In the wake of Todd Phillips' experimental DC sequel Joker: Folie À Deux experiencing a somewhat lackluster performance at the box office over the past two weeks, a new killer clown has emerged as the top contender. Art the Clown, having cultivated a fervent fanbase through two increasingly shocking, low-budget films, has captivated audiences in Damien Leone's gruesome threequel Terrifier 3. The film grossed an impressive $18 million in its opening weekend on a modest $2 million budget. In a recent interview with DiscussingFilm, Leone shared his future plans for David Howard Thornton's bloodthirsty jester.
When asked if he envisions Terrifier series expanding into space-faring adventures akin to Jason X, Leone quickly dismissed the idea of overextending the franchise. "On one level, I would love to see him in space or exploring Las Vegas or the Wild West," Leone said, "but I can't see it going beyond two more movies. As a storyteller, I believe my creative well will eventually run dry, especially given the amount of content I pack into each film."
Furthermore, the director has a pragmatic approach to the potential runtimes of Terrifier 4 and 5, taking into account the criticisms of the second film's lengthy two-and-a-half-hour runtime. "I could envision making one more movie, but with so many set pieces, kill scenes, and scenarios, I might end up with another two-and-a-half-hour film," Leone explained. "I don't want that, and I know the audience doesn't either. Most fans prefer a 90-minute movie. If that's the case, I would likely split the content into two more films. But I genuinely don't see it extending beyond that."
Whether you adore them or despise them, there's no denying the visceral impact the Terrifier movies have had on cinema-goers, drawing audiences to theaters with promises of DIY set pieces and practical effects inspired by Tom Savini that push the boundaries for modern audiences, much like the video nasties did for previous generations. And if Terrifier 3 is any indication, we're eager to join Art and company for at least a couple more films.
