The Joker: David Howard Thornton Stars in New Horror Short
David Howard Thornton, known for his role in Terrifier, is stepping into the shoes of the iconic villain in the upcoming horror short Jokers Wild, produced by Busted Knuckle Productions. The film has released several compelling images showcasing Thornton’s portrayal of The Joker, which we invite you to explore below for a sneak peek of his chilling transformation into this infamous character.
Following the overwhelming success of Terrifier 3, David Howard Thornton is taking on another iconic role, this time as a twisted version of The Joker in Jokers Wild. This horror short, from Busted Knuckle Productions, promises to deliver a unique and chilling take on the beloved DC villain. Below, you will find a selection of striking images featuring Thornton as he embodies this notorious character, showcasing his transformation and the eerie atmosphere that the film aims to create!
Thornton’s chilling portrayal is greatly enhanced by the expert makeup artistry of Tatjana Bluchel, who previously collaborated with him on The Mean One. The meticulous attention to detail in the makeup process has allowed Thornton to fully inhabit the character of The Joker, making his performance all the more captivating and unsettling, as he channels the essence of this complex and twisted villain.
The gripping synopsis for Jokers Wild states: “The Joker has finally captured Robin. Will the Dark Knight be able to save him in time, or will The Joker enact his most gruesome joke to date?” Alongside Thornton, the film features Joel Leblanc as Robin and Hunter G. Williams as Batman, creating a dynamic cast that is set to deliver an intense thriller. This short film is penned and directed by Aaron W. Bennett, who also produced it alongside Williams and Vanessa Leigh, ensuring a strong creative vision throughout the project.
This isn’t the first time that Thornton has donned the iconic makeup of The Joker; he previously portrayed the character in multiple episodes of the Nightwing: Escalation web series. His passion for the character is evident, as he recently expressed his enthusiasm for playing The Joker for DC Studios. “The Joker is my favorite villain of all time, and that’s a character I would love to play myself one day,” Thornton shared in an interview with GamesRadar in October. “So hopefully someone like James Gunn gives me the opportunity to tackle that character because I would like to do a lot of fun things with him.“
In regard to Terrifier 3, our reviewer Tyler Nichols praised the blood-soaked sequel, labeling it the best installment in the franchise to date. “The entire opening sequence is ridiculously impressive. It’s pretty much what you would expect from a slasher but it ramps things up so quickly and heads firmly into: ‘Did they just do that?’ territory,” Nichols wrote. “It’s one of many iconic scenes that puts shocking kills at the forefront but makes sure not to skimp on the tension. There are great shots that fully utilize the Christmas atmosphere. The acting is much better this time around, with nearly everyone that returns improving their performances.” For more insights, check out the full review linked here.