Entertainment
Jason Voorhees Steps Into the Real World With New Interactive Halloween Attraction
Jason Voorhees is stepping out of the movies and into haunted attractions across nine U.S. cities. The new Jason Universe experience includes a terrifying walkthrough and a limited interactive add-on that lets guests direct Jason’s next attack.
The first-of-its-kind licensed Jason Universe experience will bring the “Friday the 13th” slasher to haunted attractions in Phoenix and eight other U.S. cities.
Horror fans may want to keep their flashlights close this Halloween. Jason Voorhees is leaving Crystal Lake and stepping into the world of live haunted entertainment.
Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group has partnered with Horror, Inc. to launch “Jason Universe: Survive the Night,”an officially licensed walkthrough attraction inspired by the Friday the 13th franchise. A separate, limited-capacity interactive experience called “Jason Universe: Director’s Cut” will allow guests to influence how part of the terrifying encounter unfolds.
The experiences are scheduled to appear during the 2026 Halloween season at select Thirteenth Floor attractions in Denver, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, Green Bay, Minneapolis, New Orleans and Nashville.
For Arizona horror fans, the inclusion of Phoenix means one of cinema’s most recognizable masked villains will be lurking close to home this fall.
Surviving a Night With Jason
“Jason Universe: Survive the Night” places visitors inside a dark, suspense-filled environment in which Jason can appear around virtually any corner. According to the attraction’s description, guests will try to make it through the night while the seemingly unstoppable slasher stalks them through the maze.
The experience promises close encounters with Jason’s battered hockey mask, relentless pursuit and the unsettling feeling that, no matter where guests turn, he is already waiting for them.
Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group says the collaboration is the first licensed Jason Universe haunted attraction of its kind. It combines the mythology and visual identity of Friday the 13th with the company’s large-scale sets, performers and immersive haunted-house production.
Guests Can Direct Jason’s Next Attack
The most unusual part of the attraction may be “Jason Universe: Director’s Cut,” an optional experience with extremely limited nightly availability.
Inside a rustic cabin, a camp counselor leads a small group to a control station featuring four choices: Panic, Slash, Strike and Stalk. Guests select how Jason will attack next, temporarily placing them in the director’s chair and giving them a hand in determining how the scene plays out.
The people inside the cabin may control one moment, but the attraction warns that Jason remains in charge of the rest of the night. Participants will receive a limited-edition “Jason Universe: Director’s Cut” patch as a collectible.
Chris Stafford, CEO and founding partner of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, said the collaboration grew from conversations about creating a Jason experience unlike anything fans had encountered before.
“We found an opportunity not only to bring the Jason Universe brand to guests across our attractions, but to create a first-of-its-kind licensed Jason Universe attraction that gives fans the opportunity to partake in an additional experience and choose their ending,” Stafford said in the announcement.
Robbie Barsamian, executive vice president at Horror, Inc., said the company has been looking for new ways to bring Jason to audiences through games, online projects and real-world experiences.
More Than Four Decades of Horror History
The original Friday the 13th opened in theaters in 1980 and helped establish the summer-camp slasher as a horror staple. Although Jason Voorhees was not yet the hockey-mask-wearing killer audiences would later recognize, the character eventually became the franchise’s defining figure.
Across sequels, television, games, comics, collectibles and Halloween costumes, Jason’s mask and machete became enduring symbols of the genre. The franchise ultimately expanded to 12 films, while Jason developed into one of horror’s most recognizable pop-culture characters.
Horror, Inc. launched the broader Jason Universe initiative in 2024 as a home for new projects connected to the franchise. Those projects include Crystal Lake, an upcoming television prequel series from A24.
The partnership with Thirteenth Floor represents another step in that expansion, transforming Jason from an on-screen threat into a physical presence that fans can encounter—and, for a moment, direct.
Tickets and Availability
Dates, participating venues, ticket prices and availability will vary by city. The “Director’s Cut” upgrade will have limited capacity each night, so interested fans may want to check availability early.
Additional information is available at ThirteenthFloor.com. Fans can also follow developments across the franchise at JasonUniverse.com.
This article is based on information provided by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group. Attraction details and availability are subject to change.
Source: Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, press release dated August 20, 2026.
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Entertainment
Bring History to Life with Experiences That Feel Real
Bring History to Life: Reading books and watching documentaries can be good ways to learn about history, but there’s something particularly meaningful about immersive experiences that allow you to step inside the stories that shaped the world.
Bring History to Life with Experiences That Feel Real
(Feature Impact) Reading books and watching documentaries can be good ways to learn about history, but there’s something particularly meaningful about immersive experiences that allow you to step inside the stories that shaped the world.
