‘Terrifier’ Actress Sues Producers for Unpaid Backend Payments

Catherine Corcoran, known for her role in the “Terrifier” series, has filed a lawsuit against the film’s producers for unpaid backend payments. The complaint, lodged in California, specifically names series creator Damien Leone among the defendants.

Background of the Lawsuit

Corcoran starred as Dawn in the 2016 horror film “Terrifier.” In a notorious scene, her character is hung upside down and bisected, an event that became famous among slasher fans. This iconic “splits” scene helped establish a devoted following for the film, contributing to a sequel launched in 2022.

Claims in the Lawsuit

In her lawsuit, Corcoran asserts that she agreed to work for the Screen Actors Guild’s then-minimum daily rate of $100, despite the low production budget of $35,000. As part of her contract, she claims she was promised 1% of the film’s future profits, including those from any related merchandise and intellectual property exploitation.

Payment Discrepancies

Following the release of “Terrifier 2,” Corcoran began receiving backend payments totaling $8,341. However, she claims these payments lacked detailed explanations regarding their origins, and stopped coming three months before the premiere of “Terrifier 3.” The third installment has since become the highest-grossing unrated theatrical release, bringing in $90 million worldwide.

Allegations of Unsafe Conditions

Corcoran’s lawsuit also highlights her claims of inadequate communication regarding the nude scenes. She asserts that she was not informed about the specifics of her role, including being hung upside down for 40-second intervals over a lengthy shoot. This led to medical issues such as cranial swelling and eardrum damage due to insufficient recovery time between takes.

Reactions from the Defendants

In response to the lawsuit, Larry Zerner, representing Leone and co-defendant Phil Falcone, stated that both deny the allegations made by Corcoran. He emphasized their intention to vigorously defend against the claims.

Conclusion

The outcome of this lawsuit may have significant implications for the ongoing success of the “Terrifier” franchise. As the case develops, it will draw attention to contractual obligations in independent film productions and the treatment of actors involved in low-budget projects.