Halloween Horror Nights 35 (UOR) - Speculation & Rumors

[Brian G.]

Any idea what a potential theme/aesthetic would be for next year?

They teased at June's Spooky Empire that there may be some anniversary stuff. I just don't know how far they'll dive into that since 35 isn't a "big" year IMO.

Random Observations and Questions
Based on this year's crowd, are we at the tipping point for an 11th house? In previous years I was against this as the event suffered with staffing... but to their credit this year (outside Grave of Flesh) had no issues that I'm aware of. Only thing holding them back is possibly another soundstage house due to construction. Maybe another tent?

I think we've reached the time for 11.

Also, The Shining reference in the Tribute Store... is that something to keep an eye on? Or was that just a creative easter egg?

Fun easter egg IMO.

 

[Viator]

• "Whenever The Clowns not on the screen, one should ask WHERE'S THE CLOWNS?"​

With next year being the 35th Anniversary for Orlando, and the 20th Anniversary for Hollywood, the immediate thing that comes to mind is the return of Jack, and the return of Oddfellow and Hollywood Harry for both coasts respectively.

I've been on the suspicion and process for a while, even before MidSummer Scream, that HHN35 and HHN'20 respectively will see Jack be a "Shared" Icon, with both Hollywood Harry and Oddfellow alongside the main man for both coasts. Narratively, both makes sense in the context (with Oddfellow and Jack having beef, and Hollywood Harry potentially seeing Jack as an "Invader" considering he's on the Hollywood hillside).

Does that mean other Clowns, like Art The Clown or the Killer Klowns from Outer Space could be featured? Doubtful, but I do think if at the very least, Jack, Oddfellow, and Harry are back for merchandising purposes.

• The Door for More​

One of the prevalent rumors early on with HHN34 was the potential of an increase in house content, and I wonder if with hindsight, Universal might be realizing that they finally need to address this on both coasts.

With Five Nights at Freddy's being the first venue in Hollywood to use the indoor queue of Transformers, and with how jumping both FNAF and Terrifier was for Orlando, the logic feels prevalent to finally make the jump from 8 houses to 9 for Hollywood, and from 10 houses to 11 for Orlando. If it happens, Mind wonders if it could be helped if they could get something that'd be an American Werewolf in London scenario, to help pad out the lineup while not eating into it.

• No Stranger Things​

I've been kind of mulling the element of what exactly would make sense in the context of next year. And while instinctually, one could think that Stranger Things would unironically be the IP that'd work well as a "Fallout". Stranger Things will be celebrating their 10th Year Anniversary, they will be wrapping up on the main show (and there doesn't seem to be plans for a spin-off or sequel), and merchandising it makes sense.

...but, does it make sense, to work with Netflix again? While you'd say "if it's sensical", but I have remembered more properly and more directly that Netflix has been rather notorious to work with, and that their expectations don't often gel in a way that makes the houses viable. While I might be a outlier amongst other individuals, my suspicion is that they'd rather spend the money and invest into other Horror IP's, especially...

• Five Nights at Freddy's 2​

For Universal to have a "Tentpole" IP, it has to be a specific kind of IP that warrants it getting top billing and being treated as the "Headliner" among headliners. Five Nights at Freddys, and by extension FNAF2, seems to be a massive undertaking for Blumhouse as a studio. With a more robust, expanded cast of colorful and murderous animatronics, amongst exploring and expanding what is possible with the IP as it is.

On a internet level, the inclusion of FNAF with Horror Nights unlocked a new audience gap similar to what happened with Stranger Things in 2018, American Horror Story in 2016, and The Walking Dead in 2012. And this is a unique element to where the demand is outpouring and outgrossing, with merchandise consistently flying off shelves, with food overlays bustling and requiring extra elements.

It's my belief, that FNAF2 will get the bigger deal in comparison to ST, because it is the closest thing to having full control of a modern tentpole, in a while...

