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Sneak Peek At Universal’s HHN 2019!

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Sneak Peek At Universal’s HHN 2019. John Murdy – Has been the Creative Director/Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood since 2006. Prior to that Murdy had a long career with Universal Creative as a Show Writer and Creative Director, working on projects like The Revenge of the Mummy Ride and the re-invention of the world-famous Universal Studio Tour. Today we were fortunate enough to receive a glimpse of Halloween Horror Nights 2019 with an exclusive day time tour of three mazes: Creepshow, Frankenstein Versus The Wolfman, and Killer Klowns From Outer Space. 

Tickets Can Be Purchased By Clicking here!

The terror begins Friday, September 13th and on select evenings through November 3rd!

Outside The ‘Creepshow’ Maze At Universal Studios Horror Nights Hollywood. Photo Courtesy of Ryan T. Cusick @Nytmare112

Creepshow was the first of the three mazes that we toured on a very warm August afternoon. The artwork is absolutely beautiful and creepy, the comic book was really the inspiration for this entrance. Halloween Horror Nights Creative Director, John Murdy, explains what to expect in Creepshow.

“There are five stories that you go through when you through the maze. Three from the 1982 film and two from the upcoming Shudder series which airs this September and also the Prologue and Epilogue inspired by the film.” Murdy further explains “Working with Greg [Nicotero] and knowing him for so long one of the big advantages first and foremost is that he is a makeup artist. So when we got into the new TV Series we were able to use the actual molds that Greg created for all of the creatures and monsters on his new show. So when you see the mazes what you see are the characters wearing the exact same things that were used from the television series. Part of the conversation with Greg was how to approach the maze and we both kind of landed on the same idea. Creepshow is inspired by comic books specifically DC Horror comics from the 1950s, so we decided to really embrace that comic book esthetic in the maze.”

‘Creepshow” At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

‘Creepshow’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

“The very first part of the maze we are going to walk through is if you are walking through the panels of the comic book, we are using those to foreshadow the five stories that you are going to experience in the maze. The other thing that we thought that would be fun to include the kind of goofy adds that you would always find in the back of the comic books – The 99-pound weakling that gets sand kicked in his eyes, how to become a muscle man, or how to get an authentic monkey’s paw, or giant inflatable monster, so we have those re-created as well in the maze.”

‘Creepshow’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

‘Creepshow’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

‘Creepshow’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

‘Creepshow’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

The second maze was one that I did not know too much about, ‘Frankenstein Meets Wolfman.’ Murdy talks about his love for Universal Monsters and how this particular maze was important to him. So last year (2018) we did Universal Monsters I resisted doing that maze for thirteen years because I am a huge, huge fan of those films and that is the whole reason I do what I do today. From the age of four, I was obsessed with the classic monsters and I always have been. I have always been fairly realistic about my love for the Universal Monsters and I know in heart of hearts as much as I love those movies it is really hard to scare people the same way you could scare them in 1931 or in some of these cases the 20s. At the same time, I really hated the idea of completely throwing away what was iconic and classic about it for the sake of reinvention.”

Not Too Creepy During The Day – Outside The ‘Frankenstein Meets Wolfman’ Maze At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Frankenstein Meets Wolfman’ Maze At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Frankenstein Meets Wolfman’ Maze At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Frankenstein Meets Wolfman’ Maze At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Frankenstein Meets Wolfman’ Maze At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Frankenstein Meets Wolfman’ Maze At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Frankenstein Meets Wolfman’ Maze At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

The third and final maze we visited really needs no introduction, as soon as I saw the outside of the maze there was no doubt that we are going to be in for a treat – Killer Klowns From Outer Space. This maze is going to be based on the cult 1980s film and the maze will transport guests to the small town of Crescent Cove that has been taken over by a pack of murderous clowns, but this isn’t any clowns they’re from Outerspace! Cotton candy, circus tents, and ice-cream – you’ll come face to face with these sinister klowns! The production team didn’t hold back on any details, this is very evident in the photos below.

Outside The Maze ‘Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

Recognize Anyone? ‘Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

‘Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

We just scraped the surface of what to expect at Halloween Horror Nights this year! And without a doubt, I am sure this event will be monumental, with practical and special effects and original ideas, guests are going to have a hell of a time!

 

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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