Hey Thrill Seekers,
Universal Orlando Resort has revealed a major reimagining of one of its longest-running shows, with Blumhouse joining the line-up to bring modern horror into the mix!
Horror fans, this one is for you! Universal Studios Florida’s much-loved Horror Make-Up Show is getting a frighteningly fresh new look, and Universal has confirmed that Blumhouse will be part of the revamped experience.
Officially titled the Universal Horror Make-Up Show featuring Blumhouse, the updated production promises to celebrate more than 100 years of movie horror, from Universal’s legendary monsters to the modern nightmares created by Blumhouse.
The announcement was made on 9 October 2026, with Universal teasing that more details are still to come. Here’s everything we know so far!
🎨 What Is the New Universal Horror Make-Up Show?
The original Horror Make-Up Show has been a firm favourite at Universal Studios Florida since the park opened in 1990. Combining live special effects demonstrations, horror make-up techniques, comedy and plenty of audience participation, it has offered guests a behind-the-scenes look at how movie monsters are brought to life.
Now, the attraction is being reimagined, with Blumhouse joining Universal’s own horror legacy.
Universal’s announcement promises a live show exploring how Hollywood’s special effects artists have terrified audiences for more than a century, spanning everything from classic Universal monsters to the modern horrors of Blumhouse.
The exciting news is that this isn’t simply a name change. Michael Aiello, a longtime Universal Orlando creative figure and friend of the blog, has revealed that the venue has received an extensive visual transformation, with much of what fans loved about the original show remaining alongside some new surprises.
That should be welcome news for returning visitors who want to see something new without losing the humour and personality that made the original so popular.
🐻 Which Blumhouse Horror Films Could Feature?
This is where things get particularly interesting!
Blumhouse is behind some of the biggest modern horror franchises, including M3GAN, The Black Phone, Insidious, The Purge and Five Nights at Freddy’s.
Could some of these terrifying properties make an appearance in the revamped show?
At this stage, Universal has not confirmed which films, characters or special effects demonstrations will feature. However, the partnership opens up plenty of possibilities for exploring the practical make-up, animatronics and visual effects used to create some of cinema’s most memorable monsters.
Imagine discovering how a frightening creature is constructed, learning how filmmakers create convincing wounds, or seeing how practical effects and digital technology combine to bring a horror scene to life.
These are possibilities rather than confirmed elements of the new production, but they demonstrate why this announcement has caught the attention of horror fans.
😂 Will the New Show Still Be Funny?
One of the biggest questions for returning visitors is whether the original show’s trademark comedy will survive the makeover.
Thankfully, Universal had already indicated that the reimagined production would retain its comedic and irreverent personality, alongside classic and modern horror properties and some new surprises.
The original show was never simply about scares. Its combination of exaggerated demonstrations, ridiculous situations and audience interaction made it a welcome change of pace from the park’s rides.
The challenge will be to incorporate Blumhouse’s darker horror franchises while keeping that distinctive Universal sense of humour.
If the creative team gets the balance right, the new production could appeal to both long-time fans and guests discovering the show for the first time.
👐 When Will the Universal Horror Make-Up Show Reopen?
The original production closed on 12 May 2026 to make way for the reimagining. It had initially been scheduled to end on January 4, 2026.
Universal has previously indicated that the new version is expected to open in winter 2026, although an exact reopening date has not yet been confirmed.
The show is located in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida, inside the Pantages Theater.
If you’re planning a Florida holiday later this year, it’s worth keeping an eye on Universal’s official announcements before deciding which attractions to prioritise during your visit.
We’ll update this article when Universal reveals the opening date and more information about the new experience.
🗣️Our Verdict: A Fresh Take on a Universal Classic
The Horror Make-Up Show might not have the biggest drops, fastest launches or most elaborate ride systems in Universal Orlando, but it has been entertaining guests for decades. It’s easily one of our favourite attractions at Universal Studios, it’s unexpected and it’s iconic.
Bringing Blumhouse into the production gives Universal an opportunity to introduce a new generation of horror fans to the art and techniques behind their favourite films, while celebrating the studio’s own remarkable horror history.
For fans of Halloween Horror Nights, the announcement is particularly intriguing. Blumhouse has already been involved in Universal’s wider horror offerings, and this new show creates another opportunity to explore the genre outside the seasonal Halloween event.
Of course, the real test will be seeing exactly what Universal has created. Until the company reveals the film properties and demonstrations included in the show, we’ll have to keep our expectations in check.
One thing is certain: we’re looking forward to seeing what Universal and Blumhouse have cooked up!
Would you like to see M3GAN, Five Nights at Freddy’s or The Black Phone featured in the new show? Let us know in the comments!
Planning a trip to Florida? Explore our Universal Orlando Resort tickets and start planning your next theme park adventure with Orlando Attraction Tickets.
Smiles included…
Jamie
