The first haunted house and overall theme for the 2026 edition of Halloween Horror Nights has been announced by Universal Orlando, and there are some familiar faces at the center of the event. HHN participants will once again come face-to-face with Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow.
“Nightmare Carnival of Hell” is the theme of the event, which explores the characters’ histories and rivalries. The duo will appear in a house called “Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control.”
“This is not a partnership. … They are not allies. They are here because they know that together they can create more fear and put more fear in your hearts,” Laura Soles, assistant director of entertainment, creative development and show direction, said at the HHN panel at MegaCon Orlando this weekend at the Orange County Convention Center.
“The overall theme takes you inside a nightmare carnival of hell, and that’s in the new vision between Jack and the Oddfellows, and that’s where all of this year’s content will reside,” said Mike Aiello, senior director of entertainment – creative development. “Not only do we honor and engage with Halloween Horror Nights’ 35-year legacy, but like all great Horror Nights events, we intend to celebrate our 35th anniversary by presenting a new level of terror that invades every aspect of the park.”
The MegaCon session was punctuated by the event’s visual concept, the first merch unveiling, and the striking pose of Jack and Oddfellows on a fog-shrouded stage.
“As you pass through the haunted house (of Chaos & Control), you will hear a voiceover telling Jack’s origin story from the perspective of the Odd Fellows,” said Charles Gray, senior show director. He also mentioned Jack in a Box, an alternate dimension known as the Oddverse, portals, torture, changes in power (and narration), and Easter eggs.
In the final scene, “you’ll see them take over the park and take over this world,” Gray said.
“This is also a bit of a violent house,” he added. “There’s a lot of conflict there. We’re playing to the strengths of both sides.”
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Details regarding other HHN houses and fear zones have not been released. Universal typically rolls these out in stages.
Aiello said in a social media post that Jack and Oddfellow’s House was a prelude to the entire event.
“Their blood-stained paths were destined to intersect, and they needed each other to reach their true potential,” the post said.
Halloween Horror Nights will be held at the Universal Studios, Florida theme park on select nights from August 28th to November 1st. Tickets are not yet on sale.
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