Latest news with #UniversalMonsters
Thrill Geek
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
SLASH: Music of Universal Studios Hollywood – Halloween Horror Nights, Volume 2 Vinyl Coming To Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
Halloween Horror Nights will also celebrate the vinyl-only album release of SLASH: Music of Universal Studios Hollywood – Halloween Horror Nights, Volume 2 . The scary soundtrack will complement last year's sold-out vinyl-only album with a slate of original music that SLASH has created over the past six years for a variety of Universal Studios Hollywood haunted houses. The album, which includes a tribute by John Murdy, Creative Director and Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights, will be available for purchase at Universal Studios Hollywood. The score for SLASH: Music of Universal Studios Hollywood – Halloween Horror Nights, Volume 2 , is as follows: SIDE A 'The Hunted Becomes The Hunter' 4:21 (Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives 2021) 'Monsters, Maniacs, and Madmen' (Universal Monsters Medley 2021) 5:08 (Universal Monsters 2018) 'The Blood is Life' 3:38 (Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives 2021) 'The Collection Room / Dracula's Lair' 2:45 (Universal Monsters 2018) 'The Ossuary' 1:47 (Universal Monsters: Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man 2019) SIDE B 'Cycles of the Moon' 3:02 (Universal Monsters: Legends Collide 2022) 'Immortal Curses' 4:26 (Universal Monsters: Legends Collide 2022) 'Alucard' 2:21 (Universal Monsters: Legends Collide 2022) 'Bloodline Drawn' 5:02 (Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines 2024) 'Unholy Alliance' 3:15 (Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines 2024) 'As a longtime fan of Halloween Horror Nights, it has been incredibly rewarding to not only have experienced the event as a guest, but to have partnered with Universal Studios Hollywood for so many years to create an array of original music that intensifies the storylines of these haunted houses,' said SLASH. 'This year's collaboration with Halloween Horror Nights and the chance to become one of the event's marquee experiences is truly humbling and I can't wait for the guests to join me when they step into the terror.' 'SLASH has been an important creative partner for years creating memorable music that has completely elevated our Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses,' said John Murdy, Creative Director and Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights. 'Creating a series of SLASH-inspired interactive experiences was a natural progression for the event, and it's an honor to headline Universal's horror legacy with SLASH.' A variety of Halloween Horror Nights ticket options for Universal Studios Hollywood are now available, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2 P.M. Day/Night, the Early Access Ticket, which provides entry to select haunted houses beginning at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change), in advance of the scheduled 7:00 p.m. event opening time, the R.I.P. Tour and popular passes, Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass, which enable guests to experience the scares again and again. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood will run select nights from September 4 to November 2, 2025. Click here to purchase tickets and for Terms and Conditions. Make sure you're following ThrillGeek across all of our social media platforms for the latest updates from Universal Studios Hollywood. Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83
Metro
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
'Spine-chilling' horror remake with near-perfect RT rating now streaming
A horror film lauded as 'outstanding' is streaming right now on Amazon Prime Video. The Invisible Man, directed by Leigh Whannell, revitalised interest in Universal's proposed Dark Universe, which was set to bring the classic Universal Monsters back to the big screen. Following the box office flop that was The Mummy, Whannell's 2020 adaptation of The Invisible Man was widely praised by critics thanks to how it tackled themes of domestic abuse. It stars Elisabeth Moss as Cecilia Kass, a woman trapped in a violent and controlling relationship with wealthy optics engineer and businessman Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen). After finally leaving, it is reported that Adrian has died by suicide. But Elisabeth is still subjected to his terror after it is revealed that he developed technology to become invisible and torment his ex. It grossed a whopping $145million (£107.7m) worldwide against a $7m (£5.2m) budget and received numerous accolades, including a Critics' Choice nomination. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The Invisible Man boasts a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics' consensus reading: 'Smart, well-acted, and above all scary, The Invisible Man proves that sometimes, the classic source material for a fresh reboot can be hiding in plain sight.' In their review, The Times said: 'It uses its serious theme to give extra force to a tale that already has plenty of flair as a pure and simple spine-chiller.' The Ringer wrote: 'A thriller whose mandate is to startle its audience with surface-level shocks while simultaneously subverting expectations in a deeper way, dropping us out of our comfort zone toward some sunken place.' The Jewish Chronicle added: 'Elisabeth Moss delivers an outstanding performance as a woman teetering on the edge of reality in this thoroughly engaging reboot.' 