Universal Orlando previews 35th HHN at MEGACON Orlando

Universal Orlando used its weekend appearance at MEGACON Orlando to unveil the theme for its 35th Halloween Horror Nights: the “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares” (ICON). The reveal matters to fans because it confirms which classic characters will headline this anniversary edition and gives a first look at a new haunted house pairing two of HHN’s most notorious figures.

What was announced

At the MEGACON event, Universal’s creative team confirmed the 35th-edition theme will center around a twisted carnival world, promising a bigger, more theatrical experience. The studio revealed that Jack the Clown and Oddfellow will both return and that they will share the spotlight in a new haunted house titled “Jack and Oddfellow: Control and Chaos.”

Key quotes from the reveal

Assistant Director of Entertainment Creative Development Lora Sauls told attendees, “We love to reintroduce a classic icon during our anniversary celebrations.”

Senior Show Director Charles Gray framed the duo’s dynamic this way: “Who would win in a battle? Jack and Oddfellow are two sides of the same coin… But it lands on an edge.”

Why it matters now

This is the first official confirmation of HHN’s anniversary theme, and it arrives during MEGACON Orlando — a convention known for major pop-culture reveals. For season pass holders, horror fans and Orlando visitors, it signals what to expect for the park’s busiest fall event and gives guests time to plan visits on the announced select nights.

What to expect at the event

  • Theme: A carnival-meets-nightmare concept billed as “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares”.
  • Villain return: Jack the Clown and Oddfellow reunited in a tense partnership — and likely rivalry.
  • Haunted house: “Jack and Oddfellow: Control and Chaos” will dramatize the uneasy alliance and escalate scares.
  • Dates: The event is scheduled for select nights from Aug. 28 through Nov. 1.

Fan and industry reaction

The MEGACON crowd saw a brief cameo by the titular characters, which drew visible excitement. Reveals like this typically spark online discussion and early ticket interest, especially around anniversary editions where parks revisit familiar icons. While Universal has not released full house lists or ticket details beyond the dates, the pairing of two established HHN characters is likely to be a major draw.

What’s next

Universal will likely share more specifics — including additional houses, scare zones and show details — in the coming weeks and months leading up to the event. Fans should watch Universal Orlando’s official channels and MEGACON follow-ups for announcements about tickets, talent appearances and themed entertainment tied to the Infernal Carnival.

Whether Jack and Oddfellow stay allies or tear each other apart, HHN’s 35th edition looks set to lean into nostalgia and spectacle — and the MEGACON reveal gives fans their first taste.