Obsession producer Leonora Ann Darby sues for lost profits after the horror film earned $500 million at the box office
Executive producer Leonora Ann Darby has filed a lawsuit against the producers of Obsession, claiming she was denied profits and recognition after helping the horror film become a major box office success.
Darby filed the lawsuit on Monday against Tea Shop Productions and its co-founders James Harris and Mark Lane. She alleges the producers violated a 2024 agreement by failing to recognise her contributions to the film and treating her as less than an equal partner.
According to the lawsuit, Obsession was made on a reported budget of $750,000 and went on to earn more than $500 million at the box office.
Darby claims her involvement was critical to completing the film. She alleges that director Curry Barker had lost control of the editing process but that she helped return the project to him before the film was completed.
She also claims she secured approval for reshoots that addressed issues with the film and helped ensure production was completed in time for the Toronto International Film Festival.
Focus Features subsequently acquired the film for $16.2 million, according to the lawsuit.
Darby alleges that after Obsession became a commercial success, Harris and Lane repeatedly breached their agreement by excluding her from profits and public recognition connected to the film.
She is seeking compensatory damages for alleged breach of contract, unpaid project bonuses and one-third of the film’s net profits, along with other damages.
The lawsuit represents Darby’s claims, and the allegations have not been proven in court. Tea Shop Productions and the other defendants have not publicly responded to the lawsuit. TMZ reported that it reached out to the company for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
