An unofficial website dedicated to Halloween Horror Nights events held at Universal Studios theme parks around the world.

Hollywood Twitter: A Few Q&A’s with John Murdy

  • Question: Are the flame towers coming back for 2013?
  • Answer: Yes, the flame towers are coming back. I love them…and consider them a signature of HHN, like the go-go’s and the “barker.”
  • Question: Will “Black Sabbath: 13 3D” be based solely on the album “13,” or will we see a few nods to other albums?
  • Answer: Oh no . . . “Black Sabbath 13 3D” is based on Black Sabbath, classic Black Sabbath. The lyrics inspired the scenes.
  • Question: Will it rain blood in the “Evil Dead” maze?
  • Answer: Funny, I was talking to a guy about that today. He gave me that “you’re crazy” look. Maybe I am? It’s kind of a crazy thing to do . . .
  • Question: Do your mazes end up changing AFTER you have written the treatment for them?
  • Answer: Yes, the mazes go through multiple revisions. Some are on draft 6 or 7.
  • Question: What part of the production of “El Cucuy: The Boogeyman” is most exciting to you?
  • Answer: I like the scene where you go to a child’s birthday party, but all the children are gone . . . just their ghosts voices . . . screaming. Sad piñatas hanging in the trees. A birthday cake, destroyed . . . growling. A shadow appears in the window of the house. It’s carrying a sack.
  • Question: How did you guys create the visual appearance of “El Cucuy,” considering that it’s solely a story from folklore?
  • Answer: Good question. We did a lot of research. I found this painting by Goya that defined El Cucuy’s clothing (link HERE). Vampire bats were the inspiration for his ears, barracudas for his teeth, a bit of a pumpkin-shaped head. Very old, wrinkly skin. From the start, I imagined Danny Trejo’s voice. We figure “El Cucuy” is a collector, with a lair filled with the souvenirs he’s stolen from kids.
  • Question: What’s your favorite scare in the “Evil Dead” house?
  • Answer: I like the first scene in the cabin. So much going on in that scene. All hell breaks loose!
  • Question: Does the “Front of the Line” Pass come with the VIP Experience, or is it a separate fee? Can I pay extra to get them both?
  • Answer: VIP comes with UNLIMITED FRONT OF LINE and a private lounge. And something really cool that I’m producing but can’t talk about . . . yet.
  • Question: Has Scary Spider returned? Or maybe some of his descendants?
  • Answer: This question is referring to the evil spider that always spins a web on my lamp post during the Dog Days of HHN production (August). No, Scary Spider has not returned, and I’m starting to get concerned. She’s the Charlotte’s Web of HHN. I’ll keep an eye out for her.
  • Question: How are the go-go dancers’ costumes selected?
  • Answer: By two men who know way too much about women’s fashion. It’s kinda scary.
  • Question: You play with our senses. Any new smells coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2013? If so, what can we expect to smell this time?
  • Answer: Pumpkins in “El Cucuy,” because he has a thing for pumpkins. It’s a weird idea of mine. You’ll see.
  • Question: When will you be releasing this year’s “Behind the Screams” videos?
  • Answer: Soon, I hope. I shot a bunch of them. We have a great one on Sabbath with the band, Insidious with the filmmakers, etc.
  • Question: Are this year’s go-go dancers going to be themed to “The Purge?”
  • Answer: Yes, the go-go’s are themed to “The Purge.” It’s kinda hot . . . and kinda disturbing. But, I armed them, so be careful.
  • Question: Have you ever considered being a part of the Chainsaw Chase-Out?
  • Answer: Yes, for the last two years I’ve led the last one on Closing Night. But I don’t use a chainsaw, I use the Wolfman cane!

Next Post

Previous Post

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

© 2024 The HHN Yearbook

Theme by Anders Norén