'Whannell expertly plays with our fears: the sudden metallic screech of a dog dish accidentally kicked in the quiet; the house's labyrinthine hallways; the breathing darkness of an empty road,' Seattle Times praised. In 2019, it was confirmed that a spin-off titled The Invisible Woman was in development with Elizabeth Banks set to star. However, she revealed that the film was on hold while Universal focused on a sequel to The Invisible Man. More Trending 'For one thing, what happened was they made an Invisible Man movie, and they're making another one,' she told 'So I think Universal wants to see that through. I'm really interested in the idea that we have, and it is still there, but it's not something I'm actively working on in this moment in time.' Last year, Moss confirmed that developments on the sequel were ongoing, and it was then announced that her production company, Love and Squalor Pictures, was working with Blumhouse Productions on the film. The Invisible Man is streaming now on Prime Video . Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Huge Leonardo DiCaprio blockbuster now streaming on iPlayer MORE: Bring Her Back boasts one of the most horrifically disturbing scenes I've ever seen MORE: James Gunn admits Henry Cavill's Superman firing was 'terrible'
Scotsman
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Universal Studios UK: 9 theme park rides fans could get in 2031
What rides could you be riding when Universal Studios Bedford finally opens? Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Plans have been submitted for the new Universal Entertainment Resort Complex in Bedford. With an opening scheduled for 2031, the developers are keeping tight-lipped about what rides could be present when it opens. But we've taken a guess at nine rides, based on the popularity of the franchises in the US or the rides themselves, that could be there come opening day. It's speculation aplenty as Universal Studios Bedford continues to take shape, with its anticipated opening date scheduled for 2031. While several documents have been filed – including a planning statement and design standard for the multi-billion-pound investment across (at least) 268 hectares of land encompassing the Proposed Development – the developers themselves have yet to indicate what specific attractions will be part of the Universal Entertainment Resort Complex, to give its full title. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But far be it from us to rest on our laurels and wait for the information to be provided, and certainly not when there is such a wait taking place. So instead, why not take a look at what is on offer from the range of studios and resorts in the United States? We've earmarked nine rides that could make their way to Bedford when the resort finally opens, based on some of the more popular rides in the US and some of the hotly anticipated ones to come from franchises ranging from The Simpsons to Universal Monsters. So what do we think will be available to ride when Universal Studios Bedford opens? Or, in the interests of transparency, what do we want to ride when Universal Studios Bedford opens? 9 rides at Universal Studios that could make their way to Bedford The popularity and sheer size of Skull Island: Reign of Kong makes it an ideal ride to transition from the United States to Bedford come 2031. | Universal Studios Resorts/Canva 1. Skull Island: Reign of Kong The massive, multi-sensory 3D dark ride, which opened in 2016, takes adventurers deep into a mysterious island populated by colossal predators and, ultimately, Kong himself. Riders board a large, expedition vehicle and journey through ancient ruins and treacherous jungles, encountering terrifying creatures and experiencing intense close calls before a climactic confrontation with King Kong. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The ride is renowned for its scale, immersive environments, and impressive animatronics and 3D effects and has consistently drawn crowds since opening at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, due to both the enduring appeal of King Kong and the sheer scale of the ride itself. 2. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem This motion simulator, which opened in July 2012, transforms guests into mischievous Minions for an unpredictable and hilarious adventure alongside Gru, his daughters, and the Minions. The experience combines 3D projection, simulator technology, and a pre-show that sets up the storyline, ending with a Minion dance party. It's designed to be fun for the whole family. Another consistently popular attraction, especially with families and younger audiences, owing to the global appeal of the Despicable Me and Minions films, it often has significant wait times in Orlando. The immense and sustained popularity of the Minions in the UK would make this a surefire hit. 3. Trolls Trollercoaster One of the more recent rides, opening in June 2024, this family-friendly coaster takes riders on a musical journey through the vibrant world of DreamWorks' Trolls. It's a colourful, whimsical attraction designed to be accessible for younger guests, featuring gentle twists and turns inspired by the films' lively characters and soundtracks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Being a very new attraction as part of a highly-anticipated new land, it's currently experiencing high popularity, particularly among families with young children and fans of the Trolls franchise. The success of the films in the UK makes this a strong contender for a family-focused area. 4. Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl This classic spinner ride opened in November 2013 and allows guests to pilot their own flying saucers, controlled by the alien duo Kang and Kodos from The Simpsons. As the ride spins, guests can make their vehicle go up and down while listening to humorous banter from the aliens as they "hurl" their human passengers. It's a whimsical and interactive flat ride. A moderately popular ride, often enjoyed by fans of The Simpsons looking for a lighter, more humorous attraction. It typically has shorter wait times compared to the major thrill rides, but the enduring popularity of The Simpsons in the UK could give it a strong appeal. 5. Donkey Kong's Minecart Madness This innovative roller coaster, expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026 as part of the Epic Universe, simulates the frantic, physics-defying minecart sequences from the Donkey Kong video games. Riders are launched through jungle environments, jumping over gaps and dodging obstacles, with the ride vehicles appearing to "jump" from track to track, offering a unique and highly immersive sensation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There is extremely high anticipation for the ride; as a flagship attraction for the new Epic Universe park and a key part of the Super Nintendo World area, it is expected to be one of the most popular and in-demand rides once it opens. The global and UK appeal of Donkey Kong and Nintendo makes this a very strong candidate. 6. Hiccup's Wing Gliders An artist's depiction of what fans of How to Train Your Dragon can expect when Hiccup's Wing Gliders opens in the United States. | Universal Studios Resorts This family-friendly launcher roller coaster sends guests soaring through the skies of the Isle of Berk, inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon films. Riders experience a feeling of flight, swooping and diving over landscapes, replicating the sensation of riding a dragon. With the success of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon films, and with the ride expected to open in late 2025 and early 2026, there is once again high anticipation in the United States when it opens as part of the new Epic Universe. The widespread affection for this franchise in the UK could translate to significant popularity here. 7. Jurassic Park River Adventure How could you not have a log flume-style ride at a theme park in the United Kingdom? For shame… Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This classic water ride, which first opened in 1999, takes guests on a serene raft journey through a prehistoric jungle inhabited by docile dinosaurs, before things go awry and they encounter more dangerous inhabitants. The adventure culminates in a thrilling 85-foot plunge down a waterfall, narrowly escaping a hungry T-Rex. A long-standing fan-favourite. Despite its age, its thrilling drop and iconic Jurassic Park theme ensure it remains highly popular, especially on hot days. The original film's monumental impact and continued relevance in the UK make this a solid, classic choice. 8. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Another ride set to open in the near future, this high-speed, outdoor roller coaster is themed to the Fast & Furious film franchise, taking riders on a thrilling chase through Hollywood, featuring custom-designed ride vehicles that simulate drifting manoeuvres. The ride combines high-energy twists, turns, and speed. With the promise the ride will be part of a 'new generation' of rollercoasters that are being constructed, and the popularity of the franchise, this new ride is expected to be a significant draw when it opens in 2026. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While it might not be part of the Orlando resort (it's part of Universal Studios Hollywood), the global and strong UK popularity of the Fast & Furious films makes this a strong candidate for a future international park like Bedford. 9. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment Universal Monsters, the classic series of horror films from the studio, is the theme with this ride, which is expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026. This dark ride experience plunges guests into the monstrous world of Universal's classic horror films, reimagining a storyline where Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and other iconic creatures break free from control. The ride features immersive environments, cutting-edge animatronics, and intense encounters, blurring the lines between classic horror and modern thrills. The enduring legacy of Universal's classic monsters, particularly in horror-loving UK culture, could make this a unique and compelling draw. Have you been to one of the Universal Studio Resorts in the United States and think you know what rides might come to Bedford when it opens? Are there any attractions you hope do come to the Universal Studios Entertainment Complex? Share your ideas by leaving a comment down below.
