Michael Johnston talks coming out in Southern US, his gay character in Teen Wolf and getting DM’d by Troye Sivan
When asked about his “wildest” DM since Obsession was released, he named the famous singer
By Aaron Sugg
Michael Johnston has spoken candidly about coming out in the Southern US after landing his breakout role as Corey Bryant, a gay high school pupil, in Teen Wolf.
His latest film, Obsession, has brought him back into the limelight and, following its success, he received a cryptic DM from Troye Sivan.
Now publicly out as gay, Johnston came out shortly after taking on the role of Corey in Teen Wolf in 2015, aged 19.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan for the magazine’s ‘Blind Date’ series, he described the experience of playing Corey as “terrifying”, as he was yet to come out publicly.
“I was just in complete and utter denial” – Michael Johnston on coming to terms with his sexuality
“I sort of came out to myself and then others around me during that time,” he said.
“I was just in complete and utter denial,” Johnston continued, reflecting on what it was like growing up as a closeted teen in North Carolina.
“It was really scary, you know. I’m like, I want to come out to LA, and then all of a sudden I have that [Teen Wolf],” he recalled.
Johnston recalls his family’s reaction to his gay role in Teen Wolf
Johnston also remembered his family initially telling him, “It’s not real,” as he grappled with coming to terms with his sexuality.
“I’m like, no, no way. I would never,” he recalled thinking. “Then I have that, like, crazy aunt who’s like, ‘It’s going to, it’s going to poison you.’”
He also said he would like to take on another queer role following the success of the 2026 supernatural psychological thriller Obsession, in which Johnston stars as Bear.
Obsession success
The plot unfolds when Bear buys a supernatural toy that grants his wish for his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette) to fall in love with him.
Things take an unexpected turn after he breaks the mysterious so-called “One Wish Willow”, causing Nikki to become possessed by an evil spirit.
When asked about his “wildest” DM since the film was released earlier this year, he named one famous singer who messaged him after he shared a picture of his coffee on his Instagram Story.
Troye Sivan messages Johnston
Australian singer Troye Sivan had replied to his Story, writing, “need”. When asked what he had to say to Sivan, Johnston said: “Get a coffee.”