Warner Bros. Studio is a relative newcomer to the haunted event scene, but, from what I saw today at Midsummer Scream Halloween and Horror Convention, they are wasting no time making up for their absence with some amazing experiences during October.
When the executives at WB noticed that they had 5 of the top grossing horror movies in their roster, they knew that making a Halloween event would be in their future.
2018 will be their 3rd year doing the Horror Made Here event on their backlot and it looks to be terror-idic! (sorry…) The panel talked about authentic and relatable characters and situations as being key to making a scary movie believable. They also talked about the sets and streets of the backlot as “hallowed ground,” meaning that guests will be walking amongst actual locations used in the movies. Pretty cool.
The first thing they mentioned was Stage 48: From Script To Scream, a self-guided tribute to Tim Burton and his films. It was unclear if this was only available during the daytime tour, or if it would also be available during the nighttime (separate admission ticket) event. Caveat emptor.
The Conjuring Universe was the first maze revealed, to delighted gasps. Not only will this be based on The Conjuring films, but also the other films (like the upcoming The Nun) in the same universe. One of the cool things about WB doing its own maze with this as a subject is they will get to use actual production props (like the Annabelle doll) in the maze.
Next up was Escape From Arkham Asylum, based on the video game. The Joker and all his evil villain pals welcome you as the newest inmate to Arkham Asylum. This was described as almost a “theater-in-the-round” experience, with actors on all sides of you, and more wide-open rooms than other mazes.
They said that, because of the limited capacity of the backlot area, they are able to put through smaller, more intimate groups of guests for a more quality experience.
They were then very proud to announce Nightmare on Camp Crystal Lake, a mash-up of Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees that takes place on a jungle set dressed to look like the infamous summer camp. This will be part of the nighttime tram tour of the backlot. You’ll be dropped off at the camp, and, if you survive, be picked up on the other side to head back to the party.
Last, but certainly not least, they revealed IT Knows What Scares You, based on the recent terrifying movie (and Stephen King book) IT. They said they were going to base this on the fears of the kids in the Loser’s Club, and delve into their nightmares, And, yes, of course Pennywise will be your host.
Speaking of The Loser’s Club, that is the name of WB’s VIP upgrade ticket, which includes one-time front-of-the-line access to all maxes and experiences, and two complimentary drinks. Their bar, Fantastic, an ode to Tru Blood, will be an apropos place to grab a libation or two.
In addition, The Exorcist Forbidden Screening will be featured. Set in a church on the backlot, this was described as a “4D experience,” where the most intense clips from the fright flick will be shown, and…well…things do not stay calm, let’s just say. Additionally, the event will have a Lost Boys arcade, a seance that raises the spirits of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford (oh my!), Mrs. Lovett’s Pie Shop, and a carnival-type drop ride that will give you an amazing 100-foot-high view of the backlot, before plunging you back to earth.
If you’re interested in being one of their scary actors, casting will take place on August 11 & 12, and you can contact them at hmhcasting@mycotoo.com. Tickets are available August 1. Hope to see you there!
Choose your door.
