Terrifier 3 – Why This Important Character Death Needs to Be Retconned

Essential Points to Note

Both critics and fans have praised Terrifier 3, but the off-screen demise of Jonathan has sparked a debate among viewers.
There are calls for the franchise to retcon Jonathan’s death in the next installment to reintroduce him.
The absence of on-screen evidence surrounding Jonathan’s death has led many fans to speculate it was a deceptive tactic by the directors.

With a phenomenal debut, Terrifier 3 has captured global attention, even surpassing Joker: Folie à deux at the box office during its opening week. Art The Clown has solidified his status as a legendary figure in horror cinema. While Damien Leone’s latest sequel received accolades from viewers, it featured one character’s fate that has generated mixed reactions among audiences. Jonathan, a cherished legacy character and Sienna’s brother, met with an off-screen demise that many fans found unsatisfactory.

Portrayed by Elliott Fullam, Jonathan is an integral part of the Terrifier 3 narrative. While it could be argued that witnessing his demise could be distressing for fans, the decision to omit any depiction of his death felt disconcerting. Many fans believe that Jonathan’s fate should not be final and hope to see him make a comeback in the anticipated sequel, which is already in development.

The Fate of Jonathan in Terrifier 3

Elliott Fulham as Jonathan in Terrifier 3

Terrifier 3
Cast	David Howard Thornton, Lauren LaVera, Elliott Fullam, Antonella Rose, Samantha Scaffidi, Margaret Ann Florence, Bryce Johnson, Clint Howard, and Jason Patric
Written By
Directed By	Damien Leone

The ultraviolent scenes in Terrifier 3 escalate dramatically when Sienna finds herself under the brutal torture of Art the Clown and his partner Vicky. The murderous duo unveils the contents of a Christmas gift that leads to an unsettling climax, typical of their signature style. During the scene, Sienna is shown a cage of rats gnawing at what they first claim is Gabbie’s skull, only to later reveal the grisly truth—that it is, in fact, her brother Jonathan’s skull, complete with his recognizable glasses.

Leading up to this disturbing revelation, Sienna had reassured Jonathan of Art the Clown’s survival and warned him about the return to Miles County, where their uncle was expected to pick him up. A crucial event unfolded off-screen involving Jonathan, leaving audiences puzzled about the details. Was he abducted? Did he lose his glasses while trying to flee from Art and Vicky? Or has he truly met his end?

Revisiting Jonathan’s Demise: A Potential Retcon for Terrifier 4

Jonathan’s abrupt and unceremonious death raises eyebrows as there was an evident lack of suspense suggesting he was threatened. While viewers witnessed the graphic murders of his roommate Cole and girlfriend Mia at the hands of Art the Clown, there was no concrete evidence of an attack on Jonathan himself. If Jonathan’s off-screen death were to be confirmed, it would mark a disheartening end for a fan-favorite character in this horror franchise. Typically, audiences are accustomed to witnessing the demise of beloved characters within the Terrifier series, making it especially jarring if Jonathan’s fate truly is sealed without proper on-screen validation. It’s likely that director Damien Leone has crafted a deceptive narrative to keep fans in suspense, implying that Jonathan is, in fact, alive.

Given that Art and Vicky have already misled Sienna regarding the ownership of the skull, it’s plausible they could have similarly deceived her about Jonathan’s fate. They seem to possess enough skulls to create such a ruse. Nonetheless, should Jonathan’s off-screen death be genuine, a retcon would serve fans well, providing a chance to rekindle their connection with the character in Terrifier 4. If he does indeed return and must face death, it would only be fitting for it to occur on-screen, ensuring a proper farewell. Jonathan felt marginalized in Terrifier 3 due to his absence from key scenes, and an off-screen death would unfairly diminish his character’s legacy. Furthermore, if Art and Vicky intended to eliminate Jonathan, showcasing it in front of Sienna would have heightened the emotional impact. There’s a sense of unease regarding Jonathan’s supposed death, making a return in the next sequel increasingly likely.

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