One of the most unique things about Curry Barker’s Obsession is that it forces the viewer to reckon with the fact that Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette, isn’t actually the villain. She’s put in the position of the antagonist, but she’s an unwilling participant, almost like a voodoo doll being propelled to do things she doesn’t want to do.
In another horror movie, that might make for one interesting scene. In Obsession, it’s essentially the entire movie.
That makes the whole “Freaky Nikki” phenomenon kind of uncomfortable and, when you really think about it, maybe even a little insulting to Nikki. She’s a victim! But this is a horror movie; Nikki has become an instant icon, and we’re absolutely going to see a whole lot of Freaky Nikkis walking around this Halloween.
Now Universal is getting in on the craze.
Over the weekend, it was revealed to Dread Central that Nikki will make her debut at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights this fall as a roaming character, meaning guests can encounter their very own Freaky Nikki while making their way through the event.
For me, Halloween Horror Nights is already the premier kickoff to the Halloween season and one of my absolute favorite things to do every year. Part of what makes the event so much fun is walking from haunt to haunt and suddenly encountering recognizable horror characters roaming through the fog. Nikki joining that tradition feels like a pretty incredible acknowledgment of just how quickly Obsession has broken through with horror fans.
And she’s not the only popular face coming to Halloween Horror Nights.
Art the Clown is returning in a new capacity this year, with the Terrifier icon taking over Universal Studios Hollywood’s legendary Terror Tram. The new experience sends guests onto the Universal backlot for Art’s own completely deranged Christmas celebration, with music from Ice Nine Kills.
The infamous Terror Tram returns with an all-new host, Art the Clown in “Terror Tram starring Art the Clown.” When the demented killer arrives to the historic Universal backlot with his blood-soaked bag of presents, he realizes it is too early for Christmas and hijacks the tram for his own holiday celebration. Metal band Ice Nine Kills will create new music for the experience, putting a dark twist on classic Christmas songs. In addition, guests who think they escaped Art’s chaos on the backlot may find themselves encountering him in the theme park as he lurks in the most unsuspecting of places.
For those who have never experienced it, the Terror Tram is one of the coolest parts of the Hollywood version of Halloween Horror Nights. Guests leave the tram and actually walk portions of Universal’s historic backlot, which are transformed into a massive outdoor horror experience. This year, apparently, Art gets the keys.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights this fall. This year’s announced lineup already includes Evil Dead Burn, Hellraiser, Stranger Things 5 and Sinners, among others.
So somewhere between the haunted houses, Art the Clown’s blood-soaked Terror Tram and Freaky Nikki obsessing over unsuspecting guests in the streets, Universal is giving horror fans plenty of reasons to get excited for Halloween early this year.
