Universal Horror Make-Up Show Returns With Blumhouse and a Floor to Ceiling Makeover
The Universal Horror Make-Up Show returns to Universal Studios Florida featuring Blumhouse. However, there is still plenty we do not know about this revamped show.
The Universal Horror Make-Up Show is officially coming back to Universal Studios Florida, and this time Blumhouse is on the call sheet. Universal Orlando announced the reimagined attraction on October 9, 2026, under the new name Universal Horror Make-Up Show featuring Blumhouse. The previous version of the show closed on May 12, 2026, so horror fans have had a long wait to find out what “reimagined” actually means. Here is what Universal announced, what a longtime Universal Orlando team member said about the project, and what we still do not know (spoiler: the opening date).
What Universal Announced About the Horror Make-Up Show
Universal shared a short description on its official X account. Guests will discover how Hollywood’s top special effects artists have scared moviegoers for more than 100 years, taking a trip “from Universal’s classic monsters to the modern horrors of Blumhouse.” As for timing, Universal said that when the old show closed, a reimagined version would open in Winter 2026. Treat “winter” as a window, not a promise.
Michael Aiello Calls It a Dream Project
Michael Aiello, Senior Director – Entertainment Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort, who has performed in the show for years, shared the news in a post on X. He wrote that he had long hoped to convince leadership to give the entire venue an update, and that leadership said yes. According to Aiello, much of what fans love about the show remains, but new surprises await, along with a full visual reimagining from floor to ceiling.
He also credited a passionate project team, said more details are coming, and described the show as a tribute to 100 years of Universal Horror created with Blumhouse partners. His closing line pairs horror and humor with respect for Universal, the studio he credits with creating the horror movie genre. That “floor to ceiling” wording suggests the venue itself is getting a redesign, not just the script. Universal has not shown renderings or explained what changes, so we are holding the lobby speculation for now.
Why Blumhouse Makes Sense Here
Blumhouse is a familiar name to Universal fans. Universal owns a majority stake in the production company and has distributed its films since signing a first look deal in 2014. Blumhouse has shown up in multiple Halloween Horror Nights houses and has a presence at Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas.
A Quick Look Back at the Original Show
The Horror Make-Up Show opened on June 7, 1990, alongside Universal Studios Florida itself. It began as The Phantom of the Opera Horror Make-Up Show (1990 to 1997), later became The Gory, Gruesome and Grotesque Horror Make-Up Show, and eventually took on its current title. For years, it included clips from classics like The Thing and An American Werewolf in London. The park announced the closure on May 3, 2026, with the show shutting down May 12.
Universal Horror Make-Up Show: What We Still Do Not Know
| Detail | Status |
| Opening date | Not announced. Universal has pointed to winter 2026. |
| Which Blumhouse films are featured | Not announced. |
| Cast and hosts | Not announced. |
| Show length and access details | Not announced. |
| Changes to the lobby and venue | Not detailed. Aiello describes a floor to ceiling visual reimagining. |
Closing a classic and reopening it with a horror studio’s name on the marquee is the kind of move that makes fans clutch their prosthetic pearls. Still, the early signs are encouraging. A performer who loves the show helped champion the refresh, leadership approved a full venue update, and the horror and humor mix is reportedly staying. The big question is whether the jokes and the audience participation we remember survive the rebrand. Until an opening date drops, we are keeping expectations at “cautiously screaming.”
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