A.V. Opinions: Why Art the Clown deserves ten movies (and maybe one in space)

There’s been chatter about Terrifier 4 and possibly one more installment to cap off the franchise, but as a die-hard fan, I’m hoping Damien Leone his team reconsider. Sure, the fear of overstaying your welcome and diluting the magic is valid, but let’s be real: horror fans thrive on more. Every new entry isn’t just another movie; it’s another chance to dive deeper into the lore, expand the mythos, and soak up the blood-soaked chaos we crave.

Take a look at the slasher greats: Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers. None of them stopped at two or three movies. These icons have franchises that stretch across decades, with highs and lows that define their legacy. And guess what? Fans don’t just stick to the originals. I know people who would die on the hill for Friday the 13th Part VI or even the absurd, unapologetically fun Jason X. Let’s face it, everyone loves Jason X now, it just took a little time for the world to admit it.

The point is, there is legacy in longevity. Longevity gives fans variety, and variety gives us something to connect with, no matter where we jump into the series. Art the Clown already has a seat at the horror icons’ table. To solidify his legacy alongside Jason, Freddy, and Michael, the Terrifier franchise needs to go the distance, nine or even ten movies deep. That’s the kind of catalog that cements a character’s place in the genre forever.

And here’s the thing about Art the Clown: he’s not just a knife-wielding maniac (though he’s excellent at that, too). He’s an enigma, a character with an almost mythological, otherworldly vibe that’s just starting to be explored. Why stop now when there’s so much creative ground left to cover? Art isn’t bound by the same rules as other slashers, and that opens up a Pandora’s box of storytelling potential.

Want to explore his origins? Sure. Want to pit him against equally bizarre adversaries? Go for it. Want to lean into the supernatural and really let things get weird? Bring it on. Stopping after four or five movies feels like slamming the brakes just as we’re hitting full speed. I get the argument for keeping the series “special,” but horror doesn’t thrive on playing it safe, it thrives on reinvention and risk. Damien Leone has already proven he can balance gore, tension, and dark humor in a way that feels fresh. If anyone can keep the Terrifier franchise from going stale, it’s him.

And let’s talk about the fans for a second. We’re not looking for a perfectly polished saga where every movie is a masterpiece. We’re here for the wild swings, the unexpected directions, and even the occasional so-bad-it’s-good moments. Horror fans are nothing if not loyal.

Speaking of wild swings, I know Damien Leone has mentioned he’s not into the idea of sending Art to space. But hear me out: make it a one-off, disconnected from the main storyline, like a DC Black Label project. Call it Terrifier in Space or something equally ridiculous. It doesn’t have to be “canon” it just has to be fun. Fans would eat it up, and it would only add to the franchise’s legendary status. If Jason can go to space, why not Art?

At the end of the day, Terrifier isn’t just another slasher franchise, it’s an evolving beast with the potential to carve out a long and lasting legacy. As fans, we don’t want this journey to end prematurely. We’re ready for more blood, more chaos, and more of Art’s terrifying antics. Let Art the Clown rule for years to come.

So here’s to hoping Art sticks around for the long haul. Bring on Terrifier X, Terrifier: Origins, and The Bride of Terrifier. Whatever the future holds, I’m here for it.

-Brad McBoom