Universal Studios is not wasting time using the success of HBO’s The Last of Us series. Earlier this year, the world was mesmerized by the post-apocalyptic drama starring America’s daddy Pedro Pascal and the talented Bella Ramsey. Viewers were sucked in by the terrifying presence of the fungal infected from the show, and now they will have a chance to experience them in a famous panic-inducing seasonal event. The Last of Us has officially been announced as a themed Halloween Horror Nights house for Universal Studios Resort in Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood in California this fall.
What is The Last of Us?
Let’s break it down for those who have lived under a rock this year! The world of The Last of Us is a bleak and post-apocalyptic landscape where humanity has been devastated by a fungal infection that turns people into aggressive and mutated creatures. Survivors navigate crumbling cities, overgrown wilderness, and constant danger as they struggle to find hope and meaning amidst the ruins of civilization.
The narrative focuses on a hardened survivor named Joel Miller tasked with bringing a young girl named Ellie across the country in hopes of finding a cure for humanity. What seems like a simple concept turns into a mastercraft of narrative storytelling.
HBO masterfully adapted the acclaimed video game into a gripping television series, capturing the game’s emotional depth and post-apocalyptic setting with stunning visuals and exceptional storytelling. The series maintains the game’s essence while Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey bring depth and justice to the beloved characters.
Bringing The Last of Us to Universal Studios
It was only a matter of time before The Last of Us was added as a house for Universal Studios. Fans have been speculating about it even before the HBO series rose to fame. The horrifying Clickers of the show, blind mutated fungal humans who utilize echolocation for hunting, are shockingly scary creatures deserving of being thrown at Guests via a haunted house.
We are THRILLED to announce The Last of Us will be part of Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights!
Prepare to encounter Clickers, Hunters, and more as you step into the world of The Last of Us at @HorrorNights and @HorrorNightsORL later this year. #HHN #HHN32 #UniversalHHN pic.twitter.com/BroF4WlhNQ
— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) June 15, 2023
Naughty Dog Co-President Neil Druckmann said he could not contain his excitement during the press release:
As a massive fan – and frequent attendee – of Halloween Horror Nights, we are honored to have The Last of Us included in this year’s lineup. It has been an incredible thrill for us at Naughty Dog to collaborate with Universal, bringing the world of the game to life, focusing on even the tiniest details that our fans know so well.
The game has just celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, giving another reason to allow fans to team up with Joel and Ellie and come face-to-face with Clickers and other terrifying threats.
“We are excited to bring The Last of Us to life in a terrifying haunted house that is true to the spirit of this popular video game featuring our heroes, Joel and Ellie, Clickers, and more,” said Lora Sauls, Assistant Director of Creative Development and Show Direction at Universal Orlando Resort.
John Murdy, Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, also stated:
The world inside the game offers a multitude of suspenseful and horrifying opportunities to provide Guests with a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Halloween Horror Nights.
Halloween Horror Nights Tickets Now on Sale
You can purchase tickets to Halloween Horror Nights today. The event begins on September 7 for Universal Studios Hollywood and September 1 for Universal Studios Orlando. The Parks offer various ways to experience the horror, including Early Access Tickets and Frequent Fear options. An Ultimate Fear choice is available for those who want to invest in the event.
The Florida Park will also have options for R.I.P Express Passes and daytime Behind the Screams tours. The event runs until October 31.
The Last of Us has been the cultural phenomenon of the year, weaving together elements of survival, humanity, and the complexities of relationships to create an unforgettable experience that resonates long after the credits roll. It will surely be a popular and worthwhile experience at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.