There are some horror icons that never leave you, no matter how much time passes. For me, Jason Voorhees is one of them. I still remember a New Year’s Eve sleepover when I was in fourth grade. We thought it would be fun to watch Friday the 13th Part III (even though I wasn’t really allowed to watch horror movies yet). That night, I had one of the most vivid nightmares of my life: Jason—hockey mask and all—and came into the room where we had all fallen asleep. He was standing over me about to end me as I woke up screaming. It was terrifying—and it made such an impression that I didn’t sneak another scary movie again until I was old enough to watch them.
That mix of fear and fascination has stuck with me, and it’s why the brand-new Jason Un1v3rse maze at Halloween Horror Nights felt so special. This experience wasn’t just another haunted maze—it was like stepping into my childhood nightmares, only bigger, bloodier, and much more fun!
From the start, I loved the way the story set itself apart with a clever “live streaming” twist, adding a fresh modern spin that still managed to blend seamlessly with Jason’s legacy. The maze revisited that element later on, which was a really smart touch. And of course, the classics were there too—Jason stalking at Camp Crystal Lake, attacking from unexpected places, and going after victims in those scenes that feel straight out of the films. They’ve captured all the things we expect from Jason, but executed them with such immersive detail that it felt brand new.
One of my favorite moments was a jaw-dropping bow-and-arrow kill that was staged so well it stopped me in my tracks. The combination of movie-quality sets, perfectly timed effects, and committed scareactors made the whole experience feel like I was back in my childhood nightmare. It was gory, over-the-top in the best way, and absolutely packed with that adrenaline-pumping “rush” that makes HHN so addictive.
As Robbie Barsamian, Horror, Inc. Executive Vice President, put it:
“Commemorating 45 years of terror, this year’s Halloween Horror Nights brings one of horror’s most iconic slashers to life in a way that’s both immersive and relentlessly intense. In collaboration with Universal Studios, we crafted a blood-soaked experience that pays tribute to the legacy of Camp Crystal Lake, while introducing a new generation to the enduring fear of Jason. Get ready because Jason is back and looking for revenge.”
That’s exactly how it felt. Jason Un1v3rse honors the slasher’s 45-year history while making it feel alive and relevant for today’s fans. For me, it was nostalgic and chilling all at once—a reminder of why Jason has terrified audiences for decades.
👉 Make sure you don’t miss Halloween Horror Nights this season—and head straight down to the Jason Un1v3rse maze. Make it a top priority of your night!
🔗 Jason Universe Official Website
🔗 Get Tickets to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood
📲 Be sure to check out video coverage from the maze and media night at Halloween Horror Nights on my socials @TheHauntGirl.