Terrifier 2

Following the success of Terrifier (2016) after its streaming debut on Netflix, Leone was prompted to begin drafting a follow up film to expand on the mythology of Art and the characters in his surrounding world. Leone's first draft of the screenplay was completed on February 12, 2019.[6] Following criticisms for lack of plot and character development in the 2016 film, Leone wrote the film with more focus on character and story. Expanding the universe, Terrifier 2 is set to introduce and develop a variety of returning and side characters. The main character, Sienna, is a character that Leone had been wanting to adapt to screen for more than a decade. She originates from a 2008 film that ultimately did not get made. While the character has greatly evolved since then, the concept of a "final girl" in an angel-valkyrie costume remained the same.[7]

Both Thornton and Scaffidi were confirmed to reprise their respective roles of Art and Victoria,[8] becoming the only returning cast members of the prior film. On September 11, 2019 it was announced that actress Lauren LaVera was cast in the lead role of Sienna Shaw. On October 15, it was announced that Felissa Rose and Tamara Glynn had joined the cast in supporting roles.[9][10]

While Leone had secured full funding for the film from a handful of private investors prior to filming, he launched an Indiegogo with a $50k goal to finance a practical effects driven scene and to attach a well known actor to the project. The campaign was a major success, grossing over $125k in the first week.[11] It reached a total of $250k by the end of the campaign, 430% more than the initial goal. While a majority of the film's main storyline has already been completed, principal photography was halted due to COVID-19, becoming one of many films impacted by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. On September 7, Leone revealed that he was in the process of working on the prosthetic makeup for Victoria's disfigured face in preparation of filming Samantha Scaffidi's scenes.[12] As Sienna's costume received a positive reception[13] when production stills were officially released, when asked about the attire, LaVera described liking it on the first day of wearing it but began to feel disdain for it throughout the course of filming as it was uncomfortable to wear. She even obtained blisters from wearing it.[14]

A teaser trailer for Terrifier 2 was released on July 24, 2020.[15][16][17] MovieWeb's Jeremy Dick commented on the teaser, stating that "the teaser is pretty exciting to watch for anyone who enjoyed the first movie."[18] Matt Joseph of We Got This Covered also reviewed the trailer, writing "This trailer, though brief, does at least promise a bigger, bloodier and more terrifying sequel, one that should have no issue pleasing those who found much to like in the original."[13]

It was also announced that a three issue limited release comic book series would be issued prior to the film's release.[19][20][21]