Care to take a tour of the new Killer Klowns from Outer Space maze coming to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood? Well then let’s go!

We approached the odd forest behind the Revenge of the Mummy ride with trepidation. Our guide, gone. Our host, dutifully lead us pushing forward to the entrance of a spaceship that looked suspiciously like a circus tent. Yes, without Creative director John Murdy had to head off to tackle more HHN chores. However, our host was more than happy to take us, and by extension, YOU into the Killer Klowns From Outer Space Maze. for a look-see.

 

To give you a frame of reference KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE is a horror, sci-fi, comedy that was released in the 80’s. This PG-13 piece of Camp told the story of, well, Killer aliens from outer space that look like clowns as they terrorize a small town. The film works on the sheer absurdity of the conceit. Everything a clown would have or use in a circus is weaponized and turned into alien technology. The tent is the spaceship, popcorn a volatile projectile, and cotton candy a cocoon for containing prisoners.

We enter the circus tent and spy exquisitely crafted art direction by Chris Williams that perfectly catches the look of a bonkers circus spacecraft.

 

Without insight from Murdy to give us an idea of how things piece together we are left to piece things together on our own. This is perfectly fine as we get time to really soak in the environment and thecraftsmanship on display.

I think what is impressive is the way that Murdy, Williams, and the rest of the team, turn this relatively thin strip of real estate into another world year after year. Last year we were wandering Trick R’ Treat in this very space. This year we are battling Alien clowns that are taking over a small town.

Of course, we get the Police Station scene. Many of the pieces in place were awaiting final dress and placement so do NOT judge from these images. These are a tour of a construction site, so to speak.

Behind the police chief is a MISSING poster that features more than a few Easter eggs of familiar faces.

The maze ends in the Crazy House. Yes, a horrific, extra-terrestrial version of a funhouse that will hit guests with a seemingly endless barrage of funhouse boo scares, special effects, and the expected collection of Universal boo boxes.

 

We COULD show you what is in there, but really, there wasn’t much to see at this stage in the game. There was a mirror maze of sorts and more than enough spots for performers to wait for the right moment to pounce.

It is fun to see a relatively obscure horror movie from the 80’s find new life and a new audience at a world-class haunt 21 years after its initial release. Not one to be shy from giving deserved titles their due, Universal Studios Hollywood has a track record of trying to balance crowd favorites and new titles. This year they are touring the most mazes ever with a total of 10 mazes (including The Walking Dead attraction). Sorry fans, it looks like there will be no Terror Tram this year.

Thank you Universal Studios Hollywood for allowing us to take a look inside Killer Klowns from Outer Space and letting fans get an idea of what is ahead.


Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights will open Thursday, September 12th.

 

About the Author

Norman Gidney is a nearly lifelong horror fan. Beginning his love for the scare at the age of 5 by watching John Carpenter's Halloween, he set out on a quest to share his passion for all things spooky with the rest of the world.