Terrifier 3 is already creating a stir, and it’s not even officially released yet. The highly anticipated horror sequel, directed by Damien Leone, brings back the infamous slasher character Art the Clown amid a chaotic Christmas setting. Early reports from its recent premiere in the U.K. indicate that the film’s opening scene is so intense that it has led to multiple audience walkouts and at least one person becoming violently ill.
According to eyewitness accounts, nine viewers left the screening during the opening moments alone, with reports confirming a total of 11 walkouts. In a surprising twist, one attendee even lost their lunch. Leone took to social media to reflect on the extreme reactions, stating, “I did personally witness some crazy stuff at this UK screening.”
The unsettling nature of Terrifier 3 isn’t just anecdotal; even the actors involved have been affected. David Howard Thornton, who reprises his role as Art the Clown, revealed that he was nearly sick while filming one particularly gruesome scene. Leone shared that this installment includes “one of the most insanely horrific scenes of the Terrifier franchise.” Thornton expressed that this particular kill was a first for him in terms of queasiness.
For die-hard horror enthusiasts, this level of gore might not come as a surprise, but casual viewers should brace themselves. Leone previously hinted that if audiences thought the violence in Terrifier 2 was extreme, they were in for a shocking experience this time around. He made a conscious decision to keep the series independent from big Hollywood studios to preserve its notoriously bloody essence, a choice that may alienate some spectators.
In this latest chapter, Art the Clown wreaks havoc in the fictional town of Miles County on Christmas Eve, joined by returning cast members such as Lauren LaVera as Sienna and Chris Jericho as Burke. Despite running just over two hours—considered lengthy for a slasher flick—the film’s reputation for its extreme violence is well established.
To alert potential viewers, the film’s promotional material features a message stating that it contains graphic violence and extreme gore. It encourages anyone feeling unwell during the screening to seek assistance from trained staff on site. The creators are certainly doing their best to prepare patrons for what lies ahead, which is certainly not suited for the faint of heart.
Critics have responded positively to Terrifier 3, although they have consistently noted its intense levels of gore. A review from Fantastic Fest awarded it a 7 out of 10, emphasizing that the brutal content will likely provoke strong reactions: it’s a film that is designed to challenge viewers’ endurance. Terrifier 3 is set to debut in theaters on October 11, 2024, and the buzz surrounding its extreme nature is only expected to amplify the intrigue among horror fans.
