Universal Introduces “Deathly Afraid” Necklace for Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Orlando has announced the introduction of the Deathly Afraid necklace at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN), aiming to provide a more inclusive experience for guests with lower scare tolerance. Retailing at $20 (plus tax), the necklace is designed to “support Guests who prefer a less intense scare experience,” reducing direct interactions with scare actors in scare zones and common areas, though notably not inside haunted houses.

Available during Team Member Preview and beyond, the necklace can be purchased at key locations such as the Universal Studios Store, the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store, and the MIB Gear Shop. However, Universal is careful to note that the necklace “does not guarantee a scare-free experience” and offers no protection inside haunted houses, which remain full-intensity for all attendees.

Progress or Problem for the Event’s Identity?

Universal frames this as part of “an ongoing effort to create a more inclusive experience,” acknowledging that “everyone enjoys Halloween Horror Nights differently.” But the move has sparked discussion among long-time fans about the evolving tone of HHN, originally conceived as a mature, PG-13 event famed for its relentless scares and no-holds-barred horror.

The HHN online fan community are already arguing that offering products like the Deathly Afraid necklace feeds into a major shift for Halloween Horror Nights becoming a more family-friendly experience, potentially compromising the event’s intensity and the authenticity that made it a cultural staple for horror enthusiasts. Could this represent a broader push to make HHN more commercially accessible, possibly at the cost of its gritty, adult-focused roots?

Interestingly, this change comes in the same year that Terrifier – one of the most extreme horror properties ever featured at HHN – is making its debut. This juxtaposition suggests Universal is trying to walk a fine line: appealing to hardcore horror fans while also broadening the event’s demographic reach, not to mention Five Night’s at Freddy’s being front and center for this year’s intellectual property features.

Another raised concern is how scare actors will interact (if at all) with other members of a group with someone wearing the necklace. Performers may be less inclined to interact with a group if it means the person wearing the necklace will be affected by others in close proximity, or those that they know (whether a parent, sibling, friend, etc.).

This also feels like a cash grab, where someone who wouldn’t have attended the event before will now feel more comfortable to go and pay the up-charge to cut down on the atmospheric scares. Most importantly, though, as Universal mentions, the necklace does not work in the haunted houses. But, does this mean there will be bright, glowing necklaces throughout darker scenes in the houses? Or will house attendants ask guests to turn off the lights before heading in?

Whether the Deathly Afraid necklace will become a permanent feature remains to be seen. But its introduction raises valid questions about how Universal will balance inclusivity with intensity and what kind of Halloween Horror Nights we’ll be seeing in the years to come.