Scotsman
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Universal Studios UK: 9 theme park rides fans could get in 2031
What rides could you be riding when Universal Studios Bedford finally opens? Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Plans have been submitted for the new Universal Entertainment Resort Complex in Bedford. With an opening scheduled for 2031, the developers are keeping tight-lipped about what rides could be present when it opens. But we've taken a guess at nine rides, based on the popularity of the franchises in the US or the rides themselves, that could be there come opening day. It's speculation aplenty as Universal Studios Bedford continues to take shape, with its anticipated opening date scheduled for 2031. While several documents have been filed – including a planning statement and design standard for the multi-billion-pound investment across (at least) 268 hectares of land encompassing the Proposed Development – the developers themselves have yet to indicate what specific attractions will be part of the Universal Entertainment Resort Complex, to give its full title. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But far be it from us to rest on our laurels and wait for the information to be provided, and certainly not when there is such a wait taking place. So instead, why not take a look at what is on offer from the range of studios and resorts in the United States? We've earmarked nine rides that could make their way to Bedford when the resort finally opens, based on some of the more popular rides in the US and some of the hotly anticipated ones to come from franchises ranging from The Simpsons to Universal Monsters. So what do we think will be available to ride when Universal Studios Bedford opens? Or, in the interests of transparency, what do we want to ride when Universal Studios Bedford opens? 9 rides at Universal Studios that could make their way to Bedford The popularity and sheer size of Skull Island: Reign of Kong makes it an ideal ride to transition from the United States to Bedford come 2031. | Universal Studios Resorts/Canva 1. Skull Island: Reign of Kong The massive, multi-sensory 3D dark ride, which opened in 2016, takes adventurers deep into a mysterious island populated by colossal predators and, ultimately, Kong himself. Riders board a large, expedition vehicle and journey through ancient ruins and treacherous jungles, encountering terrifying creatures and experiencing intense close calls before a climactic confrontation with King Kong. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The ride is renowned for its scale, immersive environments, and impressive animatronics and 3D effects and has consistently drawn crowds since opening at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, due to both the enduring appeal of King Kong and the sheer scale of the ride itself. 2. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem This motion simulator, which opened in July 2012, transforms guests into mischievous Minions for an unpredictable and hilarious adventure alongside Gru, his daughters, and the Minions. The experience combines 3D projection, simulator technology, and a pre-show that sets up the storyline, ending with a Minion dance party. It's designed to be fun for the whole family. Another consistently popular attraction, especially with families and younger audiences, owing to the global appeal of the Despicable Me and Minions films, it often has significant wait times in Orlando. The immense and sustained popularity of the Minions in the UK would make this a surefire hit. 3. Trolls Trollercoaster One of the more recent rides, opening in June 2024, this family-friendly coaster takes riders on a musical journey through the vibrant world of DreamWorks' Trolls. It's a colourful, whimsical attraction designed to be accessible for younger guests, featuring gentle twists and turns inspired by the films' lively characters and soundtracks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Being a very new attraction as part of a highly-anticipated new land, it's currently experiencing high popularity, particularly among families with young children and fans of the Trolls franchise. The success of the films in the UK makes this a strong contender for a family-focused area. 4. Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl This classic spinner ride opened in November 2013 and allows guests to pilot their own flying saucers, controlled by the alien duo Kang and Kodos from The Simpsons. As the ride spins, guests can make their vehicle go up and down while listening to humorous banter from the aliens as they "hurl" their human passengers. It's a whimsical and interactive flat ride. A moderately popular ride, often enjoyed by fans of The Simpsons looking for a lighter, more humorous attraction. It typically has shorter wait times compared to the major thrill rides, but the enduring popularity of The Simpsons in the UK could give it a strong appeal. 