By Jim Carchidi
March 23, 2026
The minds behind Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) offered a peek into this year’s fright fest during MegaCon Orlando. Fans were treated to a reveal of the theme, Infernal Carnival of Nightmares, which offers a reunion with some old friends.
Early years
Now entering its 35th year, HHN has earned a legion of followers through interactive elements, entertainment partnerships, and original storytelling. What began as a three-night event has evolved into a three-month celebration of the horror genre. As a young fan, Universal Orlando Senior Creative Development Director Mike Aiello was among the first guests and continues to draw inspiration from those memories.
“There were some really interesting creative foundations,” he said. “Even in those early years, it was built on original content.”
Telling stories
Mike Aiello, Lora Sauls, and Charles Gray talk horror and nostalgia at the HHN panel at MegaCon Orlando. Photo by Jim Carchidi
Aiello joined Assistant Creative Development Director, Lora Sauls, and Senior Show Director, Charles Gray, for the HHN 35 preview panel on the morning of March 21 at Orange County Convention Center’s Chapin Theater. The trio discussed the challenge of building on past success and how it relates to this year’s event.
“Nostalgia is integral to what we do but you have to be careful with it; you can’t just do nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake,” Aiello said. “If we are looking to bring something back into the realm, we want to make sure it’s a recommitment.”
Established stories are presented with new elements to deepen the lore for longtime fans while providing an access point for first-timers.
“There are new people who are engaging in these stories,” Gray said. “They’ll come in and they’ve heard about a past house or scare zone – we get to reintroduce some of these stories they wish they could have seen.”
Creating icons
Icons like The Caretaker have been part of HHN original content since 2000.
Jack the Clown and nemeses, Dr. Oddfellow, debuted in 2000. Image courtesy of Universal Orlando
In 2000, content was deepened with the addition of icons as storytelling vehicles. “They create backstories and give a voice to the event,” said Sauls, adding fan response will spur the creation of new stories and new icons. “We create iconic characters, but you all make them icons.”
Jack the Clown was the first HHN icon and is among its most enigmatic and beloved characters. The terrifying circus performer debuted with his nemesis, Dr. Oddfellow. According to HHN lore, Oddfellow first employed Jack in his “Carnival of Thrills” before a horrific falling out. Jack has returned for several HHN events and Oddfellow headlined in 2023. The pair will co-headline the 35th anniversary as the "Ringmasters of Fear" in the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares.
The first confirmed house, Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, will evolve their intertwined storylines with a journey through an interdimensional portal known as the Oddverse. New versions of Jack will be revealed and fans will get a look at him as his pre-clown persona, Jack Schmidt.
Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control will pit Jack and Oddfellow against one another in an interdimensional realm.
The house will feature references to past HHN shows and scare zones.
A giant skull will be the portal into the Oddverse.
More to come?
The 2026 theme may also hint at additional participants.
It’s no mistake that “icon” happens to be an acronym for Infernal Carnival of Nightmares; Aiello even pointed it out during the panel. And Jack’s return for HHN's 25th anniversary in 2025 included a scare zone titled "Icons: HHN" populated by characters from previous events. Though not yet confirmed it can be assumed that additional icons from years past will share the anniversary spotlight. Famous names include The Caretaker, The Director, Lady Luck, and Jack's protégée, Chance.
And the thrills don’t end with original content as movie studio and production company partnerships have resulted in themed houses ranging from “Ghostbusters” and “Stranger Things” to “Alien” and “An American Werewolf in London.” Last year’s “Sinners” and “Weapons” earned Academy Award recognition and strong fan followings, as did Guillermo Del Toro's “Frankenstein.”
Fun fact: Mike Aiello is a big Frankenstein fan.
HHN 2025 featured 10 houses and four scare zones, so there’s more than enough room for more frightful fun. Watch out for future announcements.
Halloween Horror Nights will run on select nights, August 28 through November 1. Check the event page for updates and ticket sales.
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About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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