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Terrifier 3 director Damien Leone reflects on the significance of having iconic special effects artist Tom Savini appear in his latest horror installment. Savini, renowned for his work on horror classics like Dawn of the Dead and Friday the 13th, plays a cameo role in the film amid the violent holiday murder spree of Art the Clown. The third Terrifier film pushes its gore boundaries further, drawing inspiration from Savini's splatter effects and visceral style that redefined horror cinema in the '70s, '80s, and ‘90s. Several audience members reportedly walked-out or threw up at an early screening.
During a screening and Q&A at Philadelphia's Monster-Mania Con, wherein Screen Rant was in attendance, Leone shared some of his experiences working with Savini. For Leone, Savini's presence represented a "full-circle" moment, as the effects master's work inspired Leone's passion for practical effects and horror filmmaking. Read the full quote here:
Yeah, we didn't really discuss anything for the movie, because he didn't do the special effects on this. But I mean, if you don't know, obviously, he's my hero, makeup effects hero. I discovered him when I was, like seven, eight years old. I fell in love with practical effects, and then I fell in love with filmmaking, so to have him now being in Terrifier 3 is one of the most amazing full-circle moments for me. But eventually, when we started getting close, because we do a lot of these cons together, I did get to hang out with him, and we went out and had dinner one night. We were just talking about all the practical effects in our favorite monster movies and heroes, people who influence stuff. So, that was really cool. But we didn't really collaborate too much, but I got the greatest compliment ever from him after he saw Terrifier 3. He came up to me in the lobby, and he said, ‘Terrifier 3 makes Dawn of the Dead look like Bambi.’
What The Major Cameo In Terrifier 3 Means
Tom Savini’s Cameo Bridges Classic And Modern Horror
Savini’s involvement in Terrifier 3 signifies a bridge between classic and modern horror. Known for his gruesome practical effects in various seminal pieces throughout the late 20th century, Savini’s work redefined the horror genre with effects that were both innovative and shockingly realistic, inspired in part by his experiences during wartime. His style set a new standard for the blood and carnage of horror cinema, influencing countless filmmakers, including Leone. In the cameo, Savini lends his legacy to the Terrifier franchise, which is known for its relentless commitment to practical effects and pushing the limits of brutality and gore.
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Every Terrifier 3 Death, Ranked By Brutality & Gore
While none of Terrifier 3's kills are particularly pleasant, the slasher sequel's nastiest shocks are some of the year's most brutal moments.
Leone’s admiration for Savini highlights how deeply the legacy of early horror remains ingrained in the genre’s modern interpretations. The compliment Savini gave Leone after viewing Terrifier 3 serves as a symbolic passing of the torch, with Savini validating Leone’s gruesome approach to horror, which the blood and guts of many older films now pale in comparison to. For both old-school and modern horror, Savini’s appearance not only connects the worlds of classic and contemporary horror but also underscores Terrifier 3 as a worthy successor to the gory tradition Savini pioneered.
Our Take On Tom Savini’s Terrifier 3 Cameo
Savini’s Cameo Honors The Horror Genre's Practical Effects Legacy
Savini’s cameo represents a powerful moment for horror audiences, and his admiration for Leone’s work signals a true recognition of the film’s practical effects. With Terrifier 3's major box office success, Leone and his team are poised to continue this legacy. As a horror icon, Savini’s approval solidifies Terrifier 3 as a standout in the genre and reflects the ongoing evolution of horror thrills and effects.
Source: Monster-Mania Con
Terrifier 3 follows Sienna and her brother as they attempt to move past the traumatic events of Art the Clown's Halloween massacre. As they embrace the Christmas season, Art reemerges, intent on turning their holiday into a nightmare, continuing his reign of terror.
Director Damien Leone
Release Date October 11, 2024
Studio(s) Dark Age Cinema , Fuzz on the Lens Productions
Distributor(s) Cineverse
Writers Damien Leone
Cast Lauren LaVera , David Howard Thornton , Antonella Rose , Elliott Fullam , Samantha Scaffidi , Margaret Anne Florence , Bryce Johnson , Alexa Blair Robertson , Mason Mecartea , Krsy Fox , Luciana VanDette , Clint Howard , Bradley Stryker , Daniel Roebuck , Chris Jericho , Tom Savini , Jason Patric , Alex Ross , Kailey Hyman , Kellen Raffaelo , Lisa Marie Falcone , Stephen Cofield Jr. , Corrine Kelly , Joe Falcone , Peter Mitchell , Marie Maser , Jon Abrahams
Character(s) Sienna , Art the Clown , Gabbie , Jonathan , Victoria Heyes , Jessica , Greg , Mia , Cole , Jennifer , Juliet , Smokey , Eddie , Santa / Charlie , Burke , Bystander , Michael , Mark , Brooke , Timmy , Dispatch , Officer Evans , Bag Lady , Dean , Cosplayer , Receptionist , Dennis
Runtime 125 Minutes
English (US) ·