An actress who appeared in a controversial film series is now taking legal action over a nude scene.
Catherine Corcoran, known for her role in the Terrifier series, has initiated a lawsuit against director Damien Leone, producer Phil Falcone, and several production companies. The allegations include unpaid profits and unauthorized distribution of a nude scene.
The horror series, which gained notoriety for its graphic violence, became a sensation after its release in 2016. The sequel in 2022 was so intense that some audience members fainted or vomited while watching.
Nearly ten years after her portrayal of Dawn Emerson, Corcoran is addressing issues of compensation and alleged harassment related to the franchise.
Filed in a California federal court, her legal team argues that her case is indicative of a trend where young actresses are exploited by low-budget film producers.
Dark Age Cinema and Fuzz on the Lens Productions are also implicated in the lawsuit alongside Leone and Falcone.
A representative for Leone has denied all allegations.
Details of the lawsuit reveal that Corcoran claims she is entitled to one percent of all franchise profits. This includes earnings from box office sales, streaming, merchandise, and other income streams, based on an agreement she says was made in 2015 as compensation for her minimal daily rate of $100 during the first film.
The franchise, which has become a cult favorite, has collectively made over $105 million worldwide.
Despite its success, Corcoran argues she has only sporadically received royalty payments, totaling approximately $8,300, which stopped entirely in July 2024.
She alleges that her concerns were dismissed when she raised them with Leone and Falcone.
The lawsuit also addresses legal issues regarding the release of explicit content, particularly her noted nude scene.
In the scene, Corcoran is shown hanging upside down before being killed by the film’s antagonist, Art the Clown, portrayed by David Howard Thornton.
Written consent is necessary for such scenes, which Corcoran claims was never obtained, violating union rules.
She further alleges she was misled about the requirement to be fully nude and that she was the sole woman present during filming.
Corcoran states she asked to wear underwear but was told she needed to be topless.
Additionally, she claims Falcone took unauthorized photos of her while she was immobile during the creation of a silicone body cast, infringing on her consent and safety.
According to SAG-AFTRA, performers are particularly vulnerable during works involving nudity or simulated sex.
“This work is, and always should be, something a performer is proud of and something they engage in willingly.”
The union emphasizes the importance of performers receiving notice about any nudity or simulated sex involved in a role, along with the opportunity for informed consent without pressure.
They also advocate for a safe working environment that does not compromise health, safety, or career.
Corcoran states that being suspended upside down resulted in physical injuries such as cranial swelling and damage to her eardrums.
The scene required 10 hours to film in freezing temperatures, with her mouth covered in duct tape.
While she was eventually given support to lie down, much of the filming had her inverted.
The suit also mentions that real rat feces were applied to her skin for a prosthetic effect.
The Terrifier series has achieved significant box office success and generated substantial profits from merchandise, some of which allegedly featured Corcoran’s character without her consent.
Despite the financial success, she claims her earnings were minimal in comparison.
Devin McRae, representing Corcoran, stated: “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.
“However, when it came time to pay what was owed, the producers chose to cheat her.”
Larry Zerner, representing Leone and Falcone, responded: “Damien and Phil deny the claims in the complaint and will vigorously defend this lawsuit.”
Efforts have been made to reach out to Damien Leone, Phil Falcone, Dark Age Cinema, and Fuzz on the Lens Productions for their comments.