Discover Universal has given Halloween Horror Nights fans a peek behind the screams at one of the upcoming original houses coming to the event this year;- which kicks off in two little weeks, by the way! And if you need another reason to visit this year — for a full night (or seven) of the event, or perhaps a lights-on tour through a few haunted houses with no scares — let this be your sign… and keep reading!
Saddle Up for Demon Bounty Hunting
Hatchet & Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters is a spaghetti Western original storyline returning from Slaughter Sinema 2 at last year’s event. This original house pits two mismatched heroes – Hatchet, an undead demon, and Chains, a no‑nonsense bounty hunter – against a demonic infestation that’s ripping through the Wild West.
“Hatchet is the undead… that strong silent type,” explains senior show director Charles Gray, “and then you’ve got Chains. He’s the voice of the two… always has a quip, always complaining.” Their partnership sprung from loyalty: Chains saved Hatchet’s life, and together they chase demons in episodic adventures. Gray teases, “Every week there’s gonna be a new adventure.”
A Hellish Showdown in Cowtown
The story kicks off outside a dusty cowtown, where an embittered old woman curses the local train station. She summons “red-hot lava demons” from Hell’s Well, intent on boarding cattle trains and spreading chaos. These aren’t subtle possessions—the demons literally crawl through mouths, morphing into grotesque flesh-metal hybrids. Gray notes, “When you encounter the demons with human flesh… malformed… demon flesh is falling off. So they’re taking metal pieces and clamping them on.”
Bringing the Western to Life
Art supervisor Claudia Guerra highlights the visual magic: “There’s a lot of cool puppet moments… different lighting effects with UV tying that ghostly element into it.” Scenic designer Dylan Kollath focuses on setting: “We try to make these spaces look really functional and authentic… windows you can look through… glimpse different parts of town.” As you weave through the sheriff’s hall, saloon, undertaker’s, and cemetery, ambient touches—hatchets in walls, molten cracks, bloody trails—offer visual breadcrumbs for keen eyes. “There are trails of blood… if you’re taking a Behind‑the‑Screams tour, you’d be like: ‘There’s the blood… the body’s on the roof!’” Gray adds.
Expect show-stopping moments, including a train car that zips by mid-scene: “Our video team absolutely went above and beyond… it really looks like the train car is there and moving.” Gray also promises “a big surprise” in the finale!
Get Daytime VIP Access
Craving more HHN behind the scenes? Did you know you can explore HHN’s houses with the lights on without an event ticket? Choose between the 3‑house or 6‑house Unmasking the Horror tours during the day.
3-House Tour:
- Includes: Hatchet & Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters, Dolls: Let’s Play Dead, Grave of Flesh
- Runs: Select mornings beginning August 22
- Pricing: Starts around $99.99 per person
- Includes: Lights-on walkthroughs, behind-the-scenes details, and a commemorative pin
- Note: No scare actors or effects during the tour
6-House Tour:
- Includes: Fallout, JASON UN1V3RSE, Terrifier, Gálkn: Monsters of the North, El Artista: A Spanish Haunting, WWE Presents: The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks
- Runs: Starting September 3
- Pricing: Starts around $199.99 per person
- Includes: Same perks as the 3-house tour, plus a buffet-style lunch (the location has not yet been disclosed)
You can even take a few snapshots inside the houses during these lights-on tours – something that’s not allowed otherwise. Here are some from my 2023 tour through Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate and Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings!
No matter your Halloween trip goals, contact our travel professionals at Dreams Unlimited Travel to coordinate it all for you for FREE!
Cant wait to experience the eerie Western vibe and Chains & Hatchets dynamic duo in action!grow a garden calculator
Cant wait to dive into the eerie Western world and see Chains & Hatchet in action! This HHN sounds thrilling!
Cant wait to see Chains & Hatchet in action! The eerie Western vibe sounds thrilling. HHN is always a must-visit!grow a garden calculator