Art the Clown from Terrifier 3 is drawing influences from some unexpected comedic legends and classic cartoon characters, merging the worlds of horror and humor in a fascinating way. For over a decade, Art has terrorized audiences and now returns for a holiday themed rampage in Terrifier 3, aiming to solidify his place in horror history.
The character, originally introduced in the anthology All Hallows’ Eve, has transformed into an emblem of modern horror, with merchandise and box office successes like 2022’s Terrifier 2 cementing his fame. In an exclusive conversation about the latest installment, writer and director Damien Leone, along with star David Howard Thornton and wrestler-turned-actor Chris Jericho, revealed more about Art’s whimsical side.
While Leone dismissed the popular notion of Looney Tunes as a direct influence, Thornton argued otherwise. He stated that he envisions Art as a sort of Bugs Bunny figure within the horror genre, embodying mischief and chaos, boasting a playful nature even as he dons a violent persona.
Interestingly, Thornton, who has become synonymous with Art the Clown since stepping into the role in 2016, acknowledges the legacy of the character. The role was first brought to life by Mike Giannelli in Leone’s short film The 9th Circle. When Giannelli opted out of reprising his role in Terrifier, Thornton eagerly took over, propelling the character into horror fame.
The conversation took a whimsical turn as they explored Art’s personality further. Thornton pinpointed influences from silent film stars, notably Charlie Chaplin, calling Art “the bastard child of Freddy Krueger and Harpo Marx.” Notably, Leone chimed in, drawing parallels with the antics of Mr. Bean, another comedic icon.
Thornton intriguingly linked Art to Harpo Marx in a personal revelation. While revisiting classic Marx Brothers films, he discovered that Harpo’s real name is Arthur, cleverly tying it back to Art the Clown. This connection, along with shared traits like a signature hat and horn, frames Art as a complex blend of horror and comedy.
As fans anticipate the release of Terrifier 3, which hits theaters on October 11, 2024, it will be interesting to see how these multifaceted influences shape the character’s chilling yet strangely jovial persona.
