Art the Clown has met his match in the form of Lauren LaVera’s Sienna Shaw in the Terrifier franchise, joining the ranks of iconic final girls like Laurie Strode and Sidney Prescott. LaVera’s portrayal of Sienna has been praised by Terrifier creator Damien Leone as the heart and soul of the franchise.
LaVera’s background as a martial artist, boxer, and kickboxer brought a unique physicality to the role of Sienna, making her a formidable opponent for Art the Clown. Her dedication to understanding her character led her to journal as Sienna, a process that influenced the development of Sienna’s character arc in Terrifier 3.
Terrifier 3 marked a significant shift for the franchise, with a larger budget and a more organized production process. LaVera appreciated the opportunity to work with a talented crew and to delve deeper into Sienna’s mental state after spending five years in a psychiatric hospital.
One standout scene for LaVera in Terrifier 3 was when Sienna confronts a true crime podcaster about the insensitivity towards survivors, a topic close to her heart. The emotional depth of the scene was enhanced by the chemistry between the cast members and the opportunity for improvisation on set.
Despite her martial arts background, LaVera had to adapt her fighting style for the messy, chaotic nature of the action sequences in Terrifier 3. Working closely with the stunt coordinator, she learned to embody the rawness and brutality of Sienna’s fights.
The intense practical effects in Terrifier 3, including a moment that made David Howard Thornton nauseated, were handled with professionalism and care on set. LaVera’s character, Sienna, often avoids witnessing the gruesome kills, allowing her to focus on the emotional journey of her character.
The ending of Terrifier 3 left LaVera emotionally invested in the fate of her character and excited for the future of the franchise. With hints of a potential fourth installment, LaVera is ready to continue exploring Sienna’s story and facing new challenges in the world of Terrifier.
Reflecting on her early days as a body double on M. Night Shyamalan’s “Split,” LaVera recalled the supportive environment created by Shyamalan and the experience that sparked her interest in acting. Despite her initial nerves, she embraced the opportunity to work closely with talented filmmakers and hone her craft.
Looking back on the filming of Terrifier 2 and 3, LaVera highlighted a moment of connection with director Damien Leone during a challenging night shoot. Despite the physical discomfort and exhaustion, the shared sense of accomplishment and pride in their work forged a lasting bond between them.
As Terrifier 3 hits theaters nationwide, LaVera’s journey as Sienna Shaw continues to captivate audiences and cement her place as a rising star in the horror genre. With a commitment to authenticity and emotional depth in her performances, she brings a new dimension to the classic final girl archetype, challenging expectations and pushing boundaries in the world of horror cinema.