Warning: This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Terrifier 3!
While the Terrifying the franchise incorporated Halloween and Christmas into Art’s massacres, Terrifying 3 subtly teases a possible new holiday for the fourth film. Damien Leone’s beloved and unrated film franchise follows a human-turned-demon serial killer named Art the Clown, who attacks with little to no provocation in the most brutal and bloody ways. While the first two films showed Art attacking on Halloween, Terrifying 3 started massacring people at Christmas with the help of Terrifying Vicky, survivor turned villain, who the pale little girl possesses.
Before the third film was released, Leone unofficially confirmed that Terrifying 4 was already in the works, which makes perfect sense after watching the third film. The third film ends on a huge cliffhanger, leaving many questions that Terrifying 4 need to respond. One question – when Art the Clown and Sienna Shaw will return next holiday – may have been subtly answered in Terrifier 3, thanks to one detail.
Terrifier 3’s crown of thorns creates an Easter setting for Terrifier 4
The crown of thorns continues the religious imagery in Terrifier 3
The end of Terrifying 3 it shows Vicky wearing a crown of thorns, which she takes off her head and places on Sienna’s head, causing blood to run down her face. Since each installation of Terrifying happened on a holiday, the crown of thorns seems like a provocation to the Terrifying 4settings.
An Easter scenario and release date could negatively impact Terrifying 4especially if the film maintains the same level of gore as the previous three films.
In the Bible, Jesus wore a crown of thorns during his crucifixion, which is commemorated on Good Friday. Then his resurrection is celebrated two days later at Easter, which could be the next time Vicky and Art return to the big screen. This would also fit in with the other religious themes introduced in the Terrifying 3 and those found in the short Art the Clown 9th Circlewhich is referenced in a book in the third film.
What Terrifier 4 happening at Easter would mean for the franchise
Easter-centric Terrifier 4 could negatively impact the franchise
If Terrifying 4 takes place at Easter, the film could push boundaries in the most significant way yet. Terrifying 3The opening scene of already caused mild controversy by showing Art the Clown killing a child and then displaying his dismembered body on screen, which breaks an unspoken horror film rule. However, what resulted most was spectators vomiting and leaving. There was no major reaction in sales, ratings or reviews. Unfortunately, an Easter scenario and release date could negatively impact Terrifying 4especially if the film maintains the same level of gore as the previous three films.
Religious horror films are considered blasphemous to the church and have received significant backlash in the past. Most don’t happen during a holy holiday. Easter is considered one of the holiest holidays for Christians because it proves that Jesus truly was the son of their god and cleansed them of their sins. As such, the odds of a boycott or review bombing seem high. The choice would also potentially ostracize Christians who love and watch horror films. However, the shocking marketing of the fourth film that followed Terrifying 3The provocation could also bring more attention to the film.
Source: Discussing Film