Zombieland is coming to life and Halloween is going to be epic

Zombieland is a cult classic. As the sequel comes to movie theaters this fall, Universal is unleashing those zombies on Halloween Horror Nights.

That quest for an elusive Twinkie was one aspect of why the film Zombieland became a pop culture phenomena. With its sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, slated to open on October 18, the twisted minds at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights are bringing that zombie infested setting to the real world.

Zombies are always a popular Halloween theme. The walking dead have been used throughout history as a metaphor for disease, death and destruction. Once bitten by these creatures, a person’s fate is forever doomed.

While zombies are a fear metaphor, there is a sense of humor to these creatures as well. How can those slow walking zombies cause such destruction? From that broken gait to the blanked out expression, there is a slight sense of humor and disbelief to the havoc these creatures have caused.

One of the reasons why Zombieland was so popular was its perfect combination of humor and horror. A mis-matched group banding together to fight off the undead may had their issues, but they were united in staying alive.

Even with all the looming death, this group always found a little humor along the way. How can a person go from laughing to screaming in fear? That combination makes the storyline and the experience even more heightened.

Part of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights scare-zones, the Zombieland: Double Tap area will ask guests to escape from New York or become a zombie snack. While there might not be Woody Harrelson or Jesse Eisenberg character, there will be some crazy creatures lurking in those corridors. Maybe you should pack a Twinkie for sustenance, just in case.

As excitement builds for the September 6 Halloween Horror Nights opening, Universal also announced other scare zones. Another exciting addition for 2019 is the Rob Zombie Hellbilly Deluxe.

While the Universal Studios Hollywood often incorporates rock music (like last year’s Slash soundtrack) into its experiences, this Rob Zombie-influenced scare zone should be a huge hit with guests.

The area will feature some of Rob Zombie’s music and lyrics. With songs like “More Human Than Human” and “Meet the Creeper,” the rocker’s guitar riffs and haunting voice instantly sends chills down your spine. With these songs pulsing all around, no one will know when someone is coming to scare you.

Of course, a Halloween Horror Nights isn’t complete without the infamous chainsaw gang. These year, sinister 80s-inspired gamers will be creeping around and ready to wield their weapons. From the smell of gasoline to the rip of the chainsaw, this area always makes everyone jump.

While the scare zones can be some of the most intense areas around HHN, the Academy of Villains performance will be equally as dramatic. Debuting for the first time ever, the new Academy of Villains: Altered States and another as yet unannounced new show will have everyone on the edge of their seats.

Looking at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, there seems to be a blend of 80s and classic themes. From iconic characters that have terrorized us through the ages to movies that blended fear and humor, there is a sense that Universal is playing with people’s psyches.

Just as fans feel comfortable with those slightly humorous moments from Ghostbusters, the next room drops them into the depth of destruction. Constantly unbalanced, it seems that Universal continues to know exactly what scares you.

Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights begins on September 6 and runs on select nights. It is a separately ticketed event.

Don’t wait for Zombieland: Double Tap to hit theaters. Step into the walking dead chaos at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights.