Terrifier 3: Art the Clown's Demonic Origins Explained

If you're a fan of gory horror movies, you probably know about Art the Clown. He's the star of the Terrifier franchise, and his latest appearance in Terrifier 3 has fans talking!

Terrifier 3 and Art's Demonic Origins

This third installment is full of disturbing scenes. We get a look into Art the Clown's dark history and his power as an evil being. In this latest film from director Damien Leone, he showed us Art working alongside Victoria Heyes! They're not your ordinary murderers. It ends up that Art is actually some kind of demon.

Also Read: Terrifier 3: Art the Clown Gets Even Scarier - Here's Why!

The 9th Circle Book Reference

Terrifier 3's Major Character Death Explained Image

There's a super interesting and easily missed detail at the end. At a bus stop Art the Clown is seen watching a young woman read a book! It is titled "The 9th Circle." This seemingly little detail has major importance to fans who know Art's origins. The book title links him back to Damien Leone's early short film, which had the same name! Leone and Art the Clown will return in the new film.

Also Read: Terrifier 3: This Upcoming Slasher Sequel Could Be 2024's Scariest Movie

The 9th Circle Short Film Explained

Mike Giannelli as Art the Clown smiling at the camera in The 9th Circle short film Image

The 9th Circle short from 2008 showed viewers a dark look at Art the Clown! That showed us who he really is as it is given to us from the writer's vision! Art isn't just some random killer! In this 2008 short we see how this villain acts!

The story features a young woman who meets Art. He looks like an ordinary clown. But in fact he's truly evil.
What happens is she gets captured and meets a super horrifying demon! This shows that Art isn't an ordinary person! In a haunting ending he is shown getting ready for more gruesome, evil plans.

This same short was even in Damien Leone's 2013 movie All Hallow's Eve, indicating that Leone has had this dark character and concept in mind for a very, very long time!

Also Read: Terrifier 3: Release Date, Cast, Trailer & Everything We Know About Art The Clown's Return

Dante's Inferno and the Ninth Circle

A statue of Mary in Hell in Terrifier 3 Image

Fans of mythology might get the connection to this reference right away. It looks like "The 9th Circle," the title references Dante Alighieri’s epic poem The Divine Comedy. The final circle in Inferno.

This circle is about the people who are guilty of terrible acts, and especially betrayal!
There were references to notorious figures from The Bible! There is even a reference to Satan himself who is trapped in ice at the very center! It's such a powerful moment!

Also Read: Terrifier & Terrifier 2: Where to Watch Art the Clown's Terror

Art's Demonic Nature and the Future of the Franchise

This all shows something amazing for fans. Art and Sienna might really represent good vs evil.

Now with these Terrifier Movies having elements of mythology there is an intense storyline that shows fans how powerful this story truly is.

Art is seen in the end and fans realize the dark connection that has always existed!
Terrifier 3 showed an intense scene. Vicky, possessed, created a gate way to Hell. A detail that might make even seasoned Terrifier fans a bit uneasy as they wonder about Art's possible connection to Hell.
The movie's ending may mean we might see Sienna head into that pit. Perhaps it shows the continuing battle that is between good and evil! This intense drama and intense thriller really makes a mark!

It looks like there are bigger plans for Art and this gruesome, chilling, and intense series as fans realize that Leone's vision has been there for a very long time! It seems that Terrifier 3 does an exceptional job to really build that fear. But the movie continues to provide a darker edge and truly keeps everyone entertained with this evil clown!

For those who haven't had the chance, check this out! Make sure to watch it for the thrill. What might really capture the viewers attention, is just what makes Art the Clown so captivating, but also Leone's creative vision and talent for gore.