Damien Leone, the visionary behind the Terrifier franchise, has emphatically stated that the series is free of any political agenda. What has begun as a low-budget slasher film in 2008 has burgeoned into a cultural phenomenon, particularly following the success of Terrifier 2 in 2022, and the astonishing box-office achievements of Terrifier 3, which has become the highest-grossing unrated movie ever by 2024. Much of this popularity can be attributed to its groundbreaking practical effects and the haunting portrayal of Art the Clown by David Howard Thornton.
In a recent declaration on X, Leone made it clear that Terrifier was conceived purely to provide horror entertainment and does not aim to promote any political ideologies. Leone, known for his dedication to practical effects in slasher films, emphasized that the cast and crew of his genre-defining work span a broad spectrum of political views. He stated:
Hopefully I never have to bring up politics publicly ever again but this desperately needed to be said on behalf of the Terrifier franchise ðŸ™\u008f pic.twitter.com/b7soIj9P33 — Damien Leone (@damienleone) February 3, 2025
Leone elaborated that while some cast and crew members are active and passionate on social media, expressing strong political opinions—which they are entitled to—the Terrifier franchise is not intended as a platform for any political message. He emphasizes that he did not pursue filmmaking to engage in political discourse, especially through the lens of a horror film featuring a killer clown.
Significance of Leone’s Statement Regarding Terrifier
Distancing Horror from Politics—Is It Possible?
Leone’s remarks appear to respond to recent conversations regarding Thornton’s politically charged statements on social media. Just days prior, Thornton, who has embodied Art the Clown since 2016, asserted that the fanbase should reject “hateful bigotry”(as reported via Threads).While Leone did not call out any individuals specifically, his statement is a clear attempt to delineate the franchise from the personal beliefs of those contributing to it, especially in relation to the iconic antagonist. Thornton made his stance known, addressing concerns about fans who may hold anti-LGBTQ+ views. Here’s a glimpse of his thoughts:
The reactions to Leone’s statement have varied widely. Many have valued his commitment to maintaining an inclusive space for horror enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, provided they exhibit basic decency. On the other hand, critics argue that horror cannot be divorced from politics. They reference the emergence of elevated horror films in recent years, such as Jordan Peele’s acclaimed Get Out, which uses the genre as a vehicle to confront societal issues. It is essential to recognize that politics has woven itself into horror since the genre’s outset; a quintessential example is the 1978 landmark film Dawn of the Dead—a significant influence on Leone—that critiques American consumerism and spotlights racial violence.
Our Perspective on Leone’s Position with Terrifier
Is It Possible for Slasher Films to Remain Apolitical?
Leone’s proclamation reflects an evolving landscape within the horror genre as directors like Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, and Coralie Fargeat successfully blend thrilling narratives with social commentary. While Terrifier draws on classic slasher traditions, the intersection of horror and politics cannot be overlooked. Iconic films like Night of the Living Dead and Candyman have historically served as mirrors to societal fears and cultural anxieties. Nevertheless, Leone’s choice to maintain a politically neutral stance for Terrifier is not without precedent.
Numerous horror franchises, such as Friday the 13th and Halloween, prioritize visceral thrills over messaging and ideological divides. The long-term impact of Leone’s position on the Terrifier franchise remains an open question, particularly as anticipation for Terrifier 4 builds. For now, Art the Clown continues to reign as one of horror’s most fearsome figures—politics notwithstanding.
Source: Damien Leone/X
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