Producer Sues Tea Shop Over 'Obsession' Profit Dispute
Leonora Ann Darby has sued Tea Shop Productions co-founders James Harris and Mark Lane, alleging they breached a 2024 agreement to share net profits from the hit horror film 'Obsession.' Darby claims she rescued the film's production and editing but was excluded from financial participation despite the movie's massive success.
Key points
- Darby filed a lawsuit in California state court on August 28, 2026, accusing Harris and Lane of reneging on a 2024 agreement that promised her one-third of net profits for films she lead-produced.
- The suit alleges Darby intervened to restore the original edit to director Curry Barker and recommended reshoots, which were critical to 'Obsession' becoming a box office hit.
- 'Obsession' grossed over $500 million worldwide on a budget of approximately $750,000, selling to Focus Features for $16.2 million at the Toronto International Film Festival.
- Darby claims she was excluded from public recognition, including the film's premiere, and that a $300,000 payment was not a full settlement of her profit participation rights.
- The complaint describes a 'seven-year pattern' of unequal treatment, seeking a full accounting of profits and unpaid wages from multiple projects.
Background
This dispute follows a broader trend of legal actions in the entertainment industry regarding unpaid compensation and contractual breaches, as seen in recent cases involving LIV Golf and ABC News producers. 'Obsession' has been a significant commercial success for Focus Features, with the film's director Curry Barker recently securing new projects with A24 and Universal.
How outlets are covering it
The Hollywood Reporter and TheWrap emphasize Darby's role in 'rescuing' the film's creative direction and editing, highlighting her contributions to its success. Deadline focuses on the financial aspect, noting the film's massive return on a low budget and the alleged 'scam' of excluding Darby from profits. All three outlets agree on the core facts of the lawsuit and the 2024 agreement, but differ in their framing of Darby's contributions versus the financial breach.
Why it matters
The case highlights potential issues in profit-sharing agreements and the treatment of producers in high-grossing independent films, potentially setting a precedent for how compensation and recognition are handled in the industry.
What to watch
Tea Shop Productions and Curry Barker have not yet responded to the lawsuit. The case will likely proceed to a jury trial, with Darby seeking a full accounting of profits and unpaid wages from 'Obsession' and other projects.
- ‘Obsession’ Producer Files Lawsuit Claiming She Was Cut Out of Profits Despite “Rescuing” Cut The Hollywood Reporter
- ‘Obsession’ Producer Claims She Was Shut Out of Profits in Breach-of-Contract Suit TheWrap
- ‘Obsession’ EP Sues Over Allegedly Being Scammed Out Of High Grossing Horror Hit’s Profits Deadline
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