As a long-time horror enthusiast with a soft spot for all things terrifying, I can confidently say that 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for genre fans. With Damien Leone’s “Terrifier 3” promising to send chills down our spines and potentially make us vomit in our seats (not that I’m eager to test that theory), it’s clear that the horror landscape is thriving.
October is always the best month for genre fans, with loads of upcoming horror movies to look forward to each year on top of all the candy devouring. 2024 is certainly no exception, with Damien Leone’s Terrifier 3 set to make audiences hoot and howl (and vomit and leave the theater in certain cases). David Howard Thornton’s body-wrecking terror Art the Clown is now a merch-friendly slice of horror iconography, but he’s got ideas for where to take his talents next: Gotham City.
Thornton recently spoke to Total Film prior to the premiere of “Terrifier 3,” a timing that also marks the release of Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux.” This film, unlike many comic book movies, has faced criticism not only from critics but also from its original fanbase who made the first movie a billion-dollar success. As Joaquin Phoenix has decided to part ways with the role of the Joker, there’s now an opportunity for another actor to take on the character when James Gunn’s DCU officially begins with David Corenswet’s “Superman.
Without a doubt, Art the Clown’s feet appear well-suited to follow in the footsteps of previous performers as DC Comics’ most memorable villain. Similarly, it seems Thornton would leap at the opportunity to don the role if offered. In his own words:
Of all the villains out there, The Joker is my absolute favorite, and it’s a role I aspire to perform someday. Fingers crossed that someone as talented as James Gunn offers me the chance to bring this iconic character to life, because I have lots of exciting ideas for him!
In the Terrifier franchise, Thornton has mastered the art of delivering chilling performances without words as the infamous face-painted villain. His presence alone is enough to send shivers down the spines of his victims and bystanders alike. Therefore, it seems fitting that he would play a human antagonist with similarly chaotic intentions, creating a perfect harmony between character and actor.
Despite the remarkable portrayals by actors like Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson, and others in their iconic roles, they didn’t quite capture the erratic, unsettling essence that Art the Clown is renowned for. I believe David Howard Thornton could successfully blend the whimsical madness of Caesar Romero’s Joker from the ’60s Batman series with the ruthless cruelty often associated with slasher movie villains.
As a gamer, I can’t quickly imagine an actor who could convincingly portray a Batman that would handle such nerve-wracking peculiarities. But once James Gunn receives and acts on this message, he should swiftly hire Thornton for the role. Even if there aren’t immediate plans to introduce The Joker into the DCU, securing this actor is the first step towards creating something extraordinary.
It seems that for David Howard Thornton, there’s an unusual connection between clowns and horror. In discussing the various slasher movies influencing his portrayal of Art the Clown, he admitted that even he doubts if Art is the scariest clown in horror cinema. As he put it:
Among all, I’d say Pennywise is the one that scares me the most. You see, he was my favorite back then because the idea itself is chilling – it thrives on fear and can transform to reflect your deepest fears.
It’s likely that Thornton will be watching HBO’s upcoming Stephen King-based prequel series, IT: Welcome to Derry, and if this sparks enough creativity for him to submit numerous audition tapes for the role of the Joker in the DCU, portraying him as the scariest version possible, I’m totally on board with that!
On October 11, 2024, “Terrifier 3” is set to make its way onto cinema screens. It might be wise to wear an apron when you go, as a precaution.
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2024-10-09 20:07