Los Angeles, CA – Warner Bros., the entertainment giant known for its blockbuster films, finds itself in the chilling grip of a legal battle over the iconic character from “The Nun,” a horror movie that is part of the popular Conjuring Universe. The lawsuit, filed by a little-known artist claiming ownership of the character’s haunting visage, has sent shockwaves through the film industry.

The eerie character, portrayed by actress Bonnie Aarons, made its first appearance in the 2016 horror hit “The Conjuring 2.” The character’s popularity led to a spin-off film titled “The Nun” in 2018, cementing its status as a horror icon. However, what was once a source of thrills for horror enthusiasts has now become a legal nightmare for Warner Bros.

The plaintiff, an artist who chooses to remain anonymous at this time, asserts that the character’s ghastly appearance was based on a copyrighted artwork they created long before “The Conjuring 2” was even in development. Legal documents filed with the court claim that Warner Bros. used the copyrighted artwork without permission, and is therefore infringing upon the artist’s intellectual property rights.

In a statement issued by Warner Bros., the studio vehemently denies the allegations, stating that the character’s design was independently developed by the filmmakers and is not a direct copy of the artist’s work. The studio also expressed surprise at the timing of the lawsuit, which comes several years after the character’s introduction.

Legal experts speculate that the outcome of this case could set a precedent in the realm of character design and intellectual property in the film industry. Similar cases have emerged in the past, with varying degrees of success for plaintiffs. The court’s decision may hinge on whether the alleged similarities between the copyrighted artwork and the character’s appearance are substantial enough to warrant a copyright infringement claim.

Horror fans, meanwhile, are torn between their fascination with the character and their curiosity about the legal battle. Online forums and social media platforms have become battlegrounds for debates over artistic inspiration, intellectual property, and the broader implications of this lawsuit.

As the legal proceedings unfold, both parties are gearing up for what could be a protracted and closely-watched court battle. The case serves as a reminder that even in the realm of supernatural horror, real-world legal battles can be just as hair-raising as those depicted on the silver screen.