• My Little Prayer Circle​

So, let me get people up to speed. In the past I've actually been doing little Prayer Circles, IP's that I believe will happen and give citated reasons for what makes them ideal for the sake of the event. I have had good luck for the past two years, with Weeknd in 2024, and Chainsaw Man for 2025; and I intend to do it again. My little prayer circles are meant to be for fun, and not actual rumors, but speculation based on logic and rhyme. Part of me was inspired by Dr. Jimmy back in the day on these.

But what could the mystery Prayer Circle be? Could it be Resident Evil? Could it be Sinners, another Netflix IP, or god forbid Gremlins? That lies where the fun truly comes. The prayer circle I have chosen to be on the hill with, is Michael Jackson.

While I hope @Legacy is right on Ozzy, because of the fun that'd come to honoring the rock legend (especially as it'd be a fun way to repurpose elements from Black Sabbath: 13-3D), Michael Jackson's kind of going to be a hot topic for Universal. MJ will be one of the main "Headliner" films, for Universal Pictures in 2026, with the co-distributed, and marketed by Universal biopic of Michael. And from what it sounds like, the biopic will be mainly keeping it's focus on the rise of the pop star within that of the 1980s.

If I was thinking a music IP, and a music artist, who would be a massive international crowd-pleaser, for his musical songs and his captivating visuals; and the legacy he made within the 80's as a pop artist, Michael would be my pick hands down. Helps that Murdy seems to have interest to go back to older music catalogues.

Michael would be an undertaking of unique proportions. How to finesse and move around not drawing the ire of pushback, but if I was Universal, and if I had the ability to use the marketing powers you have with the Biopic; and the licensing that comes from working with Lionsgate in the process of drawing attention to the film all year long (especially if they go for Oscar buzz), then I think there's a really solid element that MJ would make sense for HHN.

Bonus points if it's something that Murdy could lead on. Be from getting ahold of Giorgio via contacts with Abel TesFaye and Mike Dean (maybe even getting John Landis to give the thumbs up for quality, considering he directed Thriller), be with the times Murdy had shown his family around the event and the park back in the day. I think if Ozzy is not the eye that Murdy wants, MJ might be a unique once-in-a-lifetime shot.

Could my third go with the Prayer Circles be a dud? Probably, if only because of the risks, but I am openly thinking MJ has an increasingly viable shot within HHN this year, for a global level that makes sense for both coasts.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Like others have said, I think it's time for an 11th house. The question is where?

Would it be possible for them to utilize the old parade building again?

 

[Viator]

Like others have said, I think it's time for an 11th house. The question is where?

Would it be possible for them to utilize the old parade building again?

Assuming they can get work expedited around the area of the new coaster, I see no reason why they couldn't have both SS24A/B online for HHN35. Honestly the only thing that could dent 11, is Supercharged and if it closes for a lengthy period that requires even just the area for a Major Sweets-esque house to not be allowed.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

My Little Prayer Circle​

Thriller/Michael Jackson is my #1 "wish list" item for HHN. But we're leaning into Wish List category now.

Like others have said, I think it's time for an 11th house. The question is where?

Would it be possible for them to utilize the old parade building again?

There's about x locations throughout the event that can be utilized for next year.

• SS24 (Partially Used for Grave of Flesh queue, likely same scenario next year)
• New Tent Behind Trollercoaster (you can fit one of the newer tents here)
• New Tent (or 2) adjacent to the newer tents

Once construction is done, they have the ability to put a house back in one of the soundstages currently utilized for queues.

I think the Villain-Con space should be used for a tribute store next year... Mummy location had a nice theme... but operationally was horrendous.

 

[Blysthon]

Thriller/Michael Jackson is my #1 "wish list" item for HHN. But we're leaning into Wish List category now.


There's about x locations throughout the event that can be utilized for next year.

• SS24 (Partially Used for Grave of Flesh queue, likely same scenario next year)
• New Tent Behind Trollercoaster (you can fit one of the newer tents here)
• New Tent (or 2) adjacent to the newer tents

Once construction is done, they have the ability to put a house back in one of the soundstages currently utilized for queues.

