After becoming one of the breakout stars of the year with the success of “Obsession,” Michael Johnston is looking ahead to the next chapter of his career — and he already knows the kind of story he wants to tell.

The openly gay actor revealed that now he has more freedom to choose his projects, he hopes to take on a role that represents a deeper and more meaningful queer experience. Johnston explained that he is interested in portraying a character whose LGBTQ+ identity is not the only thing that defines them, but rather one important part of a much larger human story.

Speaking on the podcast “I’ve Never Said This Before,” Johnston shared that he has always believed sexuality should not become the entire focus of a character. For him, a person’s identity is made up of many different experiences, and being queer is simply one element of who someone is.

However, Johnston also acknowledged that his own journey has shaped the kind of stories he wants to explore. Growing up as a gay teenager in the Bible Belt, a region known for its strong religious influence, was not always easy. Those personal experiences gave him a desire to tell a story that feels intentional, honest, and emotionally powerful.

The actor believes that a truly meaningful queer role should go beyond stereotypes and explore the complicated emotions behind identity, acceptance, fear, and personal growth. He suggested that if he cannot find the right project, he may even create one himself by writing his own story.

Johnston’s connection with LGBTQ+ storytelling goes back to his time on “Teen Wolf,” where he played Corey Bryant from 2015 to 2017. At that point in his life, Johnston admitted he was still struggling with fully accepting his own sexuality. Despite that uncertainty, he chose to portray Corey with authenticity, unaware of how much the character would impact viewers.

Years later, Johnston revealed that he received thousands of messages from fans who felt represented by his performance. Some viewers told him that seeing his character helped them feel more comfortable with themselves, while others shared that it gave them the courage to come out to their families.

For Johnston, that experience became a reminder of the power of honest representation. What started as a personal challenge became something that helped countless people feel less alone.

His recent success in “Obsession” has now placed him in a stronger position within the entertainment industry. In the film, Johnston plays Bear, a character described as a dangerously romantic and emotionally complicated figure. The movie became a major achievement for Focus Features, surpassing $300 million globally and becoming the company’s highest-grossing title ever.

With this new level of recognition, Johnston is hoping to use his platform to tell stories that feel more personal and impactful. Rather than simply accepting any LGBTQ+ role, he wants to find a character with emotional depth and a story that reflects real experiences.

Whether through acting or potentially writing his own project, Johnston appears determined to create something that represents the complexity of queer lives. His goal is not just to show a character who happens to be LGBTQ+, but to explore a person whose struggles, dreams, relationships, and journey are meaningful beyond their identity.

After years of learning to embrace himself, Johnston now wants to help create the kind of stories he once needed to see. His next role could become another opportunity to connect with audiences who are searching for representation that feels genuine and unforgettable.