Universal executives revealed details of the Universal Horror Unleashed backstory on the latest episode of the Discover Universal Podcast.
Universal Horror Unleashed
Universal Horror Unleashed Warehouse Backstory
Halloween Horror Nights creative alums Nate Stevenson, Creative Show Director, and TJ Mannarino, VP Art & Design, appeared on the podcast to talk about the new year-round horror experience coming to Las Vegas.
It’s located in Las Vegas’ AREA15, which will be re-branded to AREA15 District 1 and District 2. District 1 includes its existing immersive experiences and Universal Horror Unleashed is in District 2.
Universal Horror Unleashed celebrates Halloween Horror Nights and showcases Universal’s horror film history with characters, environments, sets, and props.
The story begins before entering the building, which resembles an old, fortified warehouse — secured to keep people out…or something in. There is minimal exterior lighting.
There is a hidden entrance, corridors, and pathways. The space is “restricted” only to those ready to enter the Shadow World, which “grew out” of the fears we have as kids of what is under our beds, in our closets, and down alleys.
It turns out Legendary Truth, a fictional organization introduced as part of Halloween Horror Nights in 2008, locked down the warehouse. Members of Legendary Truth will interact with guests when they enter.
According to the backstory, the building was an old movie production warehouse. When Universal horror movies kicked off in the 1920s, the props and sets became haunted. They were no longer safe to store at Universal Studios Hollywood so they were moved to this Las Vegas warehouse. All the spiritually charged equipment stored in the space made the veil between the Shadow World and the real world so thin that it broke, allowing creatures to come through.
Inside Universal Horror Unleashed
There are entertainment areas surrounding each haunted house. Creatives went through real warehouses to pull items for the experience.
The first area inside is “Dead Storage” featuring old flats and set pieces. To the right when guests walk in is the old Phantom of the Opera set including a huge opera box. The set was up for nearly 100 years because an executive was told if the set came down, Universal would be cursed. When they needed Soundstage 29, they moved the set to this warehouse.
The second area is the Film Vault or “Kill Vault” dedicated to slasher films. Everything in here is made of hard metals with sharp edges.
A third area is the Prop Graveyard housing old props and creepy dolls. A Shipping & Receiving area is at the back of the experience.
The full Discover Universal Podcast episode is below.
When Does Universal Horror Unleashed Open?
Universal Horror Unleashed will open on August 14, 2025. Tickets are available.
How Much are Universal Horror Unleashed Tickets?
Ticket pricing ranges from $59 to 99, depending on the level of access chosen. There are tickets with one-time access to each house, including a discounted option for Nevada residents, or tickets with unlimited access to the houses on the selected date. Read more ticket details.
Universal Horror Unleashed Chicago
Though Universal did announce a second Universal Horror Unleashed coming to Chicago, the podcast only addressed the Las Vegas location. The Chicago experience may have different theming, although its concept art still resembled a warehouse.
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