SDCC2015: Universal Announces Crimson Peak Themed Halloween Horror Nights
If there’s any addiction studio executives have yet to break themselves from, it’s synergy. Universal owns Universal Studios, which runs an event called “Halloween Horror Nights” at the theme park through the month of October. Universal is also coming out with a new gothic horror-romance called “Crimson Peak” around the same time. Hmm, one could promote the other…..
Thusly, this year’s Horror Nights maze will be themed around Crimson Peak. Universal describes the ride as “designed to send guests spiraling through the chilling world and in the footsteps of Crimson Peak’s lead character, Edith Cushing, first as they venture from her home in America, then to the decaying and haunted Allerdale Hall mansion in a remote English countryside. With a foreboding ‘Beware of Crimson Peak’ message that echos from Edith’s past, guests will navigate a labyrinth of paranormal tortured souls who have born witness to the estate’s dark history of unspeakable acts …and who continue to reside in vengeful, ghostly forms.” Well, I sure hope the movie is as cool as that description implies.
The movie is the latest project from director Guillermo del Toro. “I am a devoted fan of Universal Studios’ ‘Halloween Horror Nights,’ and I am honored to partner with them to create a real-life version of my Gothic Romance, Crimson Peak,” said del Toro. “It’s a thrill to work with the movie studio that gave birth to the modern horror movie genre. I can’t wait for movie-goers to enter the haunting world of Crimson Peak as they navigate this haunting maze. I can assure you, I will be first in line to experience the scares of it myself.” He’s most likely to know every twist — I don’t think he’ll be scared that much.
Crimson Peak opens in theaters October 16; the maze bearing its likeness and characters opens September 18.