Understanding the Lawsuit: Bonnie Aarons’ Legal Battle Against Warner Bros.

• Bonnie Aarons, renowned for her portrayal of the demon nun in “The Conjuring” spinoff movies, has filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros.
• Aarons filed the lawsuit on August 15 in Los Angeles, claiming that she has not been receiving her fair share of profits.
• Here is everything you need to know about Aarons’ lawsuit and her significant role in the “Conjuring” franchise.

Bonnie Aarons, the immensely talented actor recognized for her portrayal of a demonic nun in the “Conjuring” and “The Nun” movies, has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Warner Bros.

In her lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, Aarons claims that she has not been receiving her rightful share of profits from merchandise associated with her role in the horror franchise.

The lawsuit coincides with the upcoming release of “The Nun II,” in which Aarons also stars. Here are the key details about the lawsuit, Aarons’ role, and the new movie.

Aarons alleges that Warner Bros. violated her contract by failing to compensate her for merchandise profits

Aarons made her first appearance as the demon nun Valak in the second “Conjuring” movie. She reprised her role in the prequel film “The Nun” and will once again portray Valak in the upcoming theatrical release of “The Nun II” next month.

According to Aarons’ lawsuit, which Insider has reviewed, Warner Bros. has neglected to pay her the merchandising revenues specified in her contract. Her contract entailed a payment of $71,500 for her work in the 2018 film “The Nun,” along with additional “box office bonuses.” However, the lawsuit alleges that Warner Bros. overlooked a crucial aspect of the contract: Aarons’ right to receive a share of “gross receipts from merchandise” featuring her likeness as the demon nun.

The lawsuit argues that Warner Bros. is exploiting Aarons by withholding her rightful share of merchandise revenues: “Instead of transparently accounting and paying, Warner Bros. conceals and obscures the true amount owed to Ms. Aarons, all the while continuing to profit from her,” states the lawsuit.

The lawsuit asserts that Aarons’ unique facial features and portrayal of Valak have played a pivotal role in the development of merchandise and a spinoff franchise for Warner Bros. According to the lawsuit, a significant portion of the merchandise sold within “The Conjuring” cinematic universe, which consists of three “Conjuring” movies, three “Annabelle” spinoff films, “The Nun,” and its upcoming sequel, features Aarons’ likeness as Valak, as the character stands as the franchise’s most popular.

Peter Safran, the producer behind all eight films in “The Conjuring” franchise, is quoted in the lawsuit, praising Aarons’ distinctive facial features and suitability for the role.

Despite receiving negative reviews, “The Nun” achieved significant box-office success upon its release in 2018, grossing over $365 million worldwide, surpassing its $22 million budget. It currently stands as the highest-grossing film within “The Conjuring” universe. “The Conjuring 2,” which introduced Valak to the series, comes in second place in terms of box-office success, earning over $320 million against a $40 million budget.

Representatives for Warner Bros. and Aarons declined to comment when approached by Insider.

Aarons returns as Valak in ‘The Nun II’

The newest installment in the “Conjuring” franchise once again follows Sister Irene (played by Taissa Farmiga) as she confronts the violence brought forth by the demon nun Valak (Aarons) in 1950s Europe, this time within France. The story unravels after the murder of a priest and the manifestation of strange apparitions in a school.

“The Nun 2,” starring Aarons, Farmiga, and Storm Reid, is set to release on September 8. You can watch the trailer below.