The Terrifier franchise has quickly become a modern iconic horror series. The presence of its villain, Art the Clown, at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is saturating with plenty of his pricey merch in tow.
But actress Catherine Corcoran who appeared in the first feature film back in 2016 is alleging that she wasn’t fully paid for her part and is suing producers claiming, among other things, breach of contract. She claims she is entitled to one-percent of the backend via a contract but has only received $8,300 thus far.
Terrifier
According to Box Office Mojo, the first Terrifier grossed $421,798 worldwide. That’s a low number compared to Terrifier 2 which stands at over $15 million and part three with a whopping $90.3 million in receipts. The Hollywood Reporter writes that Corcoran wants her share from all three films (note: that aspect of litigation is vague).
The complaint reads: “This case presents an all-too-common story of low budget film producers taking advantage of a young actress through fraud, sexual harassment and, ultimately, betrayal,” states the complaint.
For those who haven’t seen the first film, prepare for spoilers. Corcoran’s character is stalked then hung upside down and bisected from crotch to chest by Art.
Catherine Corcoran in “Terrifier”
Allegedly the actress agreed to the minimum daily SAG-AFTRA rate of $100 but also made a backend deal to receive one-percent of the movies, both theatrical and streaming, live events and merchandise.
Hollywood Reporter quoted the contract as stating it, “shall remain in effect for a period of two years.” It’s not clear when that timeframe began.
Corcoran is suing Damien Leone for alleged unsafe stunt conditions regarding her infamous bisection scene for which she had to seek medical attention. She also claims she wasn’t aware she would appear nude.
“Were it not for Corcoran’s willingness to take a risk on this production and receive her compensation on the back-end, the series would not exist as it could not have been made on a shoe-string budget otherwise,” writes Devin McRae, Corcoran’s lawyer who filed the complaint. “However, when it came time to pay what was owed, the producers chose to cheat her.”
Attorney Larry Zerner, who represents Leone stated: “Damien and Phil deny the claims in the complaint and will vigorously defend this lawsuit.”
This is a developing story.
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