I think the Villain-Con space should be used for a tribute store next year... Mummy location had a nice theme... but operationally was horrendous.

You know that can work, also when I tried to look at things in the tribute store I was swept away by the exiting crowds out.

Felt like I was swept off into the ocean

 

[TheCodeMan95]

There's about x locations throughout the event that can be utilized for next year.

• SS24 (Partially Used for Grave of Flesh queue, likely same scenario next year)
• New Tent Behind Trollercoaster (you can fit one of the newer tents here)
• New Tent (or 2) adjacent to the newer tents

Once construction is done, they have the ability to put a house back in one of the soundstages currently utilized for queues.

I think the Villain-Con space should be used for a tribute store next year... Mummy location had a nice theme... but operationally was horrendous.

I'm definitely curious to see how the coaster construction will affect next year. I would like to see them use the old parade building again, if even to just have a house portal back there again. (but I assume they would put it there for a tent behind Trollercoaster)

Old parade building is also just a great house location in general.

I'd love to see them use the Villain Con space for a tribute store. I have to imagine it'd be similar in size to the normal location!

(And totally honestly, I think the event could handle 2 tribute stores.. Oddfellow vs Jack battling stores?)

 

[Blysthon]

I'm definitely curious to see how the coaster construction will affect next year. I would like to see them use the old parade building again, if even to just have a house portal back there again. (but I assume they would put it there for a tent behind Trollercoaster)

Old parade building is also just a great house location in general.

I'd love to see them use the Villain Con space for a tribute store. I have to imagine it'd be similar in size to the normal location!

(And totally honestly, I think the event could handle 2 tribute stores.. Oddfellow vs Jack battling stores?)

I like the idea of 2 tribute stores, but how about this include the icons old and new inside.

 

[jseal777]

I'm good on Stranger Things yall. So good.

Unless........

Make it the 11th house and put it in Islands........ By itself.......

 

[RedRightDan]

The one spec that I want to plant my flag in now is Scream.

It's the 30th anniversary. There's a new movie coming out in early 2026.

But...

The biggest "Hmmm" moment I've had was recently seeing a t-shirt company that was releasing a design that included the "Scream" brand with actual characters from the original WITH Ghostface included.

For those paying attention, this is extremely rare if not unheard of. Typically it's one or the other. Scream OR Ghostface. Not both.

That was likely a huge sticking point with Universal committing to a house (not being able to use movie imagery together with the iconic mask).

I just have a feeling that IF there's a year that it's going to happen, it'll be this year.

 

[GA-MBIT]

I likely won't engage a ton in speculation this year, but I always like to throw my initial event thoughts and predictions out there while the energy from the last year begins to simmer down.

Spoiler: Oddfellow and Jack

I agree with everyone else that Oddfellow's symbol specifically showing up on that final night is significant. It definitely points to next year being a relatively traditional "anniversary"-style year, with references to past events and appearances from HHN Icon characters. I can't imagine we don't see Jack here as well, given his subtle presence in 34 and conncetion to Oddfellow.

Could Sinister and Surreal have been the testbed for a dual Icon year starring Jack and Oddfellow? It's an idea that's been thrown around since 2023, and I would not be surprised to see it happen. Both characters could also roam across the park too; Art was kinda just crimping Jack's HHN30 gimmick to begin with, and between his 5 zone appearances, Oddfellow was hard to miss across the park himself.

Outside of Little Boo, Oddfellow is just clearly the most successful new idea / character that has come from the event post-HHN30. It'd make a ton of sense to see him here.

Spoiler: Poseidon's Fury

Poseidon's Fury got a lot of love this year within the tightly packed Tribute Store sets, which tied that attractions fate pretty neatly together with El Artista's and the HHN32 Comic Ghoul lore. It already felt a little bit like an anniversary store, if a heavily 34-flavored one. The Pithos was a really fun idea, and it felt like it tried to correct some of the issues with Museum: Deadly Offerings execution.

