Although Art the Clown appears to be an indomitable force, the Terrifier series won’t go on indefinitely. Damien Leone, the creative mind behind the horror franchise, has made this clear.
Leone stated in an interview with SFX Magazine, “My biggest concern is stretching the series too thin and losing its appeal. I want the franchise to have a clear beginning and end, whether that’s a trilogy or possibly a fourth film, allowing viewers to walk away feeling satisfied with the conclusion.”
Much like iconic franchises such as Halloween and Friday the 13th, the Terrifier series has become an unexpected hit since its first film debuted in 2016. Directed on a modest budget of $35,000, the original film surprisingly grossed over $416,000. Then, six years later, Terrifier 2 made waves at the box office in 2022, earning over $15 million during its theatrical run.
Now, Terrifier 3 is anticipated to arrive in theaters in just a few weeks. This new installment takes place during the holiday season and will feature David Howard Thornton’s Art the Clown who returns to unleash chaos—all while dressed in a festive Santa suit. The sequel promises to further test the limits of its franchise’s unique blend of gore and dark humor.
It’s uncertain whether Terrifier 3 can replicate the success of its predecessor, but even if it achieves or even exceeds Terrifier 2’s box office performance, it appears that Art the Clown’s time may be limited. Leone addressed the potential fourth film, indicating it might be the last installment in the series.
“I think that’s likely,” he confirmed. “I already have the entire storyline planned out, which I’ve known since the second film. Determining how to conclude it is perhaps the most challenging aspect, but I’ve had the ending in mind for quite some time.”
While the precise fate of this horror franchise remains to be seen, it’s safe to assume it will involve Thornton’s Art and his nemesis, Lauren LaVera’s Sienna Shaw. For now, fans of Terrifier should relish their remaining time immersed in this wildly imaginative and bloody universe before the inevitable conclusion approaches.
Terrifier 3 will make its theatrical debut on Friday, October 11.