Obsession executive producer Leonora Darby claimed her colleagues shut her out. The producer alleged she helped rescue the hit horror movie. However, she said her contributions went largely unrecognized. Darby is now seeking a share of the film’s massive profits.
Leonora Darby says she saved the horror hit but was iced out of recognition and pay.
According to TMZ, Darby filed her lawsuit against Tea Shop Productions. She also sued the company’s co-founders, James Harris and Mark Lane. Darby accused the producers of violating their agreement.
The executive producer claimed she played a critical role in saving Obsession. Darby alleged director Curry Barker had lost control of the editing process. She said she helped return the process to his hands.
Darby also claimed she secured approval for important reshoots. The reshoots allegedly addressed problems involving the film’s content. She said her work helped keep the production moving forward.
According to the lawsuit, the movie was completed in time. Obsession then screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. Focus Features reportedly purchased the film for $16.2 million.
The low-budget horror movie later became a major box-office success. It reportedly earned more than $500 million worldwide. The film reportedly had a production budget of approximately $750,000.
However, Darby claimed her producing partners later changed their approach. She alleged Harris and Lane repeatedly violated their 2024 agreement. The producer said she was excluded from recognition and profits.
Darby also claimed she was not treated as an equal partner. She alleged she never received her fair share. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for breach of contract.
She is also seeking unpaid project bonuses and one-third of net profits. Darby requested additional damages as well.
Tea Shop Productions had not publicly responded to the allegations. TMZ reported that the company was contacted for comment. For now, Darby’s claims remain allegations within the ongoing lawsuit.
