Halloween Horror Nights 35 (UOR) - Speculation & Rumors

[Freak]

Not getting IT is especially sad because of the alleged bring on the clowns theme for the year. It is just too perfect. And I think a lot of the general public will probably be asking why he isn't there because of that.

I mean the lineup is already stacked as is. They can save Pennywise for next year.

 

[Neo]

I have to admit I'm quite shocked they aren't doing FNAF2. They had to have spent a huge amount of money on the animatronics and the movie series seems like Blumhouse is going to pump out a movie every year (with large box office erosion) so I assumed they'd want to reuse the anamatronics and puppets ASAP.

Pivoting to guessing that either Louie's is going to get a proper FNAF overlay for this year, or a floor of Dead Coconut is going to be themed to it with the hero animatronics being displayed. Maybe not moving or anything, but just a kick ass photo op to draw in a ton of people.

I'm not a fan of the games or movies so I'm not at all disappointed, just really surprised.

 

[Jake S]

They can save Pennywise for next year.

yes, much in the same way i’m saving natalie portman for my next marriage.

 

[johnathanm]

It’s interesting that folks assume IPs need to be “big” on an anniversary year, when the original stories tend to be the point of differentiation.

We’ve only really had two anniversary years in the IP era, and the IP lineups were decent but I’d argue not clearly stronger than the surrounding years.

 

[LPCaptainDeath]

It’s interesting that folks assumes IPs need to be “big” on an anniversary year, when the original stories tend to be the point of differentiation.

We’ve only really had two anniversary years in the IP era, and the IP lineups were decent but I’d argue not clearly stronger than the surrounding years.

Speaking for myself here, Legacy's first statement in this thread was that this year's lineup is "even bigger than last year's" - so i believe that's where the "BIG" is coming from.

2026 rumored vs. 2025 confirmed
Stranger Things = FNaF
I'd argue FNaF was a bigger get and more exciting to the GP last year than Stranger Things returning for a 4th time this year but i assume the crowds are probably on similar playing fields for both. They're both big merch juggernauts for Universal, so i'm just going to say this is even.

Hellraiser < Friday the 13th
F13 is bigger than Hellraiser. As someone who loves both, this is just a fact.

Evil Dead Burn < Terrifier
Terrifier is a bigger get than the new Evil Dead movie. While the Evil Dead movies are in fact better than anything Terrifier has done, we cannot ignore Art's influence and absolutely legendary presence at HHN like a match made in heaven. He was a one-man merch-slinging publicity machine. I don't think any new Evil Dead movie can outweigh that.

Sinners > Fallout
Sinners is a bigger get than Fallout and will probably make bigger waves but maybe it's just the disappointment we've all felt/heard with the latter (I remember hearing that the return on investment wasn't as high as they hoped there). There will be no arguing whether or not Sinners is "horror" and that might be the single-biggest reason it's going to be better for this event.

Ozzy = WWE
I don't know what to say about Ozzy or WWE cause i'm not really on the level with either, but i know they both have huge crowds and huge amounts of draw with a lot of cultural influence deep rooted in their fanbases. I'm sure there is overlap too, so i'm not trying to split hairs here despite what hair-splitting i'm doing.

So yeah, on paper, last year was bigger and it's hard to argue otherwise sans announcements.
That being said, it's still an awesome lineup and i'm excited to hear what more we have in store!
ESPECIALLY if we are getting a CLOWNS CLOWNS CLOWNS zone with Jack, Art, and Killer Klowns.

 

[johnathanm]

Speaking for myself here, Legacy's first statement in this thread was that this year's lineup is "even bigger than last year's" - so i believe that's where the "BIG" is coming from.

Yeah, that’s fair in the context of Legacy’s comments. I was only referencing where I’ve seen / heard fans suggest that the rumored event lineup “seems weak for an anniversary year” or something along those lines.

Not just this year either - I’ve heard some content creators (not that they are the arbiters of truth) suggest over the years that Uni specifically plans for anniversaries to have particularly huge IPs, and I just don’t think there’s evidence to support that.

 

[Wesker69]

Not just this year either - I’ve heard some content creators (not that they are the arbiters of truth) suggest over the years that Uni specifically plans for anniversaries to have particularly huge IPs, and I just don’t think there’s evidence to support that.

Makes you wonder if those content creators were even alive or been to the event before the 25th anniversary (which featured the FvsJ house)

5th anniversary - Crypt Keeper (technical IP)
10th anniversary - Jack
15th anniversary - Terra Queen (I refuse to acknowledge the librarian granny)
Sweet 16 - Jack, Caretaker, Director, & Librarian wench
20th - FEAR + returning icons

All original content for the most part, although the actual anniversary acknowledgement didn't happen until 2006's "Sweet 16". However, they did do a promo image of Jack cutting a big cake for the 10th.

25th was the first anniversary year to blatantly feature a big IP or two. 30 was a product of the current heavy IP trend. Planning to have IPs is just the natural part of the event, anniversary year or not.

 

[Legacy]

It’s interesting that folks assume IPs need to be “big” on an anniversary year, when the original stories tend to be the point of differentiation.

We’ve only really had two anniversary years in the IP era, and the IP lineups were decent but I’d argue not clearly stronger than the surrounding years.

I liked the big IPs they had for HHN XX.

Speaking for myself here, Legacy's first statement in this thread was that this year's lineup is "even bigger than last year's" - so i believe that's where the "BIG" is coming from.

2026 rumored vs. 2025 confirmed
Stranger Things = FNaF
I'd argue FNaF was a bigger get and more exciting to the GP last year than Stranger Things returning for a 4th time this year but i assume the crowds are probably on similar playing fields for both. They're both big merch juggernauts for Universal, so i'm just going to say this is even.

Hellraiser < Friday the 13th
F13 is bigger than Hellraiser. As someone who loves both, this is just a fact.

Evil Dead Burn < Terrifier
Terrifier is a bigger get than the new Evil Dead movie. While the Evil Dead movies are in fact better than anything Terrifier has done, we cannot ignore Art's influence and absolutely legendary presence at HHN like a match made in heaven. He was a one-man merch-slinging publicity machine. I don't think any new Evil Dead movie can outweigh that.

Sinners > Fallout
Sinners is a bigger get than Fallout and will probably make bigger waves but maybe it's just the disappointment we've all felt/heard with the latter (I remember hearing that the return on investment wasn't as high as they hoped there). There will be no arguing whether or not Sinners is "horror" and that might be the single-biggest reason it's going to be better for this event.

Ozzy = WWE
I don't know what to say about Ozzy or WWE cause i'm not really on the level with either, but i know they both have huge crowds and huge amounts of draw with a lot of cultural influence deep rooted in their fanbases. I'm sure there is overlap too, so i'm not trying to split hairs here despite what hair-splitting i'm doing.

So yeah, on paper, last year was bigger and it's hard to argue otherwise sans announcements.
That being said, it's still an awesome lineup and i'm excited to hear what more we have in store!
ESPECIALLY if we are getting a CLOWNS CLOWNS CLOWNS zone with Jack, Art, and Killer Klowns.

Honestly, you can’t use a comment I make in November/December about an upcoming event as a qualifier for your enthusiasm four months later. I always qualify my statements with “if it’s true,” because I can always be wrong. And that early, I often am. In November, the IPs I was hearing were Ozzy, IT, Hellraiser, Resident Evil, and Conjuring. And the bonkers thing is I actually hearing those as late as mid-January. That’s insanely late for any of the “whales” to still be getting discussed (normally those quiet by December).

That said, Hellraiser has never appeared at HHN before which, to me, makes it bigger than F13. It’s a whale. Sinners is bigger than Terrifier and Fallout, both. And Ozzy is much bigger Wyatt Sicks. Plus Jack. Plus IP zones… I mean. Seriously. I know different strokes. But I actually think that, for the GP, yeah… this year is bigger.

 

[Wesker69]

Clive Barker has history with HHN Hollywood 1999/2000 (created a house both years)

....so now its just up to the studio playing nice to allow Hellraiser to be officially used

 

[Brian G.]

Yeah, that’s fair in the context of Legacy’s comments. I was only referencing where I’ve seen / heard fans suggest that the rumored event lineup “seems weak for an anniversary year” or something along those lines.

A couple things:

I think people have put too much stock into the 35th Anniversary. It's not that big of a milestone compared to other years. At the same time, especially with how 30th played out due to COVID stuff, they may wanna have a mulligan.

But Anniversary years never really came with big ticket IPs, it was always a nod to the past. If rumors are true, that's where you'll get the celebration focus.

Not just this year either - I’ve heard some content creators (not that they are the arbiters of truth) suggest over the years that Uni specifically plans for anniversaries to have particularly huge IPs, and I just don’t think there’s evidence to support that.

Make sure not to follow them for information or spec.

 

[LPCaptainDeath]

Honestly, you can’t use a comment I make in November/December about an upcoming event as a qualifier for your enthusiasm four months later. I always qualify my statements with “if it’s true,” because I can always be wrong. And that early, I often am. In November, the IPs I was hearing were Ozzy, IT, Hellraiser, Resident Evil, and Conjuring. And the bonkers thing is I actually hearing those as late as mid-January. That’s insanely late for any of the “whales” to still be getting discussed (normally those quiet by December).

That said, Hellraiser has never appeared at HHN before which, to me, makes it bigger than F13. It’s a whale. Sinners is bigger than Terrifier and Fallout, both. And Ozzy is much bigger Wyatt Sicks. Plus Jack. Plus IP zones… I mean. Seriously. I know different strokes. But I actually think that, for the GP, yeah… this year is bigger.

Hey man, you're the one who said it and you knew exactly what you were doing when you said it.
You put that statement out there, in writing, in a community where you know your words and your influence knows its own mileage. I am allowed to measure it however i want because you drew the line in the sand; You put the comparison out there. Don't be going and getting all modest on my account. lol I'm just a lowly spec-er here to talk shop.

Of course, Legacy. I'm not arguing the IF TRUE that follows everything you say, but you are the conductor of my hype train, whether you like it or not. You pointed out at the verdant green pasture of a bright HHN future and said, "hey (everyone), last year ain't got S__T on this." I'm not trying to ruin this for you, man. I'm hoisting you up. I'm honoring your word more than you probably ever initially wanted it to ever be recognized. Most importantly, I'm having a fun conversation about something i'm excited about.

We can disagree on literally everything else you said (and i mostly do lol), but i want to make sure you're not taking what this one random dude on the internet says the wrong way. I am using the tactic known to many as downplaying my own personal expectations so that when i get there, and have a great time, i can turn back and go "Legacy was right... The houses. The zones. The hype - all of it, it's all true."

 

[rageofthegods]

In November, the IPs I was hearing were Ozzy, IT, Hellraiser, Resident Evil, and Conjuring. And the bonkers thing is I actually hearing those as late as mid-January.

Ahh, what could've happened.

Still really glad Sinners made it in.

 

[Wesker69]

Spec is so slow I'm surprised we haven't started speculation on HHN popcorn bucket(s) for this year

Last year decapitated M3gan & Art to fill their severed heads... Hollywood also got the evil teddy Hamikuma popcorn bucket

Universal should ripoff Disney California Adventure's recent ferris wheel popcorn bucket, but do it of the JACK head ferris wheel from 2007

 

[Clive]

Ahh, what could've happened.

Still really glad Sinners made it in.

Rewatched the movie last night and man, executed correctly, that is going to be a killer house.

 

[HHN Maddux]

So, not to freak everyone out, but just announced for Megacon...



We might be closer to an announcement than we think.

 

[Brian G.]

Hey man, you're the one who said it and you knew exactly what you were doing when you said it.
You put that statement out there, in writing, in a community where you know your words and your influence knows its own mileage. I am allowed to measure it however i want because you drew the line in the sand; You put the comparison out there. Don't be going and getting all modest on my account. lol I'm just a lowly spec-er here to talk shop.

Of course, Legacy. I'm not arguing the IF TRUE that follows everything you say, but you are the conductor of my hype train, whether you like it or not. You pointed out at the verdant green pasture of a bright HHN future and said, "hey (everyone), last year ain't got S__T on this." I'm not trying to ruin this for you, man. I'm hoisting you up. I'm honoring your word more than you probably ever initially wanted it to ever be recognized. Most importantly, I'm having a fun conversation about something i'm excited about.

We can disagree on literally everything else you said (and i mostly do lol), but i want to make sure you're not taking what this one random dude on the internet says the wrong way. I am using the tactic known to many as downplaying my own personal expectations so that when i get there, and have a great time, i can turn back and go "Legacy was right... The houses. The zones. The hype - all of it, it's all true."

I think there may be a bit of wires getting crossed here.

His first post was about Lora Sauls hyping up the Tribute Store, not his thoughts on HHN.

I love Lora, but she also said the 2025 Tribute Store would be bigger than ever.

The event starts in August now. Starting to plan in April means they’re operating on a 16-month production schedule. They’ve been operating on that sort of schedule for HHN for over a decade. It just “feels” earlier because the event starts earlier.

In other words, statements of normal things are not indicative of anything positive or negative about next year.

Also, it’s probably best not to tie someone’s comments to expectations. Speculation works best when everyone understands the same baseline: things can change, details can be incomplete, and nobody posting information is promising an outcome. It’s just sharing what they’ve heard or what they think may happen. We've gone to great lengths to set that as the expectation.

Enjoy the conversation, push back if you disagree, but putting Legacy on a pedestal only to hold them accountable for your expectations later isn’t really fair to them or the discussion, especially when they've always been open about the fluid nature of the rumors.

 

[Mashmingingmasher77]

What are the chances of a Dead Man’s Pier 2?

Also, any chance of making spaghetti pizza a staple like pizza fries?

 

[Legacy]

Hey man, you're the one who said it and you knew exactly what you were doing when you said it.
You put that statement out there, in writing, in a community where you know your words and your influence knows its own mileage. I am allowed to measure it however i want because you drew the line in the sand; You put the comparison out there. Don't be going and getting all modest on my account. lol I'm just a lowly spec-er here to talk shop.

Of course, Legacy. I'm not arguing the IF TRUE that follows everything you say, but you are the conductor of my hype train, whether you like it or not. You pointed out at the verdant green pasture of a bright HHN future and said, "hey (everyone), last year ain't got S__T on this." I'm not trying to ruin this for you, man. I'm hoisting you up. I'm honoring your word more than you probably ever initially wanted it to ever be recognized. Most importantly, I'm having a fun conversation about something i'm excited about.

We can disagree on literally everything else you said (and i mostly do lol), but i want to make sure you're not taking what this one random dude on the internet says the wrong way. I am using the tactic known to many as downplaying my own personal expectations so that when i get there, and have a great time, i can turn back and go "Legacy was right... The houses. The zones. The hype - all of it, it's all true."

So… I was going to be snarky. Then I figured I just ignore it. But now, I’m going to respond genuinely.

Here is my comment about what I was hearing about this year’s lineup in early December:



Read it. Take it at face value. Tell me where I actually say anything I’m hearing is going to happen. Shoot, I make the point to clarify a couple of times that what I’m hearing is likely NOT happening.

I remember getting asked if what I was hearing would be bigger than last year on the Discord. I said… because what I was hearing THEN (three months ago), it WAS bigger than last year. But that never meant this year WOULD be bigger. It’s your choice to read into anything I state as that.

I am a random guy on the internet. The reason I strive for anonymity, the reason I don’t do podcasts or merch, the reason I do clues for things that likely won’t happen, the reason I actively avoid correcting myself (ie allow the last thing I say to be information I learn is wrong) is to allow myself to be wrong. Part of that is for obfuscation—it increases my “plausible deniability.” But it’s mostly to increase fans’ incredulity and critical thinking. Because critical thinking is the primary skill necessary during spec season. I may have been right in the past. But I’ve wrong frequently. I can be wrong. I WILL be wrong. My motivation is fun and coming up with clues and puzzles.

If there’s one thing that bugs me about the current fan culture, it’s the rapidity at which people read into things to find what they want to believe. What is actually said is secondary to wishful thinking. They get hyped, develop plans, and cast judgements based on whispers, not official announcements or actual information. Spec fan culture is focused on WANT instead of what IS. Ultimately, it’s an individual’s choice to get hyped for anything. That’s especially true when NOTHING HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED. Belief and disbelief is a choice. You do you, boo.