‘The Last of Us’ Joins Universal Halloween Horror Nights 2023

Universal Studios theme parks’ just announced a new haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights 2023, inspired by the hit videogame (and TV series) The Last of Us. Read on for today’s full press release.

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights dares guests to survive The Last of Us, as Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game comes to life – for the first time – as an all-new haunted house at both Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, September 1, and at Universal Studios Hollywood, beginning Thursday, September 7.

Set in a ravaged civilization, where Infected and hardened survivors run rampant, Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s “The Last of Us” video game, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has captivated audiences since its release. And now, guests can immerse themselves in a real-life experience that puts them directly into the game’s frightening world.

The Last of Us haunted houses on both coasts will propel guests into a world of carnage and mayhem as they follow in the footsteps of the game’s protagonists, Joel and Ellie, who endure a brutal journey in a world overtaken by a fungal virus that turns humans into various forms of a new threat known as the Infected. As guests encounter the Infected – Runners, Stalkers and Clickers – along with The Hunters, a band of hostile humans, they will need to navigate the Pittsburgh Quarantine Zone, including iconic locations from the video game such as the creepy and desolate The Hotel Grand and a labyrinth of dark and dank tunnels, in a desperate attempt to escape and survive.

“As a massive fan – and frequent attendee – of Halloween Horror Nights, we are honored to have ‘The Last of Us’ included in this year’s lineup. It has been an incredible thrill for us at Naughty Dog to collaborate with Universal, bringing the world of the game to life, focusing on even the tiniest details that our fans know so well,” Naughty Dog Co-President Neil Druckmann said. “Having just celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Last of Us, it’s a perfect time for our fans to team up with Joel and Ellie and come face-to-terrifying-face with Clickers, Raiders and much more!”

“We are excited to bring The Last of Us to life in a terrifying haunted house that is true to the spirit of this popular video game featuring our heroes, Joel and Ellie, Clickers and more,” said Lora Sauls, Assistant Director, Creative Development and Show Direction at Universal Orlando Resort. “The world inside the game offers a multitude of suspenseful and horrifying opportunities to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Halloween Horror Nights,” added John Murdy, Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Halloween Horror Nights 2023 will run select nights at Orlando September 1 through October 31, and at Hollywood September 7 through October 31. Click here to purchase tickets and packages.

A new Chucky house was previously announced for 2023, with eight more houses still to be revealed.

You can watch the official announcement video below, and look for more HHN house announcements over the coming months.

See all of our Halloween Horror Nights coverage here!

For more Halloween news, follow @HalloweenDaily.

Matt Artz

Founded Halloween Daily News in 2012 and the Halloween International Film Festival in 2016. Professional writer/journalist/photographer since 2000.