‘Terrifier’ Actress Sues Producers Over Backend Payment Dispute
Catherine Corcoran, known for her role in the “Terrifier” horror series, has filed a lawsuit against producer Damien Leone and his team. Her legal action centers on allegations of unpaid backend payments from her contribution to the franchise.
Background of the Lawsuit
Corcoran portrayed Dawn, a victim in a particularly notorious scene in the 2016 film, “Terrifier.” This scene, often referred to as the “splits” scene, played a significant role in cementing the film’s reputation among horror aficionados. Its graphic nature has helped the movie cultivate a dedicated fanbase, leading to the greenlighting of a sequel in 2022.
Claims of Unpaid Backend Payments
In her lawsuit, filed in California, Corcoran claims she agreed to work for a daily rate of $100, in line with SAG-AFTRA’s minimums. The original production budget for “Terrifier” was approximately $35,000. Corcoran asserts that part of her agreement included a share of 1% of future profits from the film and its associated franchises.
- This profit share is supposed to encompass earnings from films, merchandise, and other intellectual property exploitation.
- Profits from related ventures such as video games or themed events are also included in this financial arrangement.
Payment Discrepancies
Following the release of “Terrifier 2,” Corcoran states she received intermittent payments totaling $8,341. However, these payments lacked detailed breakdowns of their sources and ceased by July 2024, just months before the release of “Terrifier 3.” Notably, “Terrifier 3” has achieved remarkable success, grossing $90 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing unrated theatrical release ever.
Concerns Over Production Safety
In addition to the financial claims, Corcoran raises concerns about her working conditions during the filming of the “splits” scene. She alleges that she was not informed she would be nude for this scene, which involved being hung upside down for extended periods during a ten-hour shoot. Corcoran claims that these conditions led to significant health issues, including cranial swelling and eardrum damage.
Legal Statements
According to Devin McRae, Corcoran’s attorney, her willingness to accept backend compensation was critical for the film’s production given its low budget. McRae asserts that without Corcoran’s participation, the series may not have existed.
In response, attorney Larry Zerner, representing Leone and producer Phil Falcone, has publicly denied the claims. He emphasized that they plan to vigorously defend against the allegations presented in the lawsuit.