5. Donkey Kong's Minecart Madness This innovative roller coaster, expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026 as part of the Epic Universe, simulates the frantic, physics-defying minecart sequences from the Donkey Kong video games. Riders are launched through jungle environments, jumping over gaps and dodging obstacles, with the ride vehicles appearing to "jump" from track to track, offering a unique and highly immersive sensation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There is extremely high anticipation for the ride; as a flagship attraction for the new Epic Universe park and a key part of the Super Nintendo World area, it is expected to be one of the most popular and in-demand rides once it opens. The global and UK appeal of Donkey Kong and Nintendo makes this a very strong candidate. 6. Hiccup's Wing Gliders An artist's depiction of what fans of How to Train Your Dragon can expect when Hiccup's Wing Gliders opens in the United States. | Universal Studios Resorts This family-friendly launcher roller coaster sends guests soaring through the skies of the Isle of Berk, inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon films. Riders experience a feeling of flight, swooping and diving over landscapes, replicating the sensation of riding a dragon. With the success of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon films, and with the ride expected to open in late 2025 and early 2026, there is once again high anticipation in the United States when it opens as part of the new Epic Universe. The widespread affection for this franchise in the UK could translate to significant popularity here. 7. Jurassic Park River Adventure How could you not have a log flume-style ride at a theme park in the United Kingdom? For shame… Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This classic water ride, which first opened in 1999, takes guests on a serene raft journey through a prehistoric jungle inhabited by docile dinosaurs, before things go awry and they encounter more dangerous inhabitants. The adventure culminates in a thrilling 85-foot plunge down a waterfall, narrowly escaping a hungry T-Rex. A long-standing fan-favourite. Despite its age, its thrilling drop and iconic Jurassic Park theme ensure it remains highly popular, especially on hot days. The original film's monumental impact and continued relevance in the UK make this a solid, classic choice. 8. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Another ride set to open in the near future, this high-speed, outdoor roller coaster is themed to the Fast & Furious film franchise, taking riders on a thrilling chase through Hollywood, featuring custom-designed ride vehicles that simulate drifting manoeuvres. The ride combines high-energy twists, turns, and speed. With the promise the ride will be part of a 'new generation' of rollercoasters that are being constructed, and the popularity of the franchise, this new ride is expected to be a significant draw when it opens in 2026. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While it might not be part of the Orlando resort (it's part of Universal Studios Hollywood), the global and strong UK popularity of the Fast & Furious films makes this a strong candidate for a future international park like Bedford. 9. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment Universal Monsters, the classic series of horror films from the studio, is the theme with this ride, which is expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026. This dark ride experience plunges guests into the monstrous world of Universal's classic horror films, reimagining a storyline where Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and other iconic creatures break free from control. The ride features immersive environments, cutting-edge animatronics, and intense encounters, blurring the lines between classic horror and modern thrills. The enduring legacy of Universal's classic monsters, particularly in horror-loving UK culture, could make this a unique and compelling draw.
Geek Tyrant
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
NECA Reveals Universal Monsters x TMNT – Shredder as Dracula Crimson Action Figure — GeekTyrant
NECA has revealed its new Universal Monsters x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure featuring Shredder as Dracula (Crimson Target Exclusive). This is a variant of the previously released Shredder as Dracula features a new paint job with a mostly red outfit. The figure includes swap out masked and unmasked portraits, interchangeable hands, a spear, rats, a turtle, and more. It's listed on but is currently out of stock. The figure is priced at $36.99. Check out details and new photos below. 'Universal Monsters x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Shredder as Dracula (Crimson Target Exclusive) 7' Scale Action Figure 'NECA is thrilled and chilled to introduce the next release in our Universal Monsters x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure line, paying tribute to the world's most famous turtles and Universal's icons of horror! Two of pop culture's most menacing villains have combined into one amazing figure reimagining The Shredder as Dracula. (Protect yourself by ordering extra garlic on your pizza!) 'Designed by James Groman, this 7-inch scale figure dons Crimson deco and comes loaded with three different heads, real fabric cape, turtle skull, turtle candle, spear, juice jug, and lifeless rats. Comes in collector-friendly window box packaging by legendary artist Daniel Horne.'
