Terrifier 3 Hints at Iconic Horror Scene from The Shining

Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) is returning to wreak havoc again in the upcoming “Terrifer 3,” and this time, it’s during the holiday season. The new movie sees Art feeling festive, but don’t expect him to come bearing gifts. Instead, he’s paying homage to some iconic horror predecessors. The blood-soaked trailer for director Damien Leone’s threequel features a nod to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” particularly the scene you’re likely thinking about.

Toward the end of the trailer, Art pokes his head through a gap in a door that had been destroyed by a sharp object earlier. This is reminiscent of the famous scene in “The Shining” where Jack Nicholson’s Jack Torrance chops through a door with an ax, sticks his face through, and yells, “Here’s Johnny!” That entire sequence in Kubrick’s film is bone-chilling, and it seems Art the Clown finds some sort of kinship with Torrance, given their shared penchant for tormenting people.

This is just one of many moments from the “Terrifier 3” trailer that promises a gruesome experience while also serving as a love letter to the horror genre. With these snapshots in mind, let’s take a look at how fans are reacting to the teaser.

“The Shining” isn’t the only classic horror film referenced in the “Terrifier 3” trailer. For instance, there’s a scene in which a motionless Art the Clown is seated on a chair in the attic. This is lifted straight from Bob Clark’s seminal slasher “Black Christmas,” which fits perfectly given that “Terrifier 3” is set during the Yuletide season. Additionally, there’s a scene with Art wielding a chainsaw, making Leatherface proud.

These homages have not gone unnoticed by fans, who are expressing their excitement on social media. X (formerly known as Twitter) user @reedusxarmy mentioned the horror references, writing, “‘TERRIFIER 3’ IS USING ‘BLACK CHRISTMAS’ AND ‘THE SHINING’ REFERENCES. I LOVE IT!!!” Another user, @BrettMan865, echoed this sentiment by saying, “A ‘Shining’ nod! YOU GO ART!”

Meanwhile, X user @kawula_mikey pointed out that the “Terrifier 3” trailer is filled with horror references and sought out help from other fans in identifying them. “What personal horror movie nods did you notice in the Terrifier 3 teaser trailer? For me, it felt like ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Deadly Night’ (Santa Killer), ‘Pieces’ (brutal chainsaw kill/kills), ‘The Shining’ (ax and door chop), and ‘Psycho’ (shower kill).” All of these homages make “Terrifier 3” seem like it’ll be a fun ride for horror aficionados, but be prepared for a terrifying experience.

From the classic horror movie homages to scenes of Art the Clown in a Santa suit, one might expect “Terrifier 3” to be a celebratory, upbeat slasher. However, director Damien Leone told The Playlist that he aims to subvert these expectations and return to the franchise’s darker roots. So, don’t expect a cheery slasher romp.

“I want to go back, tonally, more to ‘Terrifier 1.’ The first one was grittier, darker, more simplistic — a more retro slasher film. I want to be careful that we don’t go too far into the [A Nightmare on Elm Street 3:] ‘Dream Warriors’ now. I like the checks and balances. I like to keep Art the Clown, first and foremost, terrifying, sadistic, and mean … Hopefully, [‘Terrifier 3’] is the scariest and darkest of the trilogy, so far,” Leone said.

“The Shining” is also a dark and challenging movie, so Leone is drawing inspiration from films that align with the tone he envisions for “Terrifier 3.” Judging by the trailer, Art the Clown’s next chapter promises plenty of carnage.

For more information about Art the Clown and his horrific history, check out the untold truth of the Terrifier franchise.