Horror Make-Up Show to be "Reimagined"

[DOOMBOT]

I'll always be cautious when it comes to refreshes of shows that I enjoy, but this certainly makes sense. I do really like HMUS, but it is nowhere near perfect. As others' have noted, The Mummy (2017) takes up a good portion of the show runtime haha. In some ways, we are already in "the bad timeline" for the show's writing, and it seems to be doing just fine, almost entirely off the backs of the very charismatic improv performers.

Swapping in some new bits and gags certainly wouldn't hurt! The performers do really wonderful work, but there's only so many times you can loop the same exact gags and keep the energy, especially for a smaller and more intimate live show like this.

I totally understand that FNaF isn't exactly "make-up", but as a fan of the games from the very start, I can't explain how surreal it would be to see Fredrick Fazbear himself referenced in a permanent Universal Studios attraction haha! I am hoping we get at least an appearance within the "Best Of" montage segment or something.

I also agree with some others here that Darkmoor could probably show up towards the end of whatever Classic Monsters segment they put together. "... these films and the artists that worked tirelessly on them have left a legacy that lives on until this day!", and then showing quick footage from Unchained, or something like that. That would make sense for a company trying to hype up a new Horror-themed park.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Not worried about losing the "identity" of the show, pretty obvious that's what drives its popularity with the fans.

I am a bit concerned over the possibility of characters like Megan being pushed. The 2nd film proved it was a short-term fad.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

For whatever reason, Disneyhead's initial post isn't showing up for me. How long is the refurb expected to be?

As far as changes - I'm fairly confident they'll keep the same vibe and sense of humor. For modern horror properties to include - I think FNAF and Nosferatu are definitely very likely inclusions. Maybe they'll update the lobby with some new exhibits too!

 

[soma27]

Please keep the "kid smoking a cigarette" joke!

My 6 year old was just that kid ~3 weeks ago. He has no idea what a cigarette is, so they pivoted to him probably being drunk. It was classic.

 

[belloq87]

For whatever reason, Disneyhead's initial post isn't showing up for me. How long is the refurb expected to be?

It didn't specifically say. Closing in early January and reopening sometime in 2026.

 

[MagdolHauntsMe]

I love this show. Hopefully the reimagining is on par with it or better.

 

[NotPennysBoat]

My better half will be furious. But if they come up with something even better, that will ease the pain.

 

[Rikku]

I am in the camp that I think a lot of both USF and IOA needs refreshing, updating, changing, etc. even though I love the parks and nostalgia I am happy to see these two parks getting updates and new things. With the exception of Hagrid's and Veloci I think just about everything else can move on to version 2.0 don't get me wrong though! Just can envision more current versions of things and know Universal has the resources to modernize things and continue to push the competition in the theme park industry.

 

[jseal777]

I actually have a feeling they’re going to rely pretty heavily on The Substance as an example of modern horror make-up.

Wait didn't universal famously snub the substance and thats why it was streaming on Mubi of all places? Or am I misremembering something .

 

[Cwoolboy]

Can anyone post a legit source for this? The OP image isn't functional anymore and I can't find any news about this online.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Can anyone post a legit source for this? The OP image isn't functional anymore and I can't find any news about this online.

It seems the news was premature and there is a rumor January 4 redo is delayed.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

It seems the news was premature and there is a rumor January 4 redo is delayed.

I'm really curious to see how long the show is down once the refurb starts. Would imagine they'd want it back open by HHN.

 

[tielo]

I love this show so much but a refresh could pull it more into tech that is now used for making horror movies. As long as the concept and humor in the show doesn't go away I am looking forward to this.

 

[Acandrews12]

Please keep the "kid smoking a cigarette" joke!

That one and “This isn’t Disney. We don’t have to be nice to children.”

That one gets me every time.

 

[Jwhee]

So strange that this got pushed back… they must already have the new show script written if they were prepared to close within the next few weeks.

Also confused as to why this would take “months.” I feel like this could be rehearsed in a backstage facility, a construction crew could quickly make cosmetic changes, then you’re good to go after a week or two of downtime.

 

[DOOMBOT]

So strange that this got pushed back… they must already have the new show script written if they were prepared to close within the next few weeks.

Also confused as to why this would take “months.” I feel like this could be rehearsed in a backstage facility, a construction crew could quickly make cosmetic changes, then you’re good to go after a week or two of downtime.

In a post-Epic world, this definitely feels like it should only be a months-long construction timeline max.

 

[Legacy]

So strange that this got pushed back… they must already have the new show script written if they were prepared to close within the next few weeks.

Also confused as to why this would take “months.” I feel like this could be rehearsed in a backstage facility, a construction crew could quickly make cosmetic changes, then you’re good to go after a week or two of downtime.

Without knowing the scale of the what is occurring on the construction side of things… the entire theater may see a full refurbishment it hasn’t received in over a decade (if ever). When was the last time it got new carpet? Does the electrical need to get replaced? Will the screens continue to be projection or are they installing screens? You also have the need to actually test the show with audiences after it’s rehearsed. Softs will likely take two months by themselves to ensure the script is tight and all the jokes work.

The delay is probably related to construction more than the “show.”

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Is there a permit out there for work to begin?

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Without knowing the scale of the what is occurring on the construction side of things… the entire theater may see a full refurbishment it hasn’t received in over a decade (if ever). When was the last time it got new carpet? Does the electrical need to get replaced? Will the screens continue to be projection or are they installing screens? You also have the need to actually test the show with audiences after it’s rehearsed. Softs will likely take two months by themselves to ensure the script is tight and all the jokes work.

The delay is probably related to construction more than the “show.”

That doesn't even touch on the preshow space or backstage areas, which also need some TLC.

Anyway, for those wonder what the new show would look like, here's a the OG version of the show to give an idea of what was change the first go around. I'm expecing some things to remain (the fake knife and blood, they've pretty much cut the heart gag) and other things to change (Eddy, the curtain gag, etc).

 

[Clive]

Without knowing the scale of the what is occurring on the construction side of things… the entire theater may see a full refurbishment it hasn’t received in over a decade (if ever). When was the last time it got new carpet? Does the electrical need to get replaced? Will the screens continue to be projection or are they installing screens? You also have the need to actually test the show with audiences after it’s rehearsed. Softs will likely take two months by themselves to ensure the script is tight and all the jokes work.

The delay is probably related to construction more than the “show.”

This. I suspect the theater needs top-to-bottom electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and finishing work in the same way many of the park's original 1990 builds do (hence why Finnegan's is also going under the knife, as Mel's did before that).

I'm guessing this work can't be prudently put off any longer, as many building elements have likely reached the end of their expected service lives. Refreshing the show itself is more of a bonus to get another marketing bullet point and help justify the expense.