Halloween Horror Nights 2025 (USH) - Speculation & Rumors

[ladiesman217]

I don’t know how you can jump to this conclusion when there is literally nothing in the rumor mill that indicates anything other than “we may be getting Poltergeist again”.

Looking at Pandora's Box, Killer Klowns, and Holidayz, none of them got any major changes apart from an additional character in Pandora's, the entire Klowns layout being mirrored, and an extra room in Holidayz for the leprechaun caves. Poltergeist being brought back feels like it's being done on the cheap and it's an easy way for Murdy to dust off the old treatment from 2018 and bring in a maze that'll be new for a large crowd, as there are many who only started going to the event after the pandemic, while checking off the 'supernatural' aspect off the checklist. Will we get a new scene to replace the black walls in the middle section? Perhaps, but even then, there's so many other properties they could bring. Universal Hollywood makes millions each year from this event and they really have no excuse to just repeat mazes in order to save money and effort. I know it's been said before but, Murdy is honestly losing his touch. The fact that Scarecrow is coming back already even though it was just here in 2022 certainly feels off too, and from the looks of it, it's practically going to be the same exact maze with maybe a couple new masks here and there. I really hope that FNAF is actually a decent maze because, they know the fans of that franchise are super easy to please. I know a lot of FNAF fans who say the film is the best horror film ever made and when I try to discuss it with them and point out even the slightest bits of faults, they'll dismiss me and keep eating it up. If we see another Stranger Things 4 situation here, where Uni sees how easy it is to please the fanbase for the IP and just regurgitates a half-assed maze with a lot of potential, that'll be a tragedy, especially for FNAF.

 

[rageofthegods]

At least in the case of Holidayz in Hell, they did fill in a small black wall section from the prior iteration (the leprechaun caves in the St Patrick's Day part). If they do the same for Poltergeist's much more prominent black walls, then I think that's a perfectly fine reason for it to return.

 

[Lc.]

Holidayz felt like an improvement, Killer Klowns did not. Thas really the only problem with repeats, is sometimes they may turn out for the worse, but IMO I think most are pretty good if not better than their first runs, even if the improvements are minor, they all stack up.
Halloween 2022, I believe, was fundamentally a better created house than 2015 and my experience with it was also good. SURE it's not gonna be as good as it was my first run in 2015, that was truly a memory you can't recreate, but the run in 2022 with new perspectives was still amazing and ngl if I had my way, I'd bring back Halloween again .
I'm sure Murdy has his own personal stakes in this (he is the creative director), it's why we got houses like Universal Monsters and Scarecrow, collabs with Celebs, and with Potergeist from what may be the case/ has said, to improve on what they couldn't do in 2018.

 

[HydraGen2299]

At least in the case of Holidayz in Hell, they did fill in a small black wall section from the prior iteration (the leprechaun caves in the St Patrick's Day part). If they do the same for Poltergeist's much more prominent black walls, then I think that's a perfectly fine reason for it to return.

That’s what I’m expecting and I honestly think that it’s a fair expectation to have.

 

[rageofthegods]

That’s what I’m expecting and I honestly think that it’s a fair expectation to have.

Yeah, and the Halloween 4 repeat - despite being a weird covid year - had a totally different ending! There is precedent to repeats being new and improved, even if it's admittedly less grand a change than we'd like.

The flipside though is that if they don't change anything, then yeah, what's the point?

 

[HydraGen2299]

Yeah, and the Halloween 4 repeat - despite being a weird covid year - had a totally different ending! There is precedent to repeats being new and improved, even if it's admittedly less grand a change than we'd like.

The flipside though is that if they don't change anything, then yeah, what's the point?

Well with poltergeist there’s room to improve. Scarecrow is pretty much a perfect house so idk if they’d touch that at all. I’m not expecting change from scarecrow but I am expecting change in poltergeist and would be dissapointed if there isn’t any. I don’t really think it’s bias so much as the quality of the event has greatly improved. If you plop that 2018 house into the lineup of this year or even any of the years since 2022 it sticks out like a sore thumb like a good chunk of that house is black hallways and I think Murdy knows that and wants the house to be better.

 

[Freak]

I’ve already accepted Scarecrow is going to be an exact repeat. Not my preference but I can live with that. I hope they at least “fill in” those black hallways in Poltergeist as it looks like it’s coming back.

 

[HydraGen2299]

Remind me again as I’m not familiar with Hollywood locations, where’s the supposed “scarecrow” house?

Scarecrow is in t-pad where Texas chainsaw massacre was last year, holidayz in hell was there in 2023 and in 2022 it was killer klowns from outer space.

 

[chris.g]

Is it just me, or was there more of a "HYPE MOMENTS + AURA" to FNAF rumors last year where as it's being rumored this year and fans are going "oh... Cool"? I remember particularly this forum being bummed it wasn't happening. What changed? Popularity died off?

