Universal Studios Hollywood has rounded out its terrifying lineup of attractions at its annual Halloween Horror Nights, including the debut of the terrifying main character from the record-shattering horror film “Obsession,” and a new Terror Tram attraction based off a cult-classic slasher franchise.
On Sunday, Universal Studios made the final big announcements for its upcoming annual Halloween event, including that guests will have the opportunity to meet and greet (and flee) from Nikki, the antagonist/anti-hero from this year’s surprise Box Office smash, “Obsession.”
Park visitors will encounter the iconic character from Focus Features and writer-director Curry Barker’s breakout horror blockbuster as she roams darkened streets in search of the one she loves.
“Guests may find themselves face-to-face with the latest victim of the One Wish Willow’s terrifying curse,” Universal officials announced.
But Obsession isn’t the only surprise horror megahit to be featured at Los Angeles’ version of Halloween Horror Nights.
This year, the 2026 Terror Tram, which starts on the world famous Studio Tour before guests are dropped off and forced to brave the park’s backlot at night, will be themed around the “Terrifier” horror franchise and will feature its main antagonist/villain, Art the Clown.
According to the story notes provided by Universal officials, in “Terror Tram starring Art the Clown,” the murderous clown has hijacked the beloved Studio Tour for a twisted holiday celebration. The event features a soundtrack of classic Christmas songs with a “dark twist,” which were created exclusively for the event by heavy metal band Ice Nine Kills.
Art the Clown and his “blood-soaked bag of presents” will make appearances throughout the tour and around the park, alongside other actors portraying recognizable horror characters, to interact and terrify unsuspecting park guests.
The Terror Tram is considered among the most-anticipated and most immersive attractions at Universal during Halloween Horror Nights, and the Terrifier franchise will up the thrills and scares from previous entries.
- Last year’s Terror Tram featured the killer doll Megan, and was more on the campy, humorous side of scares rather than Art’s gory kills seen in the ‘Terrifier’ films.
What to expect at Halloween Horror Nights 2026
In addition to the Terror Tram, Universal has revealed the rest of its 2026 HHN roster, including the return of some longtime favorite haunted houses and some new intellectual properties making their debut.
The lineup features the return of “Killer Klowns From Outer Space,” a haunted maze based on the 1980s cult film.
Original mazes include “Dead, Deader, Deadest,” set in an abandoned funeral home where “disturbing acts once took place.”
Universal is also continuing its partnership with legendary guitarist Slash, who helped craft an original haunted house this year called “KILLceañera: Music by SLASH.”
Centering on a 15-year-old girl named Lola, the haunted house turns her birthday rite of passage into a “festival of death” as she seeks revenge on everyone who wronged her. Slash composed an original score and an exclusive song titled “15 Candles” for the house.
Other haunted houses that have already been announced include attractions based on the latest entry in the “Evil Dead” film franchise, the legendary horror series “Hellraiser,” Netflix streaming giant “Stranger Things,” and the Academy Award-winning vampire thriller “Sinners.”
A haunted maze inspired by the life and musical career of Ozzy Osbourne will also make its debut as a fitting tribute to the Prince of Darkness.
In between major attractions, there will be several outdoor scare zones that guests will have to navigate.
These include the previously announced “Fortnitemares,” an experience based on the horror event in the popular video game Fortnite, alongside “Hackerz,” which features actors with chainsaws. Other street zones include “El Circo de la Muerte,” themed around 1930s Mexican circus and sideshow acts, and “Blood Bog,” populated by actors dressed as moss monsters.
Additional wandering street performers include the returning “Murder of Crowz” and a carnival barker display called “Shriek of the Banshee.”
Meanwhile, the stunt show “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” returns to the WaterWorld venue, which promotional copy calls a “fiery quest to survive the night.”
When does Halloween Horror Nights in Los Angeles begin?
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood begins Sept. 3 and runs on select nights through Nov. 1.
Standard theme park rides will remain operational during event hours, and Harry Potter-themed characters will also be roaming designated areas.
Universal is offering multiple tier options for admission, including early access starting at 5:30 p.m. and multi-night passes such as the Frequent Fear Pass.
This year will also see the debut of a daytime behind-the-scenes add-on called the “Unmasking the Horror Tour,” a guided walkthrough that offers lights-on access to select houses so fans can view design details and take photographs.
To purchase tickets or get more information, visit halloweenhorrornights.com.
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