Halloween Horror Nights 32 (UOR) - Speculation & Rumors

[Fear2010]

I think a different time setting could work for a Cleaver sequel if takes place either in the early or mid 60’s to offer a bit of a different experience. Most of the decade looked like remnants of the 50’s aesthetic while the later years of them were the “real” 60’s.

 

[reeseyNG]

Last of Us was Descendants of Destruction miscommunication.

Figured this was true, but I think that it has a good shot this year still. Director of the game was begging for a house on Twitter, and it seems smart with the show coming out.

 

[Brian G.]

Figured this was true, but I think that it has a good shot this year still. Director of the game was begging for a house on Twitter, and it seems smart with the show coming out.

It’s possible! Just didn’t want anybody thinking it had a shot coming because “it almost did last year”.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

Gonna give predictions wise..

Dawn FM: Was in Hollywood's top three for the GSATS, and I could've sworn it was rather well recieved with those who experienced it in Orlando. The DawnFM Era is continuing with the worldwide leg of After Hours til Dawn, and The Idol releasing on HBO next year. Also have to think I could've seen people talk on The Weeknd's deal being a large deal in expenses. Thinking this is in, as it makes sense to me.

The Exorcist: Been a while for you guys, and with the Blumhouse film unhindered by the issues Halloween had; I think a combination house of the original film plus the requel is a natural pick in the marketing campaigns. Would also be the Blumhouse IP that'd make the most sense (Save FNAF til 2024).

Scream: With the original film, plus Scream '22 and Scream II '23; there's a lot of material that could be easily done and handled. The problem lies in what Paramount wants, and I think that's the live or die.

The Last of Us: Druckman has expressed his interest, and given how notable into Sony he is I imagine they've been talking. The Last of Us will be undergoing into it's 10th anniversary next year, with the PC release of Part 1, the probable release of Factions; and the upcoming HBO show. It has the environments, it has the creatures, and it has the moments that make it a distinct qualifier for the sake of Halloween Horror Nights. On both coasts. Thinking honestly it's now or never on this IP as we get to the 10th anniversary, as it makes a lot of sense to me.

Monsters: I mentioned with Hollywood that I think Creature is something that feels like a long time coming for them, but perhaps if I may: what about The Invisible Man for Florida? I think doing something more experimentive with Universal Monsters feels more welcoming now, now that they've been trying dual-coast storylines and having shared visions. Let it be unique this time around; much like 2019 with how Hollywood had Frankenstein vs. The Wolfman.

Theme: With HHN31/22 tackling Halloween in the traditional form, I'd rather the theme change from celebrating Halloween...to celebrating death. What lies after death (DawnFM), Death being a pitstop (Chucky), those who don't want to stay dead (Exorcist), the rush of avoiding death (Scream), and the undead (The Last of Us). I think a supernatural/death theme with a Grim Reaper (perhaps Bone?) based icon could be a fascinating angle.

 

[reeseyNG]

Theme: With HHN31/22 tackling Halloween in the traditional form, I'd rather the theme change from celebrating Halloween...to celebrating death. What lies after death (DawnFM), Death being a pitstop (Chucky), those who don't want to stay dead (Exorcist), the rush of avoiding death (Scream), and the undead (The Last of Us). I think a supernatural/death theme with a Grim Reaper (perhaps Bone?) based icon could be a fascinating angle.

This is rad as hell hahaha I hope Universal reads this and steals it

 

[Fear2010]

Gonna give predictions wise..

Dawn FM: Was in Hollywood's top three for the GSATS, and I could've sworn it was rather well recieved with those who experienced it in Orlando. The DawnFM Era is continuing with the worldwide leg of After Hours til Dawn, and The Idol releasing on HBO next year. Also have to think I could've seen people talk on The Weeknd's deal being a large deal in expenses. Thinking this is in, as it makes sense to me.

The Exorcist: Been a while for you guys, and with the Blumhouse film unhindered by the issues Halloween had; I think a combination house of the original film plus the requel is a natural pick in the marketing campaigns. Would also be the Blumhouse IP that'd make the most sense (Save FNAF til 2024).

Scream: With the original film, plus Scream '22 and Scream II '23; there's a lot of material that could be easily done and handled. The problem lies in what Paramount wants, and I think that's the live or die.

The Last of Us: Druckman has expressed his interest, and given how notable into Sony he is I imagine they've been talking. The Last of Us will be undergoing into it's 10th anniversary next year, with the PC release of Part 1, the probable release of Factions; and the upcoming HBO show. It has the environments, it has the creatures, and it has the moments that make it a distinct qualifier for the sake of Halloween Horror Nights. On both coasts. Thinking honestly it's now or never on this IP as we get to the 10th anniversary, as it makes a lot of sense to me.

Monsters: I mentioned with Hollywood that I think Creature is something that feels like a long time coming for them, but perhaps if I may: what about The Invisible Man for Florida? I think doing something more experimentive with Universal Monsters feels more welcoming now, now that they've been trying dual-coast storylines and having shared visions. Let it be unique this time around; much like 2019 with how Hollywood had Frankenstein vs. The Wolfman.

Theme: With HHN31/22 tackling Halloween in the traditional form, I'd rather the theme change from celebrating Halloween...to celebrating death. What lies after death (DawnFM), Death being a pitstop (Chucky), those who don't want to stay dead (Exorcist), the rush of avoiding death (Scream), and the undead (The Last of Us). I think a supernatural/death theme with a Grim Reaper (perhaps Bone?) based icon could be a fascinating angle.

I’m enjoying this prediction, and this is very interesting. It would also make sense to bring back the Caretaker and Cindy along with another Screamhouse sequel.

 

[Casper Gutman]

Okay, so I'm not the only one who wants a Scooby-Doo house

Make that three. I love humor houses, and the Hanna-Barbera cartoon aesthetic, full of bold flat colors, could give us a totally distinct look we've never seen before. Scooby-Doo would be great.

 

[queenmetroid]

My absolute wildcard pick is a fantasy adjacent house. Game of Thrones is back, Rings of Power is out, and Conjure the Dark had goblins

I know this isn't a popular opinion, but I was sad that Game of Thrones didn't come due to leaks, and I hope that door isn't closed. That IP choice was widely derided on this forum and I didn't really understand why. Had the yetis in 2018 been White Walkers, the house could have been just as effective. With House of Dragon making a resurgence, I wouldn't be opposed to seeing them try a dark/gritty/violent house, as long as they don't pull a Dracula Untold in Hollywood.

Plsdon'tbanmeforthisonehahahah FNaF. I know that hearing about this franchise is probably making the mods of this forum want to pull their hair out, but if it's gonna happen, this is the year. Makes way too much sense. If it doesn't get a house the same year as the movie, I don't think it'll ever come.

FNaF is really not that controversial of a pick. I know it gets a bunch of hate because of saturation and the younger fan base, but the core premise of the game is terrifying. You're trapped in a room being hunted by malfunctioning killer animatronics and that is scary. If anything, Security Breach is literally the perfect subject for a house. An 80s style neon-drenched mall where you're being hunted through different areas? Count me in. I'm sure the movie will find a way to ruin this concept, but I remain optimistic if they announce this as a property.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

This is rad as hell hahaha I hope Universal reads this and steals it

I think the best thing they did on both coasts, was to have a theme that is conistent, that is universally applied to a lot of things; and something that can resonate with base GP alongside the fans.

Continuing it with Supernatual/Death feels like a great angle that could expand things.

 

[downunder]

The Exorcist seems like a reasonable one to speculate on, Universal spent $400 million getting the rights, so they might as well get their money's worth. New Exorcist IP content is coming out October 13. Personally, I'd like to see it, the Exorcist is the scariest movie ever made IMO. As a wildcard, Exorcist III is very underrated, but very good.

Renfield is coming out next year, not sure if it's a strong enough IP for a house, but I wouldn't mind his boss Drac having their own house.

Looking at the Universal release schedule, Knock at the Cabin doesn't sound like a HHN property, but keeping in line with M Night Shylamalan, maybe there'll be a twist.

Probably the property that will be most horrific to the community here if it became a maze would be Fast X, because "we're family".

 

[Darko]

Ok let's face it, a F&F house would be terrifying. Just imagine all these Vin Diesel look-a-likes popping out of booholes from all angles saying very calmly at you, "Family."

The description can mention how they are making you part of their family.

More on topic, however, I am wondering about a Leave It to Cleaver sequel. Last year I thought was more fan service but it wasn't during an anniversary year which is a bit strange. I still feel they did it more for the gimmick of the packaging of the food. That said, I am very curious if it actually leads to something. I hope it does honestly. I loved Cleaver.

 

[Legacy]

I just want to point out - Everyone was clamoring for a unified “Halloween” theme with an “icon.” You got both for 31 and not only did no one care, it did nothing to increase engagement compared to Weeknd and everyone is commenting on how “off” the year felt.

Maybe let’s not focus our speculation on themes.

 

[Casper Gutman]

I just want to point out - Everyone was clamoring for a unified “Halloween” theme with an “icon.” You got both for 31 and not only did no one care, it did nothing to increase engagement compared to Weeknd and everyone is commenting on how “off” the year felt.

Maybe let’s not focus our speculation on themes.

It increased MY engagement, and I generally felt what was "off" was when they strayed from the central theme or the related theme of the houses or outsmarted themselves by coming at the theme from obtuse angles.

You're a person who would know, but it seemed like the "icon" (I assume you're talking about Boo, more of a semi-icon, rather then PL) moved merch. And as for The Weeknd, I'm sure you've seen some sort of engagement metrics, but when I checked line length every night I was struck by the fact that Weeknd never seemed as long as Halloween and was often shorter then Blumhouse. In general, the consistently huge crowds seemed to indicate favorable engagement.

In any case, icon and theme have always been less about attracting the general public - that's what the IPs are for, after all - and more for the fans who want to dig into the event a bit more, the folks who miss things like the website from 19. Sure, HHN is big enough that Universal doesn't need to cater to those folks at all, but unlike Disney they've demonstrated continued interest in appealing to that group. Judging from the much increased demand for the Behind the Screams tour, that dedication is growing the fan base, and that can't hurt the durability of the brand.

 

[Legacy]

It increased MY engagement, and I generally felt what was "off" was when they strayed from the central theme or the related theme of the houses or outsmarted themselves by coming at the theme from obtuse angles.

You're a person who would know, but it seemed like the "icon" (I assume you're talking about Boo, more of a semi-icon, rather then PL) moved merch. And as for The Weeknd, I'm sure you've seen some sort of engagement metrics, but when I checked line length every night I was struck by the fact that Weeknd never seemed as long as Halloween and was often shorter then Blumhouse. In general, the consistently huge crowds seemed to indicate favorable engagement.

In any case, icon and theme have always been less about attracting the general public - that's what the IPs are for, after all - and more for the fans who want to dig into the event a bit more, the folks who miss things like the website from 19. Sure, HHN is big enough that Universal doesn't need to cater to those folks at all, but unlike Disney they've demonstrated continued interest in appealing to that group. Judging from the much increased demand for the Behind the Screams tour, that dedication is growing the fan base, and that can't hurt the durability of the brand.

Your “icon” was Pumpkin Lord. Boo was a merch-driver and little more. Structurally, PL was positioned within the park like Fear and Luck were.

Engagement isn’t about attendance—it’s a separate metric that can positively (or negatively) impact attendance, but exists separately. Basically, it’s what people are talking about, and anyone can get a sense of engagement without actually looking at the numbers.

Outside of opening weekend, there was very little engagement related to PL, Boo, or the theme. It was about how much fun Weeknd was, how pretty Pier was, and how good Monsters was. And Weeknd was the most consistent topic. There was almost no discussion about Halloween or Blumhouse which means they weren’t driving engagement, and therefore weren’t helping attendance.

And theme absolutely CAN drive engagement. The aughts lived entirely on theme. My point is that the theme everyone wanted, to the extent they brought back PL and Boo exclusively to leverage it, didn’t do what it was supposed to. The pop artist did it.

And queue length is tied more to operational efficiency through a house than popularity. An efficient house (like Weeknd) can push more people than a clunky one, which can make the more popular house have a shorter line.

 

[HHN Maddux]

And queue length is tied more to operational efficiency through a house than popularity. An efficient house (like Weeknd) can push more people than a clunky one, which can make the more popular house have a shorter line.

Can vouch for this. Halloween and Blumhouse's lines (especially the former) always moved at a snail's pace, including Express. Weeknd, the main queue could be completely filled, you'd be in within 30 minutes.

 

[Imperius]

It’s gotta be time for Gremlins. Give me Gremlins or give me death.

 

[Casper Gutman]

It’s gotta be time for Gremlins. Give me Gremlins or give me death.

I don’t think we’re gonna get two puppet heavy houses in a year, and we’re getting Chucky. I really want Gremlins, but I suspect it has to wait until at least 2024.

 

[Neo]

My baseless general speculation for the event:

• No icon for the year. 31 was like Sweet 16, "a non-anniversary anniversary year." Save the Icons for the 5's and 0's years.
• No 11th house (they had trouble staffing what they have already).
• More food booths, each with only a few options and no alcoholic drinks to speed things up. They have to be making a killing off of food, but the 30min+ lines are unacceptable both for the attendees and for operations.
• No music houses, but possibly a music zone. Maybe start a pattern of every other year there's a music zone, then the other years there's a music house. The Weeknd was catching lightening in a bottle, I feel like if you do Dawn FM the very next year it will be a case of diminishing returns like the lagoon show, Stranger Things 2, American Horror Story 2, etc.
• At least one IP scare zone.
• The Orlando event will only be called 2023 and there will not be a 32 to be found in any promotional materials or merch.

Very likely houses:

• Evil Dead Rise - since it was in the cards and then pulled from the streaming schedule to get a theatrical release due to test audiences loving it, it's an obvious choice.
• Blumhouse v4. I loved the house this year and with Five Nights at Freddy's allegedly coming out and everybody asking for it for years, I think it's a good option. Maybe be a single IP for Blumhouse this time?
• Universal Classic Monsters of course.

Realistic houses:

• The return of a 3D house - with all the turnover in creative, maybe the fresh talent have a new idea to try to make it work and want to give it a shot. Definitely wishful thinking on my part as I love 3D houses, but it's a legitimate possibility.
• FIRST TIME White Whale house - I feel that they need to get away from the re-tellings after TCM (which I loved and thought it was better than the first time) and Halloween (which was underwhelming). I hope for The Thing, know a lot of people want Hellraiser, but it has to be something new (yes, I know we had The Thing Assimilation, but that doesn't count). A Nightmare on Elm Street would definitely fit the bill too...it's "kinda" been here before, but a faithful adaptation of the original movie has never been done.

It's my list so I can say whatever I want:

• The Monsters house is a single monster, not a mashup. Maybe move it to the present time. Like Creature from the Black Lagoon where some Developer bought the property and is draining the lagoon and cutting down all the trees to build a bunch of condos. Part of the house could be in the drained lagoon (like the underground part of Poltergeist), part in an outdoor area with a bunch of tree stumps and felled trees. A fully unique take on the monsters to make it feel different. The houses have been great, but starting to feel stale and repetitive. Shake it up.
• Slaughter Sinema Presents Carnevil - I know that's a trademark for a videogame, but something like that. The house starts with a barker at a crappy carnival haunted house inviting you and telling you to hold on tight to your man/girl because it's going to be the most terrifying house ever. First 3 rooms are crappy carny tropes like silly looking animatronic dummies, broken scares, etc. A comedy portion of the house. Maybe the Vomit Vortex with a scaractor bent over pretending to throwup after it. Then like the Jurassic Water Ride, there's a "fake" track continuing through the house, but it's blocked off or whatever and you're redirected to an emergency exit. Then the rest of the house is like "back of house", alleys between attractions, etc with crazed carnies coming after you. Maybe a room with stacked bodies that look like realistic HHN attendees. Light up devil horn things, a little boo necklace, HHN shirts, cargo shorts, etc on the bodies and broken blinky cups and whatever on the ground. Facade is a couple booths (games, food, whatever) and the barker in front of a cheesy looking moveable (to go town to town) haunted house.
• A volcano house - we always have winter houses, but what about a hot house? Obviously not the entire thing as scareactors would be passing out, but a room or two where there's lava and directed heatlamps just to give you a blast of hot air in your face as you enter the room. Lots of burn victims. Instead of falling snow, falling ash. Rumbling floors and walls. Lots of red and orange lights. Lightening.
• With staffing issues, I have to wonder if there was thought about how to do a house with minimal scareactors through animatronics, projection mapping, and other new tricks. Something like Bugs would have been great to implement this way, but I just feel they might try something new and different just to see if it works. Not as radical as The Repository/VR upcharge, but something we've never seen them do before to see what they can do. Possibly Gremlins? Of course puppets, but then rear projected walls, shadow gags, etc. Given when they're usually starting to develop treatments for houses is when the event was going on and having a lot of staffing challenges, I feel like they have to be considering something.

Doubt it will happen, but...

• Stranger Things Season 4 - I have no idea what's going on with Netflix properties, but so many people were upset by it not showing up so I wouldn't be shocked if they back up the Brinks truck at Netflix HQ and just go for it. An apology for the horrible second house and not having the house last year...and giving them an excuse to bump up ticket prices another 15%.
• With the Jurassic World trilogy hopefully done, a Jurassic Park house not tied to any movies. Feel like with the evolution of the puppets since they did it before, and with no movie on the horizon that they'd want to have synergy with, it's as good as time as any to do it.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I just want to point out - Everyone was clamoring for a unified “Halloween” theme with an “icon.” You got both for 31 and not only did no one care, it did nothing to increase engagement compared to Weeknd and everyone is commenting on how “off” the year felt.

Maybe let’s not focus our speculation on themes.

Saying "no one cared" is a stretch imo

The only ones I see saying the year felt off are the nutcases on the HHN Facebook groups lol

It’s gotta be time for Gremlins. Give me Gremlins or give me death.

I want it so badly.

I don’t think we’re gonna get two puppet heavy houses in a year, and we’re getting Chucky. I really want Gremlins, but I suspect it has to wait until at least 2024.

I thought the same - but I'm still afraid they're going to use actors to play Chucky. Which would ruin the house imo

 

[ssirin88]

• A volcano house - we always have winter houses, but what about a hot house? Obviously not the entire thing as scareactors would be passing out, but a room or two where there's lava and directed heatlamps just to give you a blast of hot air in your face as you enter the room. Lots of burn victims. Instead of falling snow, falling ash. Rumbling floors and walls. Lots of red and orange lights. Lightening.

That sounds like the most miserable thing ever for a Florida located house lol