As Former Terrifier Star Files Lawsuit, The Series’ Most Shocking Death Scene Just Got Even Darker

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Horror fans recognize the Terrifier movies as some of the most shockingly violent slashers in recent years, and the upside-down hacksaw kill is particularly infamous. The actress who played Dawn, Catherine Corcoran, quickly became a horror icon thanks to that brutal scene. However, years later, she’s now suing the director, and details emerging about how the scene was filmed are deeply unsettling.

Why Catherine Corcoran Took The Risks In Terrifer

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actress has filed a lawsuit against the creators of the Terrifier films, claiming breach of contract, sexual harassment, and financial fraud. She states she agreed to work for a low daily rate of $100 and endure difficult conditions in exchange for 1% of the franchise’s profits. While the Terrifier movies have become incredibly popular – earning almost $100 million worldwide on a $2.5 million budget – the actress claims she’s only received about $8,300 from the earnings.

It’s wild to think about how huge Art the Clown has become – seriously, Terrifier merchandise everywhere, haunted houses built around him, and now a fourth movie is on the way! But it’s really sobering to hear that Jenna Kanell, who was so crucial to getting the whole franchise started, says she’s been left with lasting health problems and didn’t really benefit from its success. It makes you think about the cost of making these films, you know?

The lawsuit claims that while filming a difficult death scene, actress Corcoran was suspended upside down by her ankles for ten hours. The process was extremely physically demanding, forcing the crew to film in short bursts of just 40 seconds at a time to avoid dangerous blood buildup in her head. She was occasionally lowered onto a platform to rest and recover. A doctor later determined she suffered swelling in her brain and damage to her eardrum as a result.

Corcoran says she was promised more

She argues that accepting a back-end deal – a share of the film’s profits – was a calculated risk she took to help get the movie made with very little money. She says this gamble was essential to the creation of Terrifier. However, when she later inquired about her share of the earnings, she claims the production company dismissed her and stated they didn’t maintain financial records.

The lawsuit claims Jenna Corcoran wasn’t properly informed or given written permission before filming a nude scene, which breaks both union rules and California law regarding the sharing of explicit content. This isn’t just about financial compensation; it’s about ensuring basic safety on set. Despite the positive attention Terrifier has received as an independent horror film, Corcoran’s lawsuit reveals a disturbing side to how the movie was made.

Her lawyer puts it bluntly and makes a great point. The attorney writes in the complaint:

Without Corcoran’s willingness to take a chance on the show and accept payment later from its profits, it wouldn’t have been possible to make it with such a limited budget. Unfortunately, when it was time to pay her, the producers didn’t honor their agreement and tried to cheat her.

Jenna Corcoran and the original team behind Terrifier were crucial in making the film a cult hit. Now, she’s requesting a detailed breakdown of the franchise’s finances to determine how much she’s owed, given the continued profits generated by her work. As of October 28, 2025, director Damien Leone and the producers haven’t publicly responded to her lawsuit.

How This Affects Terrifier 4’s Release

It’s now doubtful that the lawsuit filed by Catherine Corcoran will stop the release of Terrifier 4. Production is well underway, and the franchise is incredibly successful – with strong box office numbers and a popular collaboration with Halloween Horror Nights – making it too valuable to halt.

Look, even though the Terrifier movies are still being made, this whole lawsuit is a really big deal, especially considering how the franchise started. It reminds you that these films weren’t made by a huge studio; they grew from the ground up with actors putting everything on the line for practically no pay. I’m still looking forward to Terrifier 4, and I’ll definitely be revisiting the first three on Peacock, but it’s important to remember where they came from and the sacrifices people made to get them made.

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2025-10-28 21:13