Catherine Corcoran, recognized for her role in the popular horror film “Terrifier,” has initiated legal proceedings against the film’s producers, alleging fraud and sexual harassment. The lawsuit, submitted in a federal court in California, asserts that the producers exploited her and failed to adhere to their contractual obligations regarding profit-sharing. With the “Terrifier” franchise experiencing remarkable success, Corcoran claims she has not received her fair share despite an agreement entitling her to one percent of the revenue generated from the films and related merchandise.
In her complaint, Corcoran highlights the low daily rate she was paid during filming, which was significantly below the Screen Actors Guild’s minimum requirement of $100, positioning it as compensation for her involvement in a project that would ultimately achieve substantial profitability. She alleges that producer Phil Falcone and director Damien Leone involved her in nude scenes without formal written consent, constituting a violation of her contract. Furthermore, she describes the challenging working conditions on set, which involved enduring long hours in unfit, cold buildings that led to serious health issues, including cranial swelling and eardrum damage.
The lawsuit contains harrowing accounts of her experiences on set, including being subjected to scenes involving prosthetics purported to be contaminated with rat feces, and being anchored to plywood while undergoing a silicone body casting process. Corcoran claims her appeals for modesty were ignored, and the images captured during the nude scenes were misappropriated for merchandise without her permission.
Financially, she notes that her initial royalties diminished as the franchise flourished beyond original expectations. While “Terrifier” earned $420,000 from a mere $35,000 budget and its sequel accrued an impressive $15.8 million, Corcoran believes her compensation has not matched the franchise’s success.
The lawsuit not only seeks financial restitution but also draws attention to possible violations of California civil codes concerning the unauthorized distribution of nude imagery. Corcoran is demanding a complete accounting of the film’s profits to support her claims for damages. This legal action highlights ongoing conversations in Hollywood about actors’ rights, particularly for women regarding workplace conditions and consent. As the industry faces increasing scrutiny over its practices, many remain hopeful that this case may inspire a much-needed shift towards improved respect and accountability within filmmaking.