Damien Leone’s Christmas-themed slasher sequel Terrifier 3 was unleashed into movie theaters nationwide beginning last night, opening in approximately 2,000 U.S. locations, with 1,400 of those locations playing a double feature of Terrifier 2 and Terrifier 3.
Those locations are reporting a massive Thursday night preview gross of $2.6 million, with Terrifier 3 expanding its reach to 2,514 locations across the U.S. and Canada beginning today!
Unleashed into theaters by Bloody Disgusting and Cineverse, the low-budget Terrifier 3‘s $2.6 million Thursday night haul has bested the Thursday night preview numbers for recent studio horror hits including Smile ($2 million) and Evil Dead Rise ($2.5 million), and it’s not too far behind the Thursday night preview gross for this year’s fellow indie Longlegs ($3 million).
You guys are showing up to support boundary-pushing, independent horror, and we cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve been doing these past several months to make sure Art the Clown continues to make his presence known at the box office. What’s happening right now is truly unprecedented, and none of it would’ve been remotely possible without you.
Without studio backing and the money that comes along with it, the marketing campaign for Terrifier 3 has largely been organic and fan-driven, and it’s been a beautiful thing to see.
Leone writes on Instagram, “Terrifier 3 has earned 2.6 million in its preview night screenings alone and the fan reactions have been amazing so far. Thank you all for the tremendous support and for going to the theaters. It was wild seeing so many people in the theater last night wearing sunflower glasses, Terrifier shirts, drinking from Terrifier cups and holding Art the clown stuffed animals. It felt like something special ripped straight from the 80s. It’s truly an honor to be a part of this little phenomenon. You guys are the best! My team and I will keep doing our best to deliver you something special for as long as we can! Horror forever!”
Stay tuned for more box office reporting throughout the weekend.
Grab your tickets to see Terrifier 3 at your local theater this weekend!
In Terrifier 3, directed once again by Damien Leone (Terrifier, Terrifier 2), Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) is set to unleash another round of chaos on the unsuspecting residents of Miles County as they peacefully drift off to sleep on Christmas Eve.
“After surviving Art the Clown’s Halloween massacre, Sienna and her brother are struggling to rebuild their shattered lives. As the holiday season approaches, they try to embrace the Christmas spirit and leave the horrors of the past behind. But just when they think they’re safe, Art the Clown returns, determined to turn their holiday cheer into a new nightmare.
“The festive season quickly unravels as Art unleashes his twisted brand of terror, proving that no holiday is safe.”
Returning cast includes Lauren LaVera (Sienna), Samantha Scaffidi (Victoria Heyes), Elliot Fullam (Jonathan Shaw) and AEW superstar Chris Jericho (Burke), with Daniel Roebuck set to debut as Santa Claus. Makeup effects legend Tom Savini, Jason Patric, Antonella Rose, Krsy Fox, Clint Howard, and Jon Abrahams also appear.
Written and directed by Damien Leone, Terrifier 3 comes courtesy of Dark Age Cinema Productions. Phil Falcone Produces with Lisa Falcone acting as Executive Producer. Co-producers include Michael Leavy, Jason Leavy, George Steuber, and Steve Della Salla. Brad Miska, Brandon Hill, and Erick Opeka Executive Produce for Cineverse.
Matthew Helderman and Luke Taylor also Executive Produce.
