Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights is unleashing the Lament Configuration this year for a first-ever Hellraiser haunted house. When Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort announced all-new haunted houses inspired by the first three films in the iconic horror franchise, fans of the franchise have been thirsting for more details. How would Universal Studios be bringing the unsettling universe created by Clive Barker to life?
Universal Studios Hollywood invited press out to take a behind the scenes tour of the still-in-development house and I can’t resist saying, we have such sights to show you. Drawing inspiration from Hellraiser (1987), Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988), and Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992), the new house transports guests into the realm of Pinhead and the Cenobites. Adding to the authenticity of the attraction, legendary Pinhead actor Doug Bradley reprises his role by lending his voice to both the Hollywood and Orlando haunted houses.
We met Creative Director John Murdy just outside the façade of the Hellraiser house backstage. He explained to us that this while Clive Barker is no stranger to HHN, the rights for Hellraiser had been in limbo up until recently. With ownership of the property landing back in Barker’s hands Murdy and the Horror Nights team jumped at the chance to finally create the ultimate nightmare.
A giant golden cube known as the Lament Configuration greets guests as they prepare to enter. When fully functional, the front of the Lament Configuration will feature video voiced by original Pinhead Doug Bradley and lip synched by a look-alike. Murdy shared recent video of the tests of the fully operational effects and it was pretty impressive.
Of course the house begins in the attic where wooden pillars adorned with mutilated flesh spin. We round a corner and Murdy explains that this hospital scene is sort of an amalgamation of different moments from the series. Look out for what will be behind that partion.
We next enter a scene from Hellraiser 2. A hospital room of sorts, with a big surprise that we were not allowed to photograph.
We head further and happen upon this tortured soul.
Yes, there is a Pillar of Souls. Although we were not allowed to photograph it as it required the use of an actor, without which the effect is lost. Still, surrounding the pillar were these hapless souls.
Of course we get this moment. Frank Cotton is finally attacked by the Cenobytes and we get to enjoy the show.
Still though, I have to point something out. As we studied the big scares around us, I glanced down to notice a smattering of set dressing. To answer the question, yes, all of these are secured to the table. But my point here is that with all the broad set pieces, Murdy and crew take the time to dress a set. The details are a crucial part of making guests feel like they are IN a movie.
We wander to the requisite final hallways of scares and Murdy works a puppet creature that will be one of the final, final, final scares.
From what we can see here, this will be one hell of a house. But fair warning; there are a LOT of chains. No really.
Since its debut in 1987, Hellraiser has remained one of horror’s most enduring franchises, known for its exploration of pain, desire, and the supernatural. The series introduced audiences to a mythology that has influenced horror storytelling for decades and continues to resonate with fans around the world.
Universal will also released a limited line of Hellraiser-inspired merchandise, including a themed T-shirt and a Pinhead acrylic figure compatible with the separately sold Infernal Carnival collectible display. The merchandise is currently available at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood and online through shopUniversal.com.
