Santa isn’t the only one coming to town this year—Art the Clown is back, and he’s got a sack full of nightmares. The brand-new trailer for the upcoming horror movie Terrifier 3 just dropped, and if you thought the twisted trickster couldn’t get any more twisted, think again. Directed by Damien Leone, this highly anticipated gruesome sequel slashes its way into theaters on October 11, promising to crank up the gore and brutality to levels that might redefine holiday horror. Honestly, I might toss my cookies.
Set against a deceptively serene Christmas Eve in Miles County, the newly released trailer gives us a sneak peek of what happens when the mute maniac, once again played by David Howard Thornton, decides to spread anything but Christmas cheer. This time, we catch up with Sienna and her brother as they try to put the horrors of Art's Halloween massacre behind them and embrace the festive season. But Leone's Clown of Carnage isn’t letting them off the hook that easily. The "Naughty Cut" of the trailer is a gut-wrenching tease filled with gruesome visuals, hinting at the kind of depraved chaos that only this franchise can deliver.
If you're new to the Terrifier franchise, here's a quick rundown. Created by Damien Leone, the series has gained a cult following in the horror community and is often considered some of the best horror movies in recent years. Its success is largely due to its steadfast commitment to practical effects, relentless gore, and a nostalgic nod to the ’80s slasher era. At the center of it all is Art the Clown, a silent and sadistic killer who has quickly become a horror icon. With his grotesque grin and love for violence, the malevolent jester has become a creepy clown movie staple that horrifies even the most seasoned horror fans. The second film, in particular, made headlines for its extreme death scenes that had some viewers pitching pavement pizzas.
The first movie in the series introduced us to Art's unsettling brand of comedy and terror, but Terrifier 2 really pushed boundaries, earning a reputation for making audiences physically ill. Reports of people fainting and vomiting during screenings were not uncommon, and judging by the first teaser, which had the black and white clown playing with blood, and the newly released trailer for Terrifier 3, Leone and Thornton are poised to top that level of infamy. If anything, it looks like they’re leaning further into the blood-soaked madness that made the first two films such unforgettable experiences.
As we inch closer to Terrifier 3's 2024 movie schedule release, one thing is sure: this is not your typical Christmas movie. For those brave enough to endure it, the film promises a holiday experience unlike any other—one filled with terror, gore, and a whole lot of Art the Clown. So grab your barf bags and brace yourselves; this is one Christmas that fear freaks won’t soon forget.
If you want to catch up with the predecessors to the forthcoming threequel, the two previous films can be streamed with a Peacock subscription.
