New 'Terrifier' Allegations Reflect a Growing List of Artists Who Say They're Afraid to Speak Out

"Citing a document already in evidence with a Los Angeles federal court, the plaintiff's team claims Corcoran is entitled to 1 percent of total franchise profits. That includes not just the ticket sales for the first three "Terrifier" movies - grossing more than $102 million worldwide - but also the intense surge of merchandising and licensing deals that have since emerged out of the ultra-violent slasher series and its iconic killer, Art the Clown."

"The civil case isn't likely to start in earnest until early next year, but news of Corcoran's filing has already inspired other sources to come forward with their own complaints about Leone and Falcone's business practices. IndieWire has spoken to multiple artists and businesses who say they were misled by the filmmaker, his producer, or both. They say they provided significant uncredited or uncompensated design work before being abruptly excluded from the "Terrifier family.""

Catherine Corcoran filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit seeking 1 percent of total Terrifier franchise profits, covering box-office revenue from the first three films (which together grossed over $102 million worldwide) and expanded merchandising and licensing income tied to the series and Art the Clown. The filing prompted multiple artists and businesses to allege they were misled, provided significant uncredited or uncompensated design work, and then were excluded from franchise opportunities. Damien Leone and Phil Falcone denied the accusations, and neither they nor their defense counsel responded to requests for comment. Some contributors report fear of legal and social retaliation for speaking out.

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