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@Brian G. Feel free to promote this post at your discretion).
So, Hook.
First, I want to give some background on where the codename "Hook" came from. The audition sheets for HHN Orlando this year listed call times and locations for houses and streets. They were categorized as such (houses and zones). The zones had five listed locations (AoS, HW, CP, NY, and SF), PLUS "Horde" and the enigmatic "Hook."
Now, what caught my attention about it was that it was the only "street" that was given a legitimate codename. Everything else was pretty obvious about what it was and where it was supposed to be while Hook was intentionally vague. Was it a show? Was it a parade? Was it simply a new street? (I was fairly certain it wasn't a separate horde because then they could have have Horde 1 and Horde 2.)
What I did know was this; "Hook" was important. The fact that it was so secret meant it had to be. While there are physical hooks, I immediately ascribed it as a major draw. Something that would "hook" in the crowds for this year's HHN. Was it an Icon or something else?
It captivated me... so I started asking everyone I could about what Hook could have been.
And I still have never gotten it confirmed, but I've heard enough of what was planned for this year that I'm about 85% confident I'm write.
Most of this is pulled from my sources. Of particular note was Universal's audition announcement for experienced sword fighters. Now that the streets are released, I can comfortably say that I don't see actual sword fighting fitting anywhere (though I may get surprised with it in Purge or Festivaliest of the Deadlyliest).
Because, really, what is sword fighting but waving around sticks in a precise manner?
Yep. I think Hook was Harry Potter.
Specifically, it would have mimicked Japan's Deatheater attack but would likely have included crowd interaction, projection mapping on the London Waterfront and apparation entrances and exits. And it wouldn't have been confined to the waterfront either, but could include Knockturn and Diagon proper.
I'm a bit disappointed, since I was told it's not happening. Most disappointing though is how close it seemed. Supposedly, Deatheater costumes that used the patterns from Japan were being constructed in Orlando. Or they were at least ordered.
Now, don't ask why it's not happening (if it's not happening). With Bill and Ted's farewell, it's entirely possible Universal didn't want the crowd control nightmare of both Bill and Ted AND Deatheaters in London. But there is precedent for a show like this occurring, and there's precedent for good ideas never dying at Universal.
