An executive producer of the 2025 horror film, “Obsession”, Leonora Ann Darby, has sued the movie’s production company and two producers, alleging that she was denied her share of the film’s profits despite playing a key role in completing the project.
Darby filed the lawsuit on Monday against Tea Shop Productions and its co-founders, James Harris and Mark Lane.
She alleged that the defendants breached 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 produced on a budget of about $750,000 but went on to gross more than $500 million.
Darby alleged that she played a significant role during post-production after director Curry Barker reportedly lost control of the editing process.
She claimed that she helped return the project to Barker and prevented the film from ending with what she described as a disastrous final cut.
The producer also alleged that she secured approval for several reshoots to address problems with the film and helped ensure that the project was completed in time for the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film’s performance at the festival reportedly attracted the attention of Focus Features, which subsequently acquired it for $16.2 million.
Darby alleged that after the film became a major commercial success, Harris and Lane repeatedly violated their agreement by excluding her from profits and public recognition for her contribution.
She is seeking compensatory damages, unpaid project bonuses, one-third of the film’s net profits and additional damages.
Tea Shop Productions has reportedly been contacted for comment but had not responded as of press time.
