Universal Orlando Releases a NEW Popcorn Bucket…and I'll Be Sleeping With One Eye Open From Now On

An international Universal horror icon has FINALLY made its way to Universal Orlando for Halloween Horror Nights!

©Universal Studios Japan

HHN fans across the globe have been getting their screams, thrills, and chills on for decades now thanks to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. Over the years, we’ve been introduced to icons that have been born from some of our worst nightmares that make up the theme of each year and wreak havoc among the season’s haunted houses, scare zones, food, and merchandise. But this year, HHN fans in Universal Orlando got a taste of an adorable, yet deadly international icon that won’t be soon forgotten!

When Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights started back in the 1990s as Universal’s Fright Nights, almost no one could have predicted the phenomenon it has grown into today. As the event has grown and changed over the years to now include a DOZEN haunted houses in Orlando, a terror tram attraction in Hollywood, and a year-round experience now available in Las Vegas, nothing quite compares to Universal’s horror nights that have gone international.

Halloween Horror Nights

For years, Universal Studios Japan has brought Halloween Horror Nights to fans looking for the dark and macabre who enjoy the sensations of screams in the night. In fact, it’s billed as one of Universal’s scariest experiences you will ever hope to have during a HHN event.

©Universal Studios Japan

So when Universal Studios Japan debuted a scarily cute icon named HamiKuma in 2022, fans went wild over this creature’s look. HamiKuma’s lore started as an innocent teddy bear who was once a cute side-show attraction in a traveling circus. Now, when you find HamiKuma performing, he’s a terrifying zombie teddy bear with a permanently open belly, holding the mysterious secrets of the underworld thanks to the possession of a Death Bringer demon without a soul.

©Universal Studios Japan

Now that you’re a bit more familiar with why everyone is fascinated with HamiKuma from Japan, in the years that I’ve been personally attending Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights in the U.S., I never thought we’d see a day come when HamiKuma would make his way into the States. But now, he’s finally here and has become the newest Universal popcorn bucket to make its debut!

HamiKuma popcorn bucket

I spotted this iconic popcorn bucket for sale on a recent visit to Universal Studios Florida during the daytime and knew right away it’d be an instant hit! He comes in his complete, terrifying (yet plastic) form and even has straps for carrying around the park.

Look into the face of terror

When I asked about his price, the Team Members said he’s $34; however, that might be on his own without popcorn, as there are also signs that say he’s priced at $39.99. If you’re looking for this international HHN icon for yourself, I’d recommend you do so soon, as there’s no telling how popular his popcorn bucket form will be here in Orlando.

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