one of the biggest franchises in cinema, together in spirit if not on screen.
Which X-Men development are you most excited about?
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