We’re not even halfway through summer, but that hasn’t stopped Universal from hyping its upcoming Halloween Horror Nights’ haunted houses. But given that the theme parks’ annual fright-fest begins in August, it’s never too early to start planning for spooky season
For the uninitiated, the yearly ticketed event typically includes 10 houses, with half of them based on popular horror properties. But these walkthrough experiences are a far cry (or bloodcurdling scream) from your local corn mazes and haunted hay rides. Hollywood-quality productions packed with immersion-ratcheting special effects, talented live performers, and rich storytelling, these elaborate houses rival permanent attractions.
Halloween Horror Nights Raises Hell
Previous film, TV, and game-based experiences have included more spine-tingling IPs than you can shake a blood-soaked butcher knife at. Houses based on Halloween, Friday the 13th , Child’s Play, Saw, Stranger Things, andTerrifier have been just a few favorites. While guests have faced Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, and Leatherface, they’ve never had the pleasure – or pain – of encountering Hellraiser‘s Pinhead.
That oversight will be remedied at the 35th annual Halloween Horror Nights, at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. The cult-favorite horror franchise – and its iconic, nightmare-conjuring Cenobite leader – will finally invite fans into its nerve-fraying puzzle box.
In a recent X post, HHN’s longtime Creative Director John Murdy even called Hellraiser a “white whale” and “bucket list” item.
You’d have better luck deciphering the Lament Configuration than scoring deep-diving details on the highly anticipated house. We do know the attraction is based on horror director Clive Barker‘s 1987 classic, as well as its two sequels.The original Hell Priest himself will also return, as actor Doug Bradley will provide the voice of Pinhead.
Beyond those pulse-quickening details, Universal provided the following tease.
“The terrifying experience begins as guests enter the iconic Lament Configuration puzzle box, unwittingly summoning the Cenobites and opening a gateway to a diabolical dimension where unspeakable horrors await. From the shadowy attic in Frank Cotton’s family home where he was first cast to Hell, to the disturbing Channard Institute where the legendary box lures guests with its promise of forbidden pleasures, fans will encounter haunting moments and settings from the Hellraiser franchise at every turn. Their unnerving journey ultimately lands them in The Labyrinth where Pinhead and the Cenobites lie in wait for new souls to torment for eternity.”
More Scares, Includuing Sinners, Stranger Things
The Hellraiser house is generating plenty of buzz, but it’s far from the only spooky abode set to scare the pants off parkgoers this fall. Universal previously revealed this year’s event will also include offerings based on Sinners and Stranger Things 5, plus five original concept houses. More scream-eliciting experiences will also be revealed in the coming weeks.
You can brave the Hellraiser house and HHN 35’s other haunts on select nights between August 28th and November 1st.