 

[bdubsCEO]

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I teared up when I found out it was happening. But yeah, the more subdued reaction is probably because it seemed obvious that it was coming sooner than later.

I think the real reaction will be from the general public whenever the actual trailer releases. I have a feeling people who aren’t very dialed into leaks and rumors are going to freak out

 

[HydraGen2299]

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I teared up when I found out it was happening. But yeah, the more subdued reaction is probably because it seemed obvious that it was coming sooner than later.

I think the real reaction will be from the general public whenever the actual trailer releases. I have a feeling people who aren’t very dialed into leaks and rumors are going to freak out

Teared up is wild

 

[Viator]

Teared up is wild

FNaF is a unique IP, one in which that I classify as one of the biggest modern horror IPs out there (along the likes of Stranger Things and The Last of Us). It’s also one of the younger audience pools and I think the novelty of this being likely a real thing will be highly exciting for those in the GP.

Especially if this is a continuation of the Jim Henson Creature Workshop collaborations, with them providing the molds. Having the ability to make it as accurate as you can is going to help sell things.

 

[rageofthegods]

People have an emotional connection to FNAF, dunno what to say. I don't get it but my friends don't get it whenever I quote obscure movie podcasts, so it is what it is.

 

[Wishmaster]

I had no idea that a second spec map would drop so soon especially on Easter. I was occupied by family, NBA playoffs, and WM 41 weekend so I woke up today seeing this map and I’m still surprised. This is my list based on what I’ve seen and my current thoughts.

Terrifier - YES! The new icon of horror makes history at this event.
FNAF - Not a fan but I accept this and will go with the flow.
Fallout - Never played the game but I am open minded.
Poltergeist - Random but I don’t have an issue with this.
Scarecrow - I wish this was another ORL original or at least a sequel instead of a repeat.
Monstrous 3 - I’m ready for the trilogy to be over but this house should be fine.
WWE house - Curious to see how scary they can make the wrestlers selected for this house.
Unknown = Blumhouse Vol. 4 or UM. I hope this is a secret IP that hasn’t appeared at the event before.
Update - TLOU2
TT: KKFOS - We heard about this earlier from this forum. I said before that TT should only use IPs from now on so this adds to the point I was making about them using BH last year.

All of the repeats I have been through have been better than its predecessor so I expect the same with Scarecrow.

 

[krazyhorrorkid]

Alright let’s get this out of the way.
If Poltergeist returns it’s gonna be “reimagined”
They could take 50% of the rooms from 2018 and add new aspects and locations and it will still be presented as a new house, no matter what.

If anything I think we need to realize that HHN Orl as of recent has gone and acquired the habit of taking IP’s that were received well because of the houses design, and rehashing and reimagining it. So expect to see things recirculating from now on. Maybe one IP every other year.

Whether it’s an IP house you wanna see reimagined or not, that’s the roll of the dice on your part.

 

[ThatHorrorGuy]

I had no idea that a second spec map would drop so soon especially on Easter. I was occupied by family, NBA playoffs, and WM 41 weekend so I woke up today seeing this map and I’m still surprised. This is my list based on what I’ve seen and my current thoughts.

Terrifier - YES! The new icon of horror makes history at this event.
FNAF - Not a fan but I accept this and will go with the flow.
Fallout - Never played the game but I am open minded.
Poltergeist - Random but I don’t have an issue with this.
Scarecrow - I wish this was another ORL original or at least a sequel instead of a repeat.
Monstrous 3 - I’m ready for the trilogy to be over but this house should be fine.
WWE house - Curious to see how scary they can make the wrestlers selected for this house.
Unknown = Blumhouse Vol. 4 or UM. I hope this is a secret IP that hasn’t appeared at the event before.
Update - TLOU2
TT: KKFOS - We heard about this earlier from this forum. I said before that TT should only use IPs from now on so this adds to the point I was making about them using BH last year.

All of the repeats I have been through have been better than its predecessor so I expect the same with Scarecrow.

Might as well do this too (in order from most hyped to least);

Scarecrow - Really excited for this one to come back, was the scariest house I've been through.
Terrifier - Huge fan of all the films, excited to see how this is pulled off.
FNaF - Excited to see the animatronics in person, definitely could see it being a "better version" of the movie.
WWE - Since this would probably be more of an IP-Original,I'm really excited to see what Murdy comes up with.
Poltergeist - Excited to experience this house for the first time.
Fallout - Don't know a ton about it but could see it being similar to TLOU, which I loved.
Monstruos 3 - I think the house will be good, just as last years, but besides that not very excited since it's came with different iterations 3 years in a row.

TT: KKFOS - Really love KKFOS, excited to see this.

