- Actress Catherine Corcoran has filed a lawsuit against ‘Terrifier’ director Damien Leone and producers, alleging breach of contract and exploitation.
- The suit claims she is owed 1% of profits from the massive horror franchise but has only received a fraction of that amount.
- Corcoran alleges she was filmed topless for one of the film’s most infamous scenes without providing the required written consent.
- The lawsuit also details grueling filming conditions that allegedly left the actress with physical injuries.
A Horror Story Off-Screen: The Terrifier Lawsuit
Catherine Corcoran, an actress known for her role in the 2016 cult slasher hit “Terrifier,” has filed a shocking lawsuit against the film’s director, Damien Leone, and its producers. The suit, filed in California federal court, paints a grim picture of alleged exploitation, financial fraud, and betrayal behind the scenes of the now multi-million dollar horror franchise.
The legal filing describes the situation as an “all-too-common story” of producers taking advantage of a young actress, leveling serious accusations against Leone, producer Phil Falcone, and their production companies, Dark Age Cinema and Fuzz on the Lens Productions.
Broken Promises and Missing Millions
At the heart of the lawsuit are claims of unpaid royalties. Corcoran states she agreed to a very low upfront payment in exchange for 1% of the net profits from “Terrifier,” any sequels, and all related merchandise. With the franchise having now grossed over $105 million globally, this agreement should have been substantial.
However, the suit alleges that Corcoran has only received a paltry $1,816.35 in film royalties and approximately $6,408 in merchandise payments. Her attorneys claim payments became sporadic before ceasing entirely in July 2024. When Corcoran confronted Leone and Falcone, she was allegedly “brushed off,” with Falcone purportedly claiming he “doesn’t keep records.”
Exploitation and Unsafe Conditions
The Infamous Nude Scene
Beyond the financial dispute, the lawsuit contains disturbing allegations about the filming of Corcoran’s most memorable and gruesome scene. In the film, her character is hung upside down, topless, and brutally killed by Art the Clown. The suit claims that producers never obtained Corcoran’s informed written consent to be filmed nude, a requirement stipulated by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
Grueling and Dangerous Set
The lawsuit alleges that the conditions during this scene were horrendous. Corcoran claims she was hung by her ankles for over 10 hours in freezing temperatures. The filing states that the blanket provided for warmth between takes eventually became saturated with cold fake blood, rendering it useless. Following the overnight shoot, Corcoran alleges she felt ill and was diagnosed by a doctor with cranial swelling and eardrum damage. The defendants are now accused of profiting from this ordeal by using images of Corcoran’s nude body on merchandise.
Defendants Named
The lawsuit officially names director Damien Leone, producer Phil Falcone, and their production banners Dark Age Cinema, Fuzz on the Lens Productions, and Art the Clown as defendants. As of the filing, the producers and Leone could not be immediately reached for comment.
Image Referance: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/terrifier-actress-sues-royalties-nude-scene-consent-1236562872/