THE OVERVIEW
Bonnie Aarons, known for her role in The Nun franchise, has filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery. She accuses the company of concealing her rightful share of merchandising royalties and earnings from gross receipts, as her likeness was extensively used in the character’s merchandise. Aarons’ legal team contends that her appearance was essential to the character’s popularity and thus, she deserves compensation from products featuring her likeness. Despite the film’s vast success and merchandise creation, Aarons claims she was only paid $71,500 without additional rewards or profit from merchandise sales.
Warner Bros. Discovery is dealing with an unexpected legal trouble—being sued by Bonnie Aarons, the star of the financially successful The Nun series. Aarons charges them with “concealing and suppressing” her portion of merchandising royalties and gross earnings from products displaying her likeness, in the character of Valak, the demon dressed in a habit. Aarons’ legal representatives are arguing that the character’s triumph relies on her distinct likeness, citing WB executive and Conjuring producer Peter Safran, who recognized her unique facial features as perfect for the role. Following her appearance in Conjuring 2, Valak’s character has led to a spin-off that made $365 million globally, and merchandise ranging from toys, apparel, and home decor to jewelry, featuring Ms. Aarons’ likeness, the lawsuit mentions.
Even with the film’s accomplishments and the wide variety of The Nun-inspired merchandise produced by Warner Bros. Discovery, Aarons alleges that her compensation was a mere $71,500 for her role in The Nun. She adds that her contract included provisions for “additional compensation via box office bonuses” and a share of gross income from “products utilizing Ms. Aarons’ likeness.” Her lawyers claim that these terms were not met, accusing the studios of hiding the “genuine quantity of Ms. Aarons’ proper share of merchandising earnings, while still profiting from her image.”
A Frighteningly Iconic Face
Image courtesy of Warner Bros.
Apart from Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, the lead actors in The Conjuring series, Aarons’ horrific character is perhaps the most notable figure from the Conjuring film universe, not to mention that The Nun’s spin-off is the franchise’s biggest hit.
The Hollywood Reporter first broke news of the lawsuit, naming Warner Bros. Discovery, New Line Cinemas, and Scope Productions as the entities being pursued by the actress for remuneration. The lawsuit highlights that the film brought in more than $365 million on a $22 million budget, and that Aarons was entitled to a $175,000 bonus related to box office success, plus a share of profits from merchandise featuring her character.
Aarons is set to continue her role as Valak in The Nun II, with a theatrical release scheduled for September 8.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: lawsuit
Who has filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery?
Bonnie Aarons, the actress known for her role in The Nun franchise, has filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery.
What is the main accusation in the lawsuit?
The main accusation is that Warner Bros. Discovery concealed Aarons’ share of merchandising royalties and gross receipts, failing to provide her the compensation she was entitled to for merchandise featuring her likeness.
How much was Bonnie Aarons allegedly paid for her role in The Nun?
Bonnie Aarons claims she was paid only $71,500 for her role in The Nun, without additional rewards or a cut from merchandise sales, despite the contract’s stipulations.
What kind of merchandise is involved in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit refers to merchandise such as toys, dolls, decorations, pins, jewelry, t-shirts, socks, bedding, costumes, drinkware, and posters, all using Ms. Aarons’ likeness.
What is the significance of Bonnie Aarons’ likeness to her character in The Nun?
Aarons’ lawyers argue that her unique likeness played a crucial role in the character’s success, and as such, she is entitled to compensation from products exploiting her likeness.
Is Bonnie Aarons going to reprise her role in The Nun series?
Yes, Aarons is set to continue her role as Valak in The Nun II, with a theatrical release scheduled for September 8.
5 comments
wow they realy did her dirty. that movie wouldn’t be the same without her face she deserves her share for sure
Can’t believe what Warner Bros did to Bonnie, she deserves so much more! Where’s the justice in Hollywood these days?
These contract disputes are all too common in the industry. Transparency is key! Warner Bros should have honored the contract, if these allegations are true.
Bonnie was perfect as the Nun. Can’t wate to see her in the sequel even with all this drama going on.
Is this the new norm in movie biz hiding money from actors? very disappointing.