 

[EAS]

Might as well do this too (in order from most hyped to least);

Scarecrow - Really excited for this one to come back, was the scariest house I've been through.
Terrifier - Huge fan of all the films, excited to see how this is pulled off.
FNaF - Excited to see the animatronics in person, definitely could see it being a "better version" of the movie.
WWE - Since this would probably be more of an IP-Original,I'm really excited to see what Murdy comes up with.
Poltergeist - Excited to experience this house for the first time.
Fallout - Don't know a ton about it but could see it being similar to TLOU, which I loved.
Monstruos 3 - I think the house will be good, just as last years, but besides that not very excited since it's came with different iterations 3 years in a row.

TT: KKFOS - Really love KKFOS, excited to see this.

Having only started returning to Hollywood in the past couple of years, I have to say, I am very excited about Scarecrow and Killer Klowns. Totally get that those are repeats (or close to it, for KKFOS) for many, but I love KKFOS, and I didn't have the opportunity to do Hollywood's Scarecrow house before.

Of the non-KKFOS IPs, I am very excited for Terrifier, as I am a slasher guy. Will be excited to experience Poltergeist, and I think Monstruous 3 / Isle of Lost Dolls / etc. will be great, as I really liked both Monstruous 1 and 2.

FNaF should at least be cool with the animatronics, and the abandoned pizza joint is a fun setting that could feel kind of cartoonish and immersive.

Just started watching the Fallout show and I can see it, though post-apocalyptic houses are rarely my favorites.

WWE...eh. Not a wrestling fan but not really a Weeknd fan either and enjoyed Nightmare Trilogy, so I guess we'll see. I certainly would have preferred Scream, but a lineup that included both Scream and Terrifier does feel a bit too good to be true.

It will be very interesting to see what the Unknown house is. In the past few years, it seems like Hollywood has had a IP (rather than an original) that is not also in Orlando: Nightmare Trilogy, Evil Dead Rise, KKFOS, etc. So, I think we could have a fun surprise. Obviously doubt it will be something epic like Scream since that would surely be shared if they got it, but it would be neat to get another cult classic choice, etc.

Overall, while Scream's removal from the spec list is a big bummer, I still think it feels like an overall strong lineup, with a lot of things to look forward to.

 

[Lc.]

That Unknown still got me thinking it's Monsters, any other IP rumored doesn't scream Hollywood exclusive to me, and it's apparent that being in Horror Unleashed don't mean squawk, SLASH is also back and what is currently here also don't scream "he's composing it" (FNAF music by SLASH would go hard tho lol). There's just something missing.

 

[Viator]

WWE could shine with the Slash score. Dumb as it is, I can see it being an opportunity of Slash doing new “Themes” appropriate for WWE wrestlers. Might even be used by them going forward depending on context too.

 

[CobraCommander666]

My interest in the current specs:

Houses

1. Terrifier has me the most excited. A true modern horror movie with so much possibilities for a fun house and cool merch.
2. Five nights at Freddy is at least a new Blumhouse and not a repeat of the ones we keep getting. It should have a fun atmosphere so too.
3. Poltergeist - I missed it in 2018 so this will be a first time for me and should be fun.
4. The Last of Us part 2 - Although I enjoyed the games and show, I was underwhelmed by the first house. It was too focused on the humans. Hopefully this one has more scares and fungal zombie action.
5. Fallout - I am a big fan of the games but never considered them horror. That being said, it can definitely be easily turned into one and basically be a nuclear zombie maze. I am just not feeling the hype here. If it was a more horror focused game, such as Resident Evil or Dead space I could get behind it more. I have yet to watch the series so maybe that will get me more in the mood.
6. WWE - I grew up watching wrastlin in the 90s and follow it a bit these days. Once again, not really horror related. I think they can make it fun and it may attract more of an audience so makes sense for business, but it is easily my least hyped IP.
7. Scarecrow - Originals are always not a big hype for me. That being said this was a banger last time so I am down to run it again.
8. Latin American horror house 2025 - As said above I'm never too hyped on the originals, but these have consistently been fun and bring a cool atmosphere.

Events/Tram

1. Killer Klowns - I am so hyped for this. The TT is one of my favorite things but only about half of the time does the theme interest me. I love Killer Klowns and they can have a lot of fun with this. I do remember Murdy wanting to do an original "sequel" maze to the movie years back so I hope he has fun with this.
2. The purge - This show was good the first year, and amazing last year. It did feel like the same story reworked though so I hope this year they bring us a new story.

Other thoughts

1. I told myself I wouldn't give any thought into the Scream rumors, but I cant help but be sad to see it dropped off the list (for now).
2. Friday the 13th only being at Florida is a bummer. That is my favorite classic slasher IP and it is time for him to get back out there. In general I am surprised there isn't an 80s slasher. The past years there is usually a Halloween or Texas Chainsaw house so F13 would be perfect.
3. I am also surprised there is no Universal Monsters house. I was expecting it to get the TT theme to give us something different. I do think that they probably intended to check off that box with the Blumhouse Wolfman movie (they even already made the costume) but after the reception I guess it got canned. I still think Nosferatu would be the perfect way to check the UM box with a modern twist (and Universal owned).