The tradition behind Terrifying the franchise grows with each entry, giving rise to many fan theories. While some are more trustworthy than others, an increasing number of viewers are convinced that the series’ infamous antagonist, Art the Clown (David Howard Thorton), is more than he seems. Specifically, there appears to be a growing case that he has a surprising connection to Sienna Shaw, the undisputed heroine of the first three films, through his father.
Although Sienna is a worthy protagonist, Art is the undisputed face of the Terrifying franchise. It starts off as a classic slasher, but Terrifying 2 sees him have a deeper connection with Sienna (Lauren LaVera), hinting at a full story that has yet to be fully explored. In addition to Sienna, Art also appears to have a mysterious connection to his father, Michael Shaw (Jason Patric). While Terrifying 3 director, Damien Leone, shared his thoughts on this theory, throwing cold water on the idea, it’s not surprising that Many fans still believe that Art is actually a twisted version of Sienna’s former father.
Michael Shaw is Art the Clown – Terrifier Theory
Sienna’s father appears to have a connection to the Terrifier villain
Michael Shaw is Sienna’s father, and the two had a close relationship until his suicide. He was an artist who conveyed his ideas to Sienna and created a character inspired by her. This character eventually becomes real after Sienna makes a replica of his costume and weapon. Sienna later obtains this character’s powers, which allow her to survive her encounter with Art in Terrifying 2.
There is a supernatural element Terrifying 2 and 3making Art more of a demonic villain than just a murderous clown. The supernatural elements of this world alone could explain Sienna’s powers and connection to the Craft, but some other context clues could connect Sienna to Art on a more familiar level.
Sienna’s dreams about her father also seem to establish a connection between him, Art, and the events of the Terrifying franchise.
Sienna and her brother, Jonathan, remember how their father visualized Art before he died. Sienna’s dreams about her father also seem to establish a connection between him, Art, and the events of the Terrifying franchise. With these context clues in mind and Art’s identity being a mystery, it’s easy to believe that the two characters are actually one and the same.
What director Damien Leone said about Sienna’s father being art
Damien Leone Doesn’t Agree With Terrifying Fan Theory About Art’s Identity
During a Monster-Mania Q&A, Damian Leone addressed some fan theories. The theory that Art the Clown is Sienna’s father is not a fan of hers.
My least favorite thing is that everyone thinks Jason [Patric] It really is art. Sienna’s father is Art the Clown. But, I mean, that’s a theory. You won’t know what something is until the saga comes to a definitive conclusion.
As mentioned by Leone, no theory will be confirmed until the saga comes to an end and there is another nightmare film Terrifying 4, set to be released. There’s always the chance that a theory like this could turn out to be true, but given Leone’s apparent dislike of the Art/Michael Shaw theory, the chances seem slim. Furthermore, the fact that the series hasn’t shown much interest in expanding Art’s real story suggests that he’s more of an unstoppable avatar of evil than someone who once had a personal relationship with Sienna.
What Michael being art would mean to Sienna in Terrifier 4
Art being Sienna’s father in Terrifier 4 would be the ultimate betrayal
Hypothetically, if Sienna’s father is Art the Clown, that could explain some of her importance to Art. It’s unclear why Art has been so focused on Sienne in the series thus far, and a personal connection would fill that plot gap. Along with this, it could explain how she is in contact with the supernatural, as Art himself could be a demonic force.
If Michael is Art, it would also be a betrayal to Sienna and would seriously undermine all the healing she has done in Terrifying 3. She has a strong relationship with her father, and in Sienna’s mysterious dreams, she sees him as a support system. If he is Art, it could destroy her memories of her father, raise the stakes, and force Sienna to make a nearly impossible choice: kill her father or not. Despite Leone’s opposition, it could be a convincing conclusion to the Terrifying franchise.
Source: Monster-Mania