Whether you love or hate the Terrifier franchise, there’s no denying that Terrifier 3 is one of the most anticipated horror movies of 2024. With the chilling presence of Art the Clown, these films have set a new standard for slasher horror, and the legacy continues on October 11th. What can fans expect when this visceral flick hits the cinemas?
SPOILERS FOR TERRIFIER AND TERRIFIER 2 BELOW
Terrifier Recap
Terrifier (2016) introduced us to Art the Clown, a sadistic and silent killer who brought a new level of brutality to Halloween night. The film’s gruesome practical effects and relentless tension made it an instant cult classic. In the first installment, we follow Tara Heyes on Halloween night as she finds herself as the obsession of a sadistic murderer (our buddy, Art).
Terrifier 2 (2022) continued Art’s reign of terror, with even more shocking kills and a deeper dive into his macabre world. The sequel expanded the mythology and left fans craving more. The synopsis for movie number two reads: “After being resurrected by a sinister entity, Art the Clown returns to the timid town of Miles County where he targets a teenage girl and her younger brother on Halloween night.”
What to Expect With Terrifier 3
Terrifier 3 is set to release in theaters on October 11th, just in time for Halloween. Although it is a Halloween drop, the setting is changing with this installment, and it takes place around Christmas time. The official synopsis states: “Art the Clown is set to unleash chaos on the unsuspecting residents of Miles County as they peacefully drift off to sleep on Christmas Eve.”
As always, Damien Leone is at the head of the film as Director and Writer, and David Howard Thornton will be reprising his role as the iconic star and villain of the franchise, Art the Clown.
Other confirmed actors featured in Terrifier 3 are Jason Patric (The Lost Boys) and Daniel Roebuck(The Fugitive, Final Destination), with returning cast members such as Chris Jericho, Lauren LaVera, and Elliot Fullam.
When asked about the film by Variety, Bloody Disgusting vice president Brad Miska had this to say: “With ‘Terrifier 3,’ Damien Leone and Phil Falcone have handcrafted a theatrical experience like no other that will shock the hell out of audiences this fall. Art the Clown will slay October once again.”
Terrifier 3 joins a slew of Halloween season movies hitting theaters, including Smile 2, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and The Front Room.
To say that horror fans will be eating well this Halloween season is an understatement.
Personal Thoughts
The Terrifier franchise isn’t my favorite, but there’s no denying the franchise has developed a cult following, and for good reason. The films continue to push the boundaries of shock and terror when it comes to slashers, and I’m sure Terrifier 3 will be no different.
For those wondering, while I appreciate the films and how they’re pushing the genre forward, they’re a bit too mean-spirited for me to want to recommend to friends or even watch a second time. That’s just my opinion, but at the same time, maybe it’s just because they make me feel WILDLY uncomfortable while watching them, which is a great sign when it comes to horror, right?
Fun Trivia About The Terrifier Franchise
- Art the Clown’s first appearance on screen was in the short films The 9th Circle and Terrifier, both featured in the anthology film All Hallows Eve.
- Director Damien Leone created Art the Clown becaus he felt that the 2010s lacked an iconic horror clown, and he wanted to make Art as different from Pennywise as possible.
- David Howard Thornton, while on a break during filming, spotted two women arguing in the street. He decided to wave at them in full make-up and costume as Art The Clown to freak them out.
- The haunted house scenes in Terrifier 2 were shot in an actual haunted house attraction called Fright Factory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Lauren LaVera(Sienna) is a trained martial artist, so she did most of her own stunts in the movie.
- David Howard Thornton was disgusted when he had to pull the innards out of the bodies of the victims. He said they were cold, slimy, and gross.
Recommendations For Terrifier Fans
Terrifier 3 is being released by Bloody Disgusting on October 11th, just in time for spooky season. To hold you over in the meantime, you can visit this post about the best horror movies on Netflix right now, or check out the Youtube channel if you’re more of a visual/audio fan.
You can watch the Terrifier 3 trailer down below
