Terrifier 4 Star Reveals What to Expect From Art the Clown’s Origin Story

The Terrifier franchise has released three movies so far, but Art the Clown’s backstory has yet to be revealed. In Terrifier 4, Art the Clown’s origins will finally be explored.

David Howard Thornton, who plays Art the Clown, discussed the character’s origins during a panel at Chattanooga Comic Con (via ComicBook.com).

Thornton revealed that he first asked writer and director Damien Leone about Art’s identity and motivations when he joined the franchise. Leone initially had no clear backstory for Art, and the two have discussed and changed several ideas over the years.

Thornton said they do not want Art to have a sympathetic background or a tragic origin story. In Thornton’s mind, Art is essentially evil incarnate and has been evil since birth.

Thornton said, “When I first sat down in the make-up chair with (Damien), I was like, ‘Tell me everything about Art. Who is he? Why does he do what he’s doing? Because I just want to know that just for my own self.’ And he’s like, ‘I don’t know.’”

Thornton added, “So over the years, we’ve talked about different things, and we keep changing ideas and all that. So I don’t know what he’s going to land on. But I know one thing we’ve talked about is…we don’t want him to have a sympathetic background. In my head, he basically is evil incarnate. He came out of the womb just evil. In my mind, he would have strangled his mother with his own umbilical cord as soon as he came out of the womb…So I’m very interested to see how we tackle it. I’m hoping there are different things we address, like why he’s silent, stuff like that.”

During the announcement, Leone described the film as an “utterly satisfying conclusion” and promised to finally reveal Art the Clown’s origin. The opening minutes will reveal Art the Clown’s origin story.

Filming for Terrifier 4 is scheduled to begin in 2027. The film will feature more gore, carnage, and mayhem than ever before and will take place on New Year’s Eve. Lauren LaVera will reprise her role as Sienna Shaw.

Recently, LaVera addressed the script status of Terrifier 4.

“I haven’t read any of the script yet. I don’t think Damien’s even done writing it as of right now. I’m sure he’s close to done based on things he has texted me and what he’s been telling the press, but no, he’s kept it completely under wraps from David, from myself, from all of the other cast and crew. So it’ll be a surprise.”

The Terrifier franchise has become one of horror’s biggest success stories. Terrifier 2 turned a small $250,000 budget into more than $15 million at the box office. Then came Terrifier 3, which earned over $98 million worldwide on a $2 million budget.

Terrifier 4 will be shot on 30mm film and is expected to be released in time for Halloween 2027.