Killer Klowns From Outer Space is one of the best movies to emerge from the cult horror scene of the 1980s. Released in 1988, it balanced scared and laughs with gruesome set-pieces, fun characters, and some excellent monster designs.
Over the decades since its first showing, Killer Klowns has garnered a dedicated fanbase, and despite the lack of sequels, the movie’s legacy has survived. Here are some things you might not know about this quirky little tale of bloodthirsty space clowns and intergalactic circus tents.
10 It Was Originally Just Going To Be Called 'Killer Klowns'
“…From Outer Space” was added to the title, so that audiences wouldn’t think that it was just another slasher movie. Released as it was in the late 80s, a film called ‘Killer Klowns’ wouldn’t have stood out quite as much among its contemporaries.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space is a much more unique kind of horror film – , inventive and original. The ludicrous title reflects the cartoonish uniqueness of the movie, promising audiences something fresh.
9 The Terenzi Brothers Were Played By A Popular Comedy Duo
Michael S. Siegel and Peter Licassi were a popular and established comedy act in LA long before they appeared as the Terenzi brothers in Killer Klowns. It’s evident when watching the film that they have excellent timing and a great rapport with each other.
Licassi and Siegel were regulars at the legendary Comedy Store, and performed in many television series and movies over the years. Unfortunately, Licassi passed away in 2020, but Killer Klowns remains a fantastic record of their talents.
8 Two Of The Klowns Appeared in 'Ernest Scared Stupid'
Ernest P. Worrell was a character created by late actor Jim Varney, appearing in commercials, television shows and movies, spoofing a host of different genres.
Ernest Scared Stupid, released back in 1991 threw Ernest into a horror setting, parodying fright flicks with the slapstick humor the character was known for. The terrifying trolls used in the film were actually two Killer Klowns masks – re-purposed for the production!
7 The Budget For The Movie Was Around 2 Million Dollars
Of all of props and costumes created for the movie, it was the popcorn gun that actually cost the most to make. It ended up being $7000, taking six weeks to build.
What’s impressive about this particular weapon is that it actually fired popcorn, due to a compressor in the mechanism. Elsewhere, some of the budget ended up going on repairs to rented vehicles that accidentally got damaged during the production. Killer Klowns From Outer Space ended up costing around 2 million dollars to make.
6 Klownzilla Was Played By One Of The Movie's Producers
Klownzilla is the big bad that emerges at the end of the movie for one final battle with the protagonists. Originally set to be a stop-motion creation, Klownzilla eventually ended up being performed by a man in a suit.
It was none other the Charles Chiodo, one third of the Chiodo Brothers (who together wrote, directed and produced Killer Klowns) who portrayed the gigantic Klownzilla (also known as JoJo). It’s this DIY aesthetic that adds to the charm of the movie.
5 The Theme Song Was Performed By A Punk Band
American punk rock band The Dickies have been around since 1977, and remain one of the most enduring punk bands in the history of music.
In 1988, they recorded the title music for Killer Klowns From Outer Space, creating a theme song that would cement their legacy, and the legacy of the movie, forever. Catchy and fun, but with a hint of menace, the track perfectly captures the essence of the film. It remains a staple of The Dickies setlist to this day.
4 Composer John Massari Wrote The 'Killer Klowns March' Theme In High School
Title song aside, John Massari composed the music for Killer Klowns. Some elements of his score had actually been written long before he came to work on the movie, though.
The ‘Killer Klowns March’ piece was actually written when Massari was still in high school, for his then-band, Crisis. His bandmates disliked it, saying that the music sounded too much like jazz. Fortunately, Massari filed away his composition for a later date. It’s used to perfection during an iconic scene in the movie.
3 Klownzilla's Theme Was Originally Written For Jason Voorhees
Massari also wrote music for the trailer to the Friday 13th sequel Jason Lives, a year before he began work on Killer Klowns From Outer Space.
For some reason, the producers of Jason Lives rejected the music Massari sent them for the trailer. They decided to go with something more clichéd and predictable. Much like with his ‘Klown March’ theme, though, Massari saved the music he’d written and used it for Klownzilla’s entrance instead.
2 There Was A Live Killer Klowns Film Concert Performance In 2018
Killer Klowns From Outer Space might have been a flop at the time, but it has since gone on to enjoy cult status. It has a fervent fanbase that stretches across the globe.
In 2018, a very special fan event took place at the Montalban Theater. A concert screening of Killer Klowns was held, with John Massari and a live orchestra providing the music. The Dickies were also present to perform the theme song during the movie’s opening credits.
1 An Official Short Film Was Recently Released
Sequels and Television spin-offs to Killer Klowns From Outer Space have been in development hell for decades. Recently though, a very short official film was made to promote a new Killer Klowns attraction at Halloween Horror Nights.
The short features Shorty the Klown shrinking a car down to toy size (complete with some pleasingly retro special effects), before stomping on said vehicle (and the two guys inside it). It’s silly, funny, gory and just a little bit creepy. A perfect little comeback for the Klowns!