UNITED STATES: Producer of hit movie ‘Obsession’ sues for lost profits after $500m windfall at box office for the movie made with just $750k
An executive producer of the 2025 horror hit “Obsession” is suing the film’s production company and two producers, claiming she was pushed out of her rightful share of the profits despite playing a key role in getting the movie back on track.
Leonora Ann Darby filed the lawsuit Monday against Tea Shop Productions and its co-founders, James Harris and Mark Lane, alleging they violated a 2024 agreement by failing to recognize her contributions and treating her as less than an equal partner.
Darby claims she was denied her fair share of the movie’s profits after “Obsession,” reportedly made for just $750,000, went on to gross more than $500 million.
According to the lawsuit, Darby played a crucial role during post-production after director Curry Barker allegedly lost control of the editing process. She claims she helped return the project to Barker and prevented the film from heading toward a disastrous final cut.
She also says she secured approval for several reshoots that addressed problems with the movie, helping ensure it was completed in time for the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film’s success at the festival reportedly attracted Focus Features, which purchased the movie for $16.2 million. Darby alleges that after the movie became a major box-office success, Harris and Lane repeatedly violated their agreement by cutting her out of profits and excluding her from public recognition for her work.
She is seeking compensatory damages, unpaid project bonuses, one-third of the film’s net profits and additional damages. Tea Shop Productions has been contacted for comment but has not responded so far.