During a visit to the U-505 Submarine exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI), guests can literally step inside a historic German U-boat captured during World War II. In 1944, the U.S. Navy underwent a top-secret mission to disarm and take over one of the German submarines that wreaked havoc on the high seas, attacking not just military vessels but merchant ships and supply ships as well.
Watch this video to see more:
“The mission was a dangerous one, as U-boat captains were under strict orders to sink their own subs if they were in danger of capture,” said Dr. Voula Saridakis, head curator at Griffin MSI, “but the U.S. Navy managed to take over the vessel and keep it afloat long enough to reach American shores. There, they studied it to gather German military secrets and other intelligence items, like the codebreaking Enigma Machine now on display at Griffin MSI.”
As you tour the submarine, you’ll experience firsthand what life was really like on board. Climb through the hatch, picture yourself bunking for the night in the cramped sleeping quarters, take a turn trying to maneuver the submarine while dodging torpedoes and imagine the bravery of the American soldiers who risked themselves on a perilous mission to capture the vessel and help turn the tide of the war.
There are many important lessons to glean from history, and they’re often easier to understand when presented in a tangible way. Planning visits to museum exhibits and historical sites allows you to stand where others have stood, see what they’ve seen and connect your human experience with theirs. Parents, children, educators, students and people of all ages can find something to inspire them in these stories.
Learn more about bringing history and science to life at GriffinMSI.org.
SOURCE:
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Entertainment
Patrick Stewart, Beloved Star of Star Trek and X-Men, Dies at 86
Sir Patrick Stewart, beloved for his performances as Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Professor Charles Xavier, has died at 86, leaving a lasting legacy across television, film and theater.
Entertainment News Brief
Sir Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed actor best known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died at 86.
Stewart died October 28 at his home in Los Angeles, according to a statement from his spokesperson reported by Reuters. The announcement said he had been living with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia and was with his wife, Sunny Ozell.
Stewart brought a commanding presence and a thoughtful approach to leadership to Star Trek: The Next Generation, which aired from 1987 to 1994. He later continued Picard’s story in feature films and returned for Star Trek: Picard.
His career also encompassed Shakespearean theater, including work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He was knighted in 2010 for his contributions to drama.
For generations of viewers, Stewart helped make science fiction a place to explore questions of responsibility, compassion and humanity.
Sources
● Reuters: Patrick Stewart, Shakespearean actor turned Star Trek and X-Men star, dies at 86
● ABC News: Patrick Stewart dies at 86
video games
Monster Energy and Call of Duty Take Over Cosm Los Angeles for Immersive Modern Warfare 4 Celebration
Monster Energy brought celebrities, athletes, and gaming creators together at Cosm Los Angeles for an immersive Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launch celebration featuring live gameplay, competitive matches, and exclusive fan experiences.
Celebrities, professional athletes, gaming creators, and fans gathered in Inglewood for an action-packed celebration featuring immersive gameplay, exclusive experiences, and a massive 12K LED dome.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The worlds of gaming, entertainment, and action sports collided in spectacular fashion on October 23, 2026, as Monster Energy transformed Cosm Los Angeles into an immersive gaming destination to celebrate the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
The event brought together celebrities, professional athletes, content creators, and enthusiastic gamers for an evening filled with competitive gameplay, interactive attractions, and exclusive experiences inspired by the popular video game franchise.
At the center of the celebration was Cosm’s impressive 87-foot-diameter, 12K+ LED dome, which surrounded attendees with larger-than-life visuals, creating an environment designed to bring the excitement of Call of Duty beyond traditional television and computer screens.
Hollywood Meets the Gaming World
The launch celebration attracted a diverse lineup of personalities from entertainment, sports, and gaming.
Among the notable attendees were actors O’Shea Jackson Jr., Trevor Jackson, and Khleo Thomas, rapper Symba, social media personality Lin Lamar, also known as Pinkchyu, and Monster Energy-sponsored UFC fighters Johnny Walker and Jalin Turner.
Khleo Thomas made a memorable entrance aboard a Polaris Slingshot, adding another element of excitement to an event already packed with high-energy entertainment.
The gathering demonstrated how major video game releases have evolved beyond traditional product launches into multimedia entertainment experiences that attract audiences from several industries.
Immersive Gameplay and Competitive Action
Fans lined up around the block to participate in the celebration, which featured a live edition of The Flank, hosted by ZooMaa and Ben Nissim.
The program included an interview with Infinity Ward developer Jacky Reynolds and the announcement of the Call of Duty League Launch Invitational groups.
Another highlight was a special gameplay showcase featuring Modern Warfare 4’s DMZ mode, presented by Infinity Ward game designer Roman Spazafumo.
Competitive gaming took center stage as entertainers, athletes, and gaming personalities participated in two-versus-two matches.
Participants included gaming creators Jericho, Jaybroski, and Tyler Rizzi, UFC fighter Johnny Walker, and Los Angeles Football Club star Denis Bouