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‘Haunted Universal Studios’ Author Brian Clune: The Horror News Network Interview

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Universal Studios will always hold a special place in the heart of every horror fan due to their dedication to the original screen monsters Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolfman, The Mummy, and a host of others.  The original filming location for many of these classics took place on the grounds of the studio that is now more famous for the theme-park and tour it operates on a daily basis.  The famed Los Angeles location has a long history, and not only in terms of the thousands of films produced there.  Many have suggested that there might also be ghosts that inhabit the world-famous Universal Studios lot and theme park. read more

Tristan Eaton Creates Massive Universal Classic Monsters Mural on Universal Studios Lot

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Universal Studios decided to spruce up their lot with a tribute to several of their all time greats. Nothing says “monster” like a 50×200 foot mural dedicated to the most famous ghouls of all time, and street artist Tristan Eaton has really delivered on the Universal Studios lot! The prolific painter began his journey in mid-January, working from a boom lift nearly 25 feet in the air; and now he’s ready to unveil his work to the public.

The Hollywood Reporter documented Eaton’s work in their latest issue, and they featured several interesting facts about his newest project. Eaton says he went through about 40 cans of spray paint per day as he crafted beautiful testaments to Frankenstein, The Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Donna Langley, Universal’s film chairperson, said they chose spray paint for the project because the classic monsters, “were the outsiders, outcasts, rebels and outlaws of their time.” For Eaton, the massive image is a labor of love: “I’m working my butt off for this because I love it so much.” read more

Universal Monsters to Return to the Silver Screen with Leigh Whannell, Blumhouse ‘The Invisible Man’ Film

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On May 8th, 2017, I stood up on my Horror News Network soapbox and declared that, “Universal Monsters Fans Deserve Their Very Own La La Land.” In my article, I recapped the various factors which made La La Land such a tremendous success, and dreamed of a world where the same level of respect and considerations were given to the classic Universal Monsters we all love so dearly:

“…the formula kind of makes sense, right? Find a young writer/director who is passionate about the history of film but has an eye for contemporary conventions, and- voila!- you have a movie that resonates with fans and critics alike! read more

‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ Added to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

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Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood just added a big cherry on top of an already solid horror sundae at both parks for their annual Halloween Horror Nights in the form of a haunted maze based on Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers.

According to the official press release. the attraction will be “Based on the fourth installment in the classic slasher series created by John Carpenter, the mazes will transport guests to the suburban town of Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween night where Myers has escaped Smith’s Grove Sanitarium and is hungry for revenge. This time, he relentlessly stalks his niece Jamie as his next victim, stopping at nothing to kill her.” read more

Universal Studios Orlando Announces ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ for Halloween Horror Nights 2018

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Universal Studios Orlando has just announced that Michael Dougherty’s fan favorite Halloween anthology Trick ‘r Treat will be featured as one of their scare house attractions this season.  Trick ‘r Treat was featured last year as a scare zone, but this is the first time that the property will get the full house treatment.

Trick ‘r Treat will be joining the already announced Stranger Things and Universal’s original Dead Exposure: Patient Zero houses. Halloween Horror Nights will begin on September 14 and run through November 3. read more

Universal Studios Orlando Announces Dates for Halloween Horror Nights 2018

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Although it may seem a bit early, there is no time like the present to start thinking about Halloween!

Universal Studios Orlando just announced dates for their annual Halloween Horror Nights beginning on September 14 and running through November 3.

The full list of dates include:  September 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, October 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, and November 1 , 2, 3.  Most of these 34 dates fall on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, or Saturday.  There are no Mondays or Tuesdays available. read more

Universal Orlando Announces Scare Zones for Halloween Horror Nights 2017 Including ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ and ‘The Purge’

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Universal Studios Orlando have revealed the final “scare zones” for their 2017 version of Halloween Horror Nights including areas based on Trick ‘r Treat and The Purge.  

Universal Orlando’s Blake Braswell described his excitement about the Trick ‘r Treat scare zone, saying that “As a longtime fan of classic horror anthology films, Trick ‘r Treat is a favorite of mine that pays perfect homage to that genre. In this zone, you’ll have the opportunity to come face-to-face with several characters from the film, and learn for yourself what happens when you don’t follow the rules (of Halloween).” read more

Cameron Crowe Reveals that David Lynch was Originally Approached to Direct ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’

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If someone were to tell me that I’ve got to see a new movie that feels like Fast Times at Ridgemont High if it were directed by David Lynch, I’d immediately drop what I was doing and head to the theater! While something so wonderfully bizarre seems like an impossibility, it turns out we were close to getting exactly that back in 1982.

Cameron Crowe recently sat down with Variety to reflect on Fast Times at Ridgemont High in celebration of its upcoming 35th anniversary on August 13th. He wrote the script for the film (which was based on his 1981 book of the same name), and it was ultimately directed by Amy Heckerling (Clueless, Look Who’s Talking). Before, Heckerling was chosen, however, the studio was open to a variety of different candidates for the project. read more

Will The Mummy Send Universal’s Dark Universe Back to the Shadows?

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As detailed by HNN’s John Evan’s on Friday, The Mummy’s (2017) abysmal critical reception led to a domestic financial disaster at the box office with an estimated $32.2 million in ticket sales, amounting to a lot less than the average Pharaoh’s treasure.  While the studio is trumpeting the global box office as a “victory” with an estimated $141 million so far, The Mummy’s domestic reception could not have been worse for a film that was supposed to usher in a “new age of god’s and monsters.” read more