I could see that being all we get for Poseidon's Fury at the event. The visuals of that attraction don't inherently scream "horror". But I could also see it being just a pilot run of a full Dueling Dragons-type house for this coming anniversary. Either a full re-run of the Museum aesthetic, or a proper Atlantis house with tons of callbacks to the OG attraction. I don't think it's an automatic shoe-in or anything, but with what they did with Cat Lady from year to year and how much care they put into incorporating the Poseidon's lore in HHN, I wouldn't be shocked to see it arrive either.

Spoiler: Stranger Things 5

If Stranger Things 5 does not appear next year, then that's curtains for the IP at Horror Nights. 3 headliner houses across 6 years would still be a solid record, especially for the impact it's had on the event. With its' Holiday '25 release date and nature as the series finale, I just don't know if any TV show IP could still be as relevant close to two years out from its' ending if it were to appear in 2027 instead.

Spoiler: FNAF2

Unsure on if we see FNAF2 this year or next, but I am sure that it's happening. It was a massive success this year across departments, and seems to be a franchise that NBCUni wants to develop.

Spoiler: Other 34 IPs

No Terrifier 4, Fallout S2, Jason. HHN doesn't often rerun IP's so quickly, and despite the house tease, I don't think Fallout pushed the needle in the way the teams were hoping for.

Spoiler: Slaughter Sinema 2 representative

I feel like we are guaranteed to get another Slaughter 2 reference, either as a house or zone. SS2 was full of "ideas that could be full houses" in a way that SS1 wasn't, and I think both Cat Lady and Hatchet & Chains were great successes. It also just fits the referential nature of an anniversary year.

If I had to make a guess as to which one, I feel like Mardi Gras Murders has all the makings of a great NYC or Hollywood zone. Big float stages, party atmosphere, crazed slashers with some fun levity. It's a well they have gone back to a few times, but the most recent offering that was even adjacent would've been Dead Waters back in 2017, 9 years ago as of HHN35. I think it's been enough time for something like this.

Spoiler: Blumhouse

Blumhouse has become a dependable side-offering built into every event for awhile now. They really want to make The Grabber happen, so he'll definitely be there. Even if FNAF2 isn't headlining, we'll at least get the Peacock adverts with it.

M3gan is a weird case. By all accounts, she should have made an appearance this last year, as the major sequel film M3gan 2 dropped only a few months before the event began and she had a sizable presence in the parks around that movies' release. Admittedly, the film didn't do great. I wonder if between the difficulty of staffing and guarding these small female performers with strong dance ability, and a slowly waning interest in the character, we might start to see her fall off at HHN? That'd be a great shame. I think the character is a lot of fun and really fits HHN great. She feels like a new Chucky without all the legal baggage. Here's hoping she makes more of an appearance next year than a single popcorn bucket and costume shirt.

Spoiler: Anniversary year expectations

I don't think we'll see the kind of anniversary year that HHN30 was. 30 was the complete all-out celebration of every aspect of HHN over the years. Beetlejuice returning to the park, UCM, Carey OH house, Terra Cruentes, all of the Icons in one house, the Eddie street with tons of zones represented, Bone and Blood back in the intro area.

I think we'll get something a lot more reined in and pointed this time around. Probably an anniversary Icon house, maybe one or two other houses or zones that are directly related to the event's past, and a general lighting / music loop vibe that ties it all together. Everything else? Probably the same as any other year.

Spoiler: Pumpkin Lord, Sinister and Surreal

Will we see other "icons" like Pumpkin Lord, or Sinister and Surreal back? I'd be interested to see. While I'd enjoy their presence, Pumpkin Lord already got an all-timer house and probably my favorite event year to themself, so I wouldn't be too bummed if they sat this one out again.

