Actress Bonnie Aarons, renowned for her role as demon nun in the lucrative Conjuring film “The Nun”, has filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros, alleging the studio concealed her rightful portion of merchandise revenue linked to her character.
The legal action was initiated on Tuesday in Los Angeles superior court and names Warner Bros, New Line Cinema, and Scope Productions as defendants.
Aarons asserts that despite her portrayal being the basis for the eerie nun, which involves no CGI or prosthetics, Warner Bros failed to accurately account for the earnings generated from merchandise showcasing her likeness.
Her agreement reportedly guaranteed her a share of 5% from 50% of the gross receipts obtained from the licensing of merchandise rights, encompassing an array of products such as toys, dolls, T-shirts, and posters.
According to the lawsuit, Aarons received revenue statements from Warner Bros between 2019 and 2022, which she claims were incongruous with the extensive range of merchandise bearing her character’s image.
Aarons further alleges that when she sought clarification, the studio’s response included only a fraction of the actual licensed items.
The lawsuit contends that Warner Bros’ actions have obscured Aarons’ rightful share of merchandise revenue while persistently capitalizing on her portrayal. Aarons is seeking legal redress for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and accounting.
The Conjuring film franchise, encompassing movies like The Conjuring, The Nun, and Annabelle, has collectively amassed over $2 billion in global box office earnings.
Aarons, recognized for her chilling roles, including a memorable appearance in David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive, has gained acclaim for her portrayal of “Valak”.
In response to inquiries from The Guardian, Warner Bros has chosen not to provide a comment on the matter. The legal dispute sheds light on the intricate financial dynamics surrounding intellectual property and merchandising in the entertainment industry.
