Universal Orlando confirmed Thursday that Jack the Clown, one of the past icons of Halloween Horror Nights, will return for the 30th edition of the event later this year.
The announcement wasn’t much of a surprise, as Jack had been featured in merchandise for the canceled 2020 version of HHN. In typical Universal fashion, the video announcing Jack’s return had been leaked days ahead of the official reveal.
In the official press release, Universal stated, “The most notorious icon in event history, Jack’s return to Halloween Horror Nights 2021 will be fraught with terror and fear as the grisly circus clown invades every corner of this year’s event with unsuspecting ‘Jack Attacks’ that will send guests running for their lives. His ominous and unrelenting presence will infiltrate every aspect of the event – from the streets, to the haunted houses to the places guests would least expect – leaving nowhere to turn and nowhere to hide.”
HHN 30 will feature all three versions of Jack that have appeared over the years, from the original clown outfit seen in 2000 to the ringmaster costume used in 2007 to the band leader of Jack’s Maniacs from HHN 25 in 2015.
The press release does not explicitly state whether Jack will star in his own house, scare zone, or stage show for HHN 30. The latest speculation map from Horror Night Nightmares, which has frequently reported the HHN lineup accurately well before official announcements, did include a Jack stage show.
Because you all gave so much at #HHNatHOME this year, we thought we’d give you a little something in return. Here’s the most current info we have on #HHN30 but there might be some changes in the future… pic.twitter.com/7vOjTPsGeM
— Horror Night 🅱️ightmares (@HNNightmares) June 10, 2021
Universal did mention, however, that Jack will be invading Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort during HHN. The hotel will host a new experience exclusively for on-site hotel guests called “Jack’d Up” — featuring “some of the sinister environments inspired by” Jack’s old HHN appearances — as well as the Horror Icons Bar, a redecorated version of the lobby bar, Swizzle Lounge, with specialty drinks and snacks along with HHN props and costumes.
Tickets are now on sale for HHN 30, which begins on Friday, Sept. 3 and runs on select nights at Universal Studios Florida through Halloween.