Terrifier 3 cliffhanger ending explained – does Art die?

As a horror movie enthusiast with over two decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that Phil Falcone’s journey into the gory world of Terrifier is nothing short of extraordinary. Coming from a background where he was more accustomed to romcoms, it’s fascinating to see how he became an integral part of one of the grisliest horror franchises out there.


In the third installment of “Terrifier,” Art the Clown makes his return with an even greater level of insanity. However, it remains unclear if he has finally met his match and been vanquished. The film concludes on a suspenseful note, hinting at potential events in a potential fourth movie.

Although there was uncertainty about whether Terrifier 3 could top its predecessor, we should’ve never doubted filmmaker and franchise creator Damien Leone. 

In a stunning display of cinematic prowess, the director behind the chilling horror genre, along with his team, have surpassed all expectations. This production features an unprecedented amount of bloodshed compared to The Passion of the Christ’s biblical carnage, and some of the most gruesome kill scenes reminiscent of Terrifier.

We also get to learn more about Art’s backstory, and his ties to Sienna, Jonathan, and the Shaw family. Before we get into what happens at the end, be warned: major spoilers ahead!

Does Art the Clown die in Terrifier 3?

It’s great news that Art, as portrayed in Terrifier 3, won’t meet its demise. However, there was a brief moment of uncertainty about its survival.

In the trailer, it’s clear that the character Art, played by David Howard Thornton, reappears, accompanied by Vicky Heyes, portrayed by Samantha Scaffidi. Their mission, set over the Christmas season, is to torment Miles County in retaliation against Sienna Shaw.

Terrifier 3 cliffhanger ending explained – does Art die?

In the horror movie Terrifier 2, it appears that Sienna (Lauren LaVera) beheaded Art. However, recalling the gruesome post-credit scene, it was actually Vicky who gave birth to a living Art’s head.

In Terrifier 3, it’s revealed earlier that this sequence of events served a particular purpose. Art’s decapitated body mysteriously revives, using the head of an unaware victim for transportation. Eventually, he makes his way to the asylum to retrieve Vicky and a new head for himself.

Additionally, the film hints at further details regarding the sword that Sienna’s father bestowed upon her before he passed away. At present, this is the sole weapon capable of vanquishing Art, an adversary stemming from a malevolent being called “the Terrifier.

At the peak of the story, Art and Vicky mercilessly kill Sienna’s aunt Jess (played by Krsy Fox), following the gruesome style reminiscent of American Psycho, after first brutally torturing her and killing Uncle Greg (Bryce Johnson).

In the storyline, they suggest that I lost my little brother, Jonathan (Elliott Fullam). While it’s not shown on-screen, there’s a possibility that he might still be alive, given how certain scenes are left ambiguous.

At a point when it seemed impossible for Art and Vicky to become any more unkind, they unexpectedly introduce Gabbie, Sienna’s niece (played by Antonella Rose), into the scene.

Terrifier 3 cliffhanger ending explained – does Art die?

It seems as though they’re planning to murder Sienna while Gabbie watches, so she pleads with the antagonists to allow her aunt to open her Christmas gift before anything happens.

She gestures to the figure hidden behind the tree, a truth we’ve learned is actually the sword that Jonathan had acquired for Sienna upon hearing about Art’s comeback. (Or)

As an ardent admirer, I employ it to eliminate Vicky, forcing it down her throat, followed by beheading her, before shifting my focus onto Art.

The pair get into a scrap and, eventually, she’s able to drive the sword right through his stomach, seemingly killing him. 

Meanwhile, something devastating occurs (I’ll delve into it later), and after the ordeal subsides, Sienna observes her environment and notices that Art is missing.

Towards the end, it’s clear that Art has stepped onto a bus, which is splattered with blood, indicating he is most certainly not dead yet.

How the cliffhanger ending sets up Terrifier 4

Let’s revisit that distressing incident. As Vicky clashed with Art, her blood began to ooze onto the floorboards, eating away at them much like acid would.

Just as Sienna thrusts her sword into Art, the earth splits apart, revealing a fiery chasm (imagine something akin to hell, but filled with smoke and brilliant light).

Terrifier 3 cliffhanger ending explained – does Art die?

Gabbie fails to realize the danger until it’s too late and tumbles over, managing to hold onto the edge. Sienna attempts to lift her up using a sword, gripping it by the blade, making the situation as grim as you might imagine, with Gabbie reaching for the hilt.

Sienna exerts every ounce of her strength to lift her niece out of the pit, but unfortunately, Gabbie ends up slipping and falls in.

Later on, Sienna examines the rough injuries on her palm, and an unusual incident takes place: the wound seals shut, it heals, and only the residual bloodiness remains – this also indicates that Art is no longer there.

