Terrifier 3: The Most Controversial Horror Film Yet?

Art the Clown’s Return

Across the two Terrifier films so far, maniacal killer Art the Clown has done horrible things. Terrible, despicable things. And so, when the man behind the make-up – actor David Howard Thornton – says that even he was pushed close to the edge of nausea while shooting the much-anticipated third entry, you know that’s saying something. Damien Leone’s indie slashers have grown to become something of a horror sensation, a cult phenomenon with a pop cultural icon in Art. They are, too, spectacularly gory. And by the sounds of things, the impending Terrifier 3 – a Christmas film, of course – will be decking the halls with buckets of blood.

Controversial Content

“There’s one particular thing I have a hard time stomaching,” Thornton tells Empire in the Gladiator II issue. “I don’t want to say what it was, but I almost vomited. Of course, everybody thought it was hysterical that I was having that reaction. Like: ‘Oh, we finally got him!’” Considering the serious bodily mutilations that have occurred in previous entries, it sounds like Leone might somehow have upped the ante even higher this time. According to Thornton, there’s one sequence in the threequel that “will be very controversial…” he teases. “People are gonna be surprised by the depravity that we get up to in that scene.”

The Clown’s Dark Humor

But, there’s always more than just gore to Art. As the clown get-up suggests, there’s an impish, ghoulish sense of humour to the Terrifier films – an extremity that tips the horrific over into the hysterical. “I don’t know what this says about me, but I get a little giddy [about the gore],” says Thornton. “To me, it’s cartoon violence. I just like trying things that people haven’t seen before.” With Terrifier 3, then, be afraid. Be very afraid.

Read the Full Story

Read Empire’s full Terrifier 3 story – going behind the clown make-up with David Howard Thornton – in the Gladiator II issue, on sale Thursday 29 August. Pre-order a copy online here. Terrifier 3 comes to UK cinemas from 11 October.

Conclusion

The Terrifier franchise has always been known for its over-the-top gore and dark humor, but with the third installment, it seems like Damien Leone has pushed the boundaries even further. Whether you’re a fan of the franchise or just looking for a new horror fix, Terrifier 3 is definitely one to watch out for.

FAQs

* When does Terrifier 3 come out?
* Terrifier 3 comes to UK cinemas from 11 October.
* How can I read the full Terrifier 3 story?
* You can read the full story in the Gladiator II issue, on sale Thursday 29 August. You can also pre-order a copy online.
* What’s the story about?
* The story goes behind the clown make-up with David Howard Thornton, exploring the making of the film and what to expect from the third installment.