‘Terrifier’ Actress Catherine Corcoran Files Lawsuit Over Profits

Actress Catherine Corcoran, known for her role in the horror film franchise Terrifier, has filed a lawsuit in federal court in California asserting that she has not received her fair share of profits from the series. The lawsuit, submitted on March 3, 2024, claims a breach of contract regarding her backend deal, which entitles her to one percent of the franchise’s profits.

The Terrifier series has gained notoriety for its graphic violence, particularly a scene in the original 2016 film where Corcoran’s character is gruesomely killed. Since its release, the franchise has become a surprising success, grossing around $100 million worldwide on a budget of less than $2.5 million. Corcoran alleges that despite the film’s success, she has only received approximately $17,000 in royalties, with payments halting after the release of the third film in 2023.

Claims of Fraud and Harassment

According to the complaint, Corcoran’s agreement included payments from various revenue streams such as box office sales, streaming rights, live events, and merchandise. Despite this, she states that production staff have provided vague responses regarding her payments, claiming they “don’t keep records.” The lawsuit includes serious accusations against the producers, claiming they exploited her as a young actress through fraud, sexual harassment, and betrayal.

Corcoran’s attorney, Devin McRae, emphasized the significance of her role in the franchise. He noted that without her willingness to accept a low upfront payment in exchange for a share of future profits, the series might never have been produced under its tight budget constraints. “When it came time to pay what was owed, the producers chose to cheat her,” McRae stated in the complaint.

Concerns Over Working Conditions

The lawsuit also raises issues regarding working conditions during the filming of her character’s death scene. Corcoran asserts that she was not informed in advance that she would be required to perform nude scenes, which is against the regulations set forth by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). These rules require explicit written consent from actors for such sequences.

Filming the scene proved physically taxing, as Corcoran was suspended upside down for extended periods. To alleviate medical concerns, such as cranial swelling and eardrum damage, the scene was shot in short increments over a span of ten hours.

Legal representation for the film’s director, Damien Leone, and producer Phil Falcone denied the allegations detailed in Corcoran’s lawsuit. Attorney Larry Zerner stated that they would “vigorously defend” against the claims.

As the Terrifier franchise continues to expand its presence in the horror genre, including features at major events like Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, the outcome of Corcoran’s lawsuit will have implications not just for her but for the broader industry practices surrounding contracts and treatment of actors in low-budget films.