As I embark on my journey in Terrifier 4, I promise myself, “Gabbie, I will relentlessly search for you.” This becomes my mission.

Is Jonathan really dead?

Currently, Sienna thinks Jonathan might be dead, but it’s important to note that this might not be the case. In a dramatic turn of events, prior to Art killing Jess, he played a cruel trick on them both by unveiling what appeared to be their gift: a grotesque head with its flesh peeled off.

Initially, Vicky and Art deceive by acting as if Gabbie’s head belongs to someone else. However, following Jess’s death, they expose the truth: the head that was being passed off as Gabbie’s is actually Jonathan’s.

Terrifier 3 cliffhanger ending explained – does Art die?

As a gamer, I can’t help but wonder, isn’t it unusual that this crucial character’s demise wasn’t depicted in the game? Could it be that they are intentionally misleading us just to torment Sienna and shatter her spirits?

Of course, this is all just speculation for now. TopMob asked star Elliott Fullam whether Jonathan’s really dead and, at this stage, he could neither confirm nor deny – but he enjoys the theories. 

He added, “I’m sorry, but I can’t provide an answer right now, but it’s fascinating to observe such things.” In my mind, I try to figure out possibilities since I don’t know the outcome, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s simply deceased.

Given the upcoming release of Terrifier 4, artist Damien Leone (Fullam) has expressed a willingness to participate in some capacity – either through flashback scenes or alternative presentation methods.

He said, ‘Absolutely! I’m game for whatever Damien plans. Working with the entire Terrifier crew is always enjoyable.’

Terrifier icon cameos in final scene

At the conclusion of Terrifier 3’s final scene, Art boards a public bus. Interestingly enough, the person behind the wheel is no stranger – it’s Phil Falcone, the veteran Terrifier series producer.

Interestingly, you’ll find another hidden reference in there as well. Prior to Art boarding, the sole other passenger is a woman engrossed in a book titled ‘The 9th Circle’. This title happens to be that of Damien Leone’s 2008 short film, where Art the Clown was first introduced (and appeared in All Hallow’s Eve).

Terrifier 3 cliffhanger ending explained – does Art die?

Falcone queries her regarding the book, and she admits it’s “spookier” than she thought it would be. “I tend to avoid the gruesome aspects,” he explains, “as I prefer romantic comedies.

As a dedicated admirer, I can’t help but appreciate the irony – after all, Falcone is the mastermind behind some of the most gruesome scenes ever captured on film.

Incidentally, you might be surprised to learn that he wasn’t particularly fond of horror until Terrifier. In an interview with TopMob, the producer shared the story behind their collaboration. It turns out that during the production of his 2015 film Joe’s War, he required someone skilled in creating gory effects, which is how they met and eventually worked together on Terrifier.

His associate had recently collaborated with Leone and spoke highly of him. They quickly bonded, and during that period, Leone expressed his desire to launch Terrifier but lacked sufficient support.

In a bid to fund an action movie, Falcone expressed to Leone, “To be honest, I’m not particularly fond of clowns or horror flicks. However, feel free to share your plans with me.

Wishing you a most joyful birthday, the legendary man himself, Phil Falcone. These terrifying movie masterpieces wouldn’t be the same without your heroic touch. May blessings be upon you, my friend.

— Steve Barton (@UncleCreepy) August 15, 2023

When Leone expressed his modest fundraising goal, Falcone exclaimed, “Is that all you require? Incredible! I’m in. We’ll join forces. We’ll handle everything. However, you must instruct me on special effects.

Beyond that point, it’s often put like this: From thereon, events unfolded much like we commonly say about history. Falcone has since made a significant contribution to the Terrifier series, handling both special effects and film production within the horror movie genre.

In a similar vein, just as the bus driver from Terrifier 3 wasn’t particularly fond of horror movies, he has since become quite proficient in directing some of the most gruesome and well-regarded genre films today.

Is there a post-credits scene?

Contrary to Terrifier 2, the third installment doesn’t feature a scene after the credits. As soon as the credits begin, that marks the concluding point of the film.

It’s not surprising that people might assume a fourth Terrifier film is being made, given that a sequel (Terrifier 2) has indeed been produced.

Terrifier 3 cliffhanger ending explained – does Art die?

The post-credits scene showed Vicky in her cell giving birth to Art’s head. The walls are covered in blood, which she has used to paint the words “Vicky + Art”. 

Regarding the fourth film, Director Leone confirmed that it is indeed happening. During an event at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, which was attended by Chris Tilly from TopMob, he stated, “Yes, we’re making Terrifier 4.” Later on, he mentioned, “Sienna needs to find Gabbie.

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2024-10-11 03:19