Sinister and Surreal would be really interesting to see return though. I feel like their concepts never really made it off the ground, and their event was a big mismatch of different ideas and theming that took away from the feeling that they were the ones running the show, like how it felt for Pumpkin Lord, Oddfellow, and Sergio / El Artista.

I would be super down to see a proper Sinister and Surreal house that actually shows us their realm and the ways that their methods of horror differ and contrast from each other. I can already read the map blurb in my head. "One harnesses the surreal and psychological, the other lashes out with sinister pain. Either way, prepare to meet your greatest fears." or something like that haha. I think that would be a great use of an anniversary year slot, to expand on a major concept from only a few years ago that wasn't fully delivered on. In writing this, I'm honestly surprised in my own reaction to this concept haha. I really hope this happens!

Spoiler: Potential IP choices

Not exactly great speculation, but if they can make Scream happen, that would be a worthy IP to headline an anniversary year. I doubt it, but I'm hoping the stars align anyways.

Elm Street would also be a great notable get. We've seen all of the other slashers relatively recently, including Jason who seemed far less likely than Freddy over the years.

If we keep saying the word "Hellraiser", that means it'll happen eventually, right?

There really aren't a ton of great new horror films or shows to adapt into HHN material in my view. I really do wonder what they eventually figure out. I honestly have no idea at all.

---

 

[GA-MBIT]

I wrote too much haha.

---

Spoiler: Nightmare Fuel and Ghoulish

I know there has been some discussion about it. Outside of simply not being able to retain the talent needed to keep it going, I couldn't see Nightmare Fuel going away. It's simply too popular for it not to come back. It's an original in-house concept that they don't have to worry about like the shows that came before. I see a new non-circus theme for it, which will be ironic given the likely carnival theme we will see across the event given Jack and Oddfellow's involvement. It always seems to work out wrong like that for this show haha.

Ghoulish is unfortunately not as safe of a bet, but I certainly can hope for a return. It works incredibly well in delivering that classic Halloween aesthetic and vibe to the event, and even when I wasn't specifically watching the show, just seeing the lights and fountains from across the lagoon or between streets was always a spectacle and gave incredible kinetics to the event. I would be fine with a new show, or even just a few new numbers in place of old ones, but I wouldn't be opposed to them keeping it as is either. It just works really solidly and fills its' niche well. It's already mostly spectacle anyways. It's not the kind of show like HNF where you'd gain a significant amount of interest with new visuals, especially after only a single event run under its' belt. I think it'd be fine regardless.

Spoiler: Scope for non-house offerings

Another hope disguised as prediction. I would love to see the streets hit the same marks as 34. We saw the biggest streets that the entrance area and Central Park have ever seen; multiple new show moments in Toxic Twenties, Death Eaters, and Cats; as well as new entertainment filling in dead zones like the Mels Zombies, Clownsaws returning to Springfield, Freddy's takeover at Louie's, Roaming Art, The Grabber, and even an improved selection of HHN Bar photo-op characters.

Club Horror was also implemented as a psuedo-zone, and while it wasn't anything to write home about, it filled the space well. It allowed Art to shine on social media, and it filled a dead zone with more party atmosphere and places to hang out, drink, and sit. Seeing the constant rave happening in that block from across the park was a similarly energizing sight to seeing Ghoulish in the distance as I mentioned before. With some adaptations, I believe it could be even better next year.

If we don't see an equivalent amount of offerings going forward. It will simply be a downgrade and a disappointment. This last year set the bar very, very high for the event's non-house offerings.

Also, bring back David S. Pumpkins, you cowards.

Spoiler: 11th House

I do believe we have the infrastructure and crowd levels to justify the illusive 11th house. Even through the complete demolition of HRRR, we saw all 5 SS houses utilized without many growing pains. Unless we see something like F&F going down for retheme construction, I believe they will be able to find a spot for another house build and queue, and honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if it happened in spite of F&F closing.

The rumors this past year just seemed to have a bit more to them than they have in the past. I'm certain it's been a consideration for them, and if any year was the one to do it, then it's an anniversary year.

---

For good measure.

11 Houses. 4 (official) zones.
6PM - 2AM, Aug 28th - Nov 1st, 2025
Mels Zombies. Roaming Jack / Oddfellow. Death Eaters. Improved Club Horror. Clownsaws.
Ghoulish and HNF both return with new content for each.

---

HHN35 has a very tall bar to clear to surpass 34, if only in the amount of offerings, let alone quality. I certainly hope they can bring it. I never see any reason to hope for the opposite. I can still honestly doubt however. For all of it's pomp, HHN30 was a pretty lackluster year. Now to be fair, it was a COVID event and many of its' issues can be explained through that. Even still, all the best and most memorable things from that year imo were the things seperated from the festivities. Wicked Growth, Puppet Theatre, Tooth Fairy, and I'll be a Seek and Destroy defender until the end.

Case Files sits on the perfect line of an all-timer house built on a foundation of references to HHN's past and lore. I hope they deliver in that same way with all of their upcoming offerings. They have seemingly figured out how to make the most of each location with HHN34, despite a lot of stresses coming from the current USF canvas they are working with, and I believe in their ability to make the best event they are able to.

As one last hope, whatever crack they are putting into the Old Tent houses, I hope they keep doing it lmao. Slaughter Sinema, Wicked Growth, Puppet Theatre, Descendants, Bug House, Darkest Deal, Oddfellow Origins, Dolls, Hatchet & Chains. For such limited venues, it's legitimately insane how many bangers we get out of them.

 

[Kichkinet85]

I’m just not sure about a 11th house. HHN is just getting to much. Guest who go one night already struggle to do 10. And that’s not to mention food, street experiences, shows, etc. HHN is getting to much for one night.

 

[hunnylvr]

Spoiler: The Answer

Ozzy Osbourne

I have been saying he should have a house forever, but especially since the news of his passing. I would absolutely lose my mind if this happened. In fact, I have thought so much about it, I sent a love letter about it to my friends at A&D - not that it will make one iota of difference, but that's how passionate I am about this.

 

[GA-MBIT]

I’m just not sure about a 11th house. HHN is just getting to much. Guest who go one night already struggle to do 10. And that’s not to mention food, street experiences, shows, etc. HHN is getting to much for one night.

Comcast would probably say "Which is why you should invest in our new 2-night weekend admission tickets! Discounted with a stay at Endless Summer hotel! "

I totally understand that concern. It's a valid one. I just think the event is growing in that direction regardless.

 

[Kichkinet85]

Comcast would probably say "Which is why you should invest in our new 2-night weekend admission tickets! Discounted with a stay at Endless Summer hotel! "

I totally understand that concern. It's a valid one. I just think the event is growing in that direction regardless.

They definitely would say that and as a UFF buyer it doesn’t concern me personally. However for those not lucky enough to go multiple times it sucks.

 

[TheGentTrent]

I know it’s easy to speculate about being an anniversary, but I don’t believe 35 is really that special of a number. You can’t treat every 5th year like it’s a big deal and I think we’re at the point where the major celebrations will come every decade.

 

[Blysthon]

I know it’s easy to speculate about being an anniversary, but I don’t believe 35 is really that special of a number. You can’t treat every 5th year like it’s a big deal and I think we’re at the point where the major celebrations will come every decade.

It’s a big deal for the community, including that rumored Jack tv show.

 

[Killer Klown]

I think we all know what’s coming!

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I’m just not sure about a 11th house. HHN is just getting to much. Guest who go one night already struggle to do 10. And that’s not to mention food, street experiences, shows, etc. HHN is getting to much for one night.

Yeah, unfortunately I think that's what Universal wants lol

Spinning off of that though, I'm curious if we could finally see a revamp of the ticketing system. We saw them drastically lower the amount of multi-night express tickets this year.

Could we see them get rid of a tier like RoF? Implement multi-night tickets like the park structure (1-day, 2-day, 3-day, etc)?