Universal Reveals Halloween Horror Nights Previews and Panels for Midsummer Scream 2026

Universal Brings Monsters, HamiKuma, HHN Sneak Peeks and Exclusive Merch to Midsummer Scream 2026

Universal is going all-in on horror at Midsummer Scream in Long Beach this weekend, packing its booth with exclusive merchandise, character appearances, artist signings, panels, photo ops and an early look at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. Collectors will have plenty to hunt down, with new Universal Monsters merchandise from NECA, BoxLunch, Loungefly, Monster High and Whatever! Makes You Happy, plus new Halloween II collectibles featuring Michael Myers.

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Among the reveals are an Ultimate Invisible Man action figure from NECA, Loungefly Invisible Man backpack and wallet, Monster High x Universal Monsters collector dolls, new Funko Halloween II figures and a Monster High x Halloween II collector doll. Some items are getting their first-ever release at Midsummer Scream, including HamiKuma pins on Friday, BoxLunch Dark Zodiac denim jackets, and Universal Monsters blind box bag charms available Saturday and Sunday. HamiKuma is also making the trip from Universal Studios Japan for meet-and-greets Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. PT and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. PT, while Bride of Frankenstein, Frankenstein and Dracula will roam the Universal booth throughout Saturday.

Fans can also catch exclusive signings with Dark Zodiac artist Dan Kuhlken on Saturday and Halloween Horror Nights Creative Director and Executive Producer John Murdy on Sunday. Programming throughout the weekend digs deeper into Universal horror, including a Saturday panel exploring how classic horror characters are transformed into collectible dolls, a Sunday discussion about keeping Universal Horror Unleashed Las Vegas fresh for repeat visitors, and a Las Vegas haunted attractions panel featuring leaders from Universal Horror Unleashed and other Sin City haunts. The Hall of Shadows is also getting a dose of Vegas terror with “Universal Horror Unleashed: Dead Famous,” bringing characters and frightening photo ops inspired by the year-round Las Vegas horror experience to Long Beach all weekend.

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One of the biggest moments arrives Sunday at 5 p.m. PT when John Murdy takes the stage for the Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights panel, promising fans a sneak peek at this year’s event and its new haunted houses. Between rare merch, classic Monsters, HamiKuma and fresh HHN details, Universal is turning Midsummer Scream into a monster-sized weekend for horror fans. If all this screaming has you ready to plan a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, our partners at Get Away Today can help you scare up the perfect vacation.

Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney or Universal Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

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