Halloween Horror Nights was once again a big highlight for Midsummer Scream bringing Universal Creative Director/Executive Producer John Murdy over the pond to talk (tease?) the latest details for the 2026 haunt season at Universal Studios Hollywood. Murdy gushed about the details and he gushed and gushed!

Here’s a shriek peek at everything we learned about 2026 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood during Midsummer Scream.

What We Learned

Here’s some of the gory details of what we learned for this year’s event. The presentation led by panelist John Murdy (Creative Director and Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood).

Terror Tram: Starring the Clown

  • Art the Clown confirmed for the Terror Tram
  • The pre-show for the terror tram starts with a children’s book aesthetic,  Every Day is Artmas!
  • Art the Clown character greet at the Hollywood sign, will be an optional part of the tour, similar to Norman Bates at the Psycho house
  • The in-world backstory for the War of the Worlds set being used is that Art the Clown and the Pale Girl are shooting at Santa and they may have hit a plane by mistake
  • Songs provided by Ice Nine Kills, confirmed by Spencer Charnas

Killceañera

  • Music provided by Slash
  • Extensive research conducted for authenticity and accuracy
  • Lola will make appearances on the balcony of her burned-out childhood home (it’s her party, and she’ll cry if she wants to)
  • Slash and John Murdy created an original song titled “15 Candles” for Lola

Scare Zones

  • El Circo de la Muerte (New)
  • Hakerz (New)
  • Blood Bog (New)
  • Murder of Crowz (Returning)
  • Shriek of the Banshee (New)

Other Announcements

  • Obsession confirmed (Nikki is looking for her next obsession) but no exact details on how or when…

See it for Yourself

Midsummer Scream takes place in Long Beach from August 7-9, 2026.

Don’t miss our in-depth guides and coverage with everything you need to know!

MORE INFO: See all MouseInfo coverage for Midsummer Scream

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