James Wan introduced the world to a captivating and chilling film series with the 2013 supernatural horror The Conjuring. Based on the alleged haunting examined by the paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, it features Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga in the lead role. The series has since developed into one of the biggest horror franchises of all time, having multiple spin-offs and over $2 billion box office collection.
And the series is back in the conversation as the Demonic Nun actress Bonnie Aarons takes Warner Bros. to court allegedly for shorting her share from the merchandise revenue of the franchise.
James Wan’s The Conjuring Star Sues Warner Bros.
Hollywood actress Bonnie Aarons made her debut as the demonic nun Valak in the sequel to James Wan’s 2013 movie, The Conjuring 2. She has since reprised her role in the following spin-offs of the series, Annabelle Creation and The Nun. The Mulholland Drive actress is also reprising her character in the upcoming sequel to the 2018 film, which is set to release in September this year.
However, ahead of its release, Aarons has sued the studio behind the production and distribution of films under James Wan’s The Conjuring Universe. The actress has filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court, naming Warner Bros, New Line Cinema, and Scope Productions.
The lawsuit states that she was paid a fixed $71,500 for her role in the 2018 movie, along with a $175,000 bonus related to the box office performance of the film, and was paid to her after the movie grossed over $365 million at the box office.
It also mentions that her contract for the film promises her a share of the profits made from the merchandise related to her character. However, she has sued Warner Bros., claiming that the studio has hidden the accurate amount of her “rightful share of merchandising revenues” as they continue to profit from the merchandise based on her character.
Bonnie Aarons’ “Undeniable” Importance to the Franchise
Bonnie Aarons is known for starring in several horror movies. However, she gained prominent recognition for her role as the demonic Nun in James Wan’s The Conjuring series. The actress has claimed in her recent lawsuit against Warner Bros. that she has had an “undeniable” contribution to the franchise’s success.
It states that unlike other monsters or creatures featured in horror movies, she does not use any CGI or prosthetics, and The Nun, aka Valak, is entirely based on her physical features. Further, it states that the merchandise based on her character in the series, which ranges from toys, accessories, t-shirts, costumes, and even posters, uses her likeness, as Valak is the “most popular character” of the franchise.
According to the lawsuit, she was promised a “pro-rata share of 5% of 50% of the gross receipts.” However, the studio has avoided having transparency, leading Aarons to sue them for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and accounting. Warner Bros. has not said anything about the claims yet.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
