Damien Leone plans only 2 more Terrifier sequels with defined runtimes and endgame for Art the Clown

With Terrifier 3 breaking box office records, Leone discusses the challenges of maintaining the franchise's intensity.

Director Damien Leone has confirmed that he only envisions two more sequels in the Terrifier franchise, following the successful release of Terrifier 3. In a recent exclusive interview with Discussing Films, Leone shared insights into the direction of the series, addressing concerns about the long runtimes that have become a topic of discussion among fans.

The Terrifier series, known for its extreme gore and the iconic character Art the Clown, has garnered a dedicated fanbase since its inception. With Terrifier 3 already making waves at the box office—surpassing even major releases like Joker: Folie à Deux—the pressure is on for Leone to maintain the franchise’s momentum. He explained that while he has many ideas for future films, he is aware that stretching the story beyond two more installments may dilute its impact.

"On one level, I would absolutely love to see him in space or go to Las Vegas or the Wild West," Leone mentioned. However, he emphasized the necessity of keeping the storytelling fresh and engaging. He noted, “For me, personally, as a storyteller, I think that my well is going to eventually run dry, plainly because I pack so much into each movie.”

Critics have pointed out that the runtime of Terrifier 2—clocking in at over two hours—might have overwhelmed some audiences. Leone is responding to this feedback by planning shorter runtimes for the next films, aiming for around 90 minutes, which aligns more closely with audience preferences for horror films.

In addition to runtime adjustments, Leone confirmed that he knows the ultimate fate of Art the Clown and Sienna Shaw, the franchise's central protagonists. The escalating supernatural elements in the story, as introduced in Terrifier 2, will reach a climax as the rivalry between Sienna and Art is resolved.

Terrifier 3 is currently playing in theaters, and as the franchise evolves, fans are eager to see how Leone will conclude this terrifying saga. With the combination of innovative storytelling and carefully curated runtimes, Terrifier looks poised to secure its legacy in modern horror.