Well, we coulda told you this one was coming from a mile away. Today at Midsummer Scream, Creative Director for Halloween Horror Nights here in Hollywood, John Murdy, gave fans exactly what they wanted: more clown time with Art the Clown. We horror fans are in for a real treat as Art will be taking over the backlot in his bloody and humorous fashion for all to enjoy.
Universal would have to be silly not to capitalize on all the press and profits that came with bringing Damien Leone’s TERRIFIER franchise to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. It makes perfect sense that Art the Clown and all his wicked ways couldn’t be contained to a single house for long. Oh no, this guy needs the entire Universal Studios backlot to truly unleash his particular brand of chaos, carnage, and bloodshed. If that’s not enough, the fine fiends from ICE NINE KILLS will be providing the soundtrack for the Terror Tram.
This makes a perfect pairing for HHN as ICE NINE KILLS and Art have worked together in the past for the music video for “A WORK OF ART” which you can watch below. (Sorry about the age restriction; it gets pretty gory.)
If we’re being honest with you, ghouls, we’re pretty damn happy about it.
For the last few years, the Terror Tram has leaned heavily into BLUMHOUSE properties, giving guests a chance to wander through the backlot while encountering characters and nightmares from some of the studio’s films like The Purge, M3GAN, and The Black Phone. While we certainly have nothing against Blumhouse, seeing TERRIFIER take over the Terror Tram is a welcome change of pace and gives the attraction a much nastier flavor.
But Art isn’t the only new nightmare coming to Halloween Horror Nights this year.
The fan favorite “Killer Klowns From Outer Space” returns, bringing those murderous alien clowns back for another trip into the wonderfully bizarre world of the 1980s cult classic. If you survived them the first time, congratulations. You get another chance to question your life choices.
Universal is also introducing “Dead, Deader, Deadest,” an original haunted house that takes guests inside an abandoned funeral home where some seriously disturbing business once took place.
The fiery stunt show “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” also returns to the WaterWorld venue, once again turning the attraction into a frantic battle for survival.
For fans looking for something rooted in Latin American horror and folklore, Halloween Horror Nights continues its tradition of bringing those stories to the event with “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH.”
The original haunted house follows Lola during her quinceañera, a celebration that takes a spectacularly murderous turn when she decides to transform the traditional rite of passage into a festival of death aimed at everyone who wronged her.
And because apparently Lola’s party needed a soundtrack from one of rock’s most recognizable guitarists, Grammy Award winning guitarist and songwriter SLASH has composed an original score for the house. The music incorporates Spanish guitar and includes an exclusive song titled “15 Candles.”
That is one hell of a quinceañera.
Fans of Obsession are also getting a chance to meet Nikki, the iconic central character from Focus Features and writer director Curry Barker’s breakout horror film. Nikki will emerge onto the darkened streets of Universal Studios Hollywood as another victim of the terrifying One Wish Willow curse.
Just remember: if Nikki offers you a wish, maybe don’t.
The scare zones are getting plenty of attention as well.
“Hackerz” will unleash a troop of chainsaw wielding killers on guests as they begin their night, while “Fortnitemares” brings the world of Fortnite into Halloween Horror Nights with an immersive scare zone inspired by the game’s annual in game event.
After surviving KILLceañera, guests will encounter “El Circo de la Muerte,” a terrifying take on the 1930s circus and sideshow acts that once traveled throughout Mexico. And if clowns and sideshows aren’t enough to ruin your evening, “Blood Bog” will send guests into the bayous where moss monsters are waiting.
Several roaming experiences will also add to the chaos, including the return of “Murder of Crowz,” featuring the entire crow family as they flock back to their nest. Guests will also encounter “Shriek of the Banshee,” involving a wagon operated by a carnival barker and his talking skeleton.
And that’s still not everything.
Previously announced haunted houses include “Sinners,” based on Warner Bros. Pictures’ Academy Award winning film; “Stranger Things,” inspired by Netflix’s iconic series; “Hellraiser,” based on the first three films in the franchise; “Evil Dead Burn,” based on the sixth film in New Line Cinema’s Evil Dead franchise; and “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness,” celebrating the legacy of the legendary metal rocker.
Universal is also introducing something completely new this year with the “Unmasking the Horror Tour Add On.”
The daytime, behind the scenes experience will give guests a closer look at the craftsmanship and creative work that goes into Halloween Horror Nights. The guided lights on walkthrough will feature the “Sinners” and “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH” haunted houses, with guests able to photograph select designated areas.
For those who prefer their horror with a little less running and screaming, several theme park attractions will remain open during Halloween Horror Nights, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Transformers: The Ride 3D, Revenge of the Mummy The Ride and The Simpsons Ride.
And yes, Death Eaters will once again invade The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with Lord Voldemort’s most loyal followers roaming the area beginning in the early evening.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood begins Thursday, Sept. 3, and continues on select nights through Sunday, Nov. 1.
Ticket options include General Admission, Universal Express, R.I.P. Tour, Day/Night Ticket and After 2 P.M. Day/Night Ticket. An Early Access Ticket will also provide entry to select haunted houses beginning at 5:30 p.m., although that time is subject to change. Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass options are also available for those people who apparently looked at one night of terror and thought, “You know what? I need more of that.”
With Art the Clown now taking over the Terror Tram, Killer Klowns returning, SLASH providing the music for a murderous quinceañera, Ozzy Osbourne getting his own house and a whole collection of original scares joining the previously announced attractions, Halloween Horror Nights 2026 is shaping up to be one hell of a bloody party.
