According to ‘Terrifier’ Actress’ Lawsuit, the Real Horrors Happened Offscreen

According to Corcoran, the producers “never obtained Corcoran’s informed written consent” to film her without clothing, as is mandated by the Screen Actors Guild. Further, the suit alleged that Corcoran insisted she be permitted to wear underwear on the day of the shoot, but that she would up shooting the scene topless. For breaks, Corcoran said that only a horizontal platform to sit on between takes was made available upon her request and that she “was wrapped in a blanket in between takes, but overtime the blanket became so saturated with fake blood that it ceased providing any warmth.” In the days that followed filming the scene, Corcoran claimed that a doctor diagnosed her with cranial swelling and eardrum damage.

Even more horrifying, Corcoran said she agreed to act in the low-budget film on an “extremely low up front per diem rate” only under the guise that she would receive 1% of the profits from the film, in addition to potential future franchise entries, related merchandise, and other licenses of the intellectual property. That said, two Terrifier sequels have been produced, which have collectively grossed more than $105 million at the global box office, and spawned home video profits and Terrifier-themed fan events. Leone, she said, “agreed in writing to provide Corcoran with a share in 1% of all net sales generated from ‘Terrifier’ related merchandise.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Catherine Corcoran (@instacatherinec)

Per the suit, not only has Corcoran failed to receive back pay since July 2024 “with no explanation as to why the royalty payments ceased or where the remainder of the payments are,” but the defendants have pocketed over $6 million from merchandise of Corcoran’s nude body.

Corcoran has long spoken about the dubious ethics and practices of the scene. In an interview with Anchor Bay Entertainment in March, Corcoran said the experience was “pretty dangerous” and that she “could have died.”

“Because it was like a near-death experience, I’ve only watched it like three times though,” Corcoran said.”And the most recent time I was paid to watch it.”

Leone and the producers named in the suit have yet to comment on the matter.

Like what you just read? You’ve got great taste. Subscribe to Jezebel, and for $5 a month or $50 a year, you’ll get access to a bunch of subscriber benefits, including getting to read the next article (and all the ones after that) ad-free. Plus, you’ll be supporting independent journalism—which, can you even imagine not supporting independent journalism in times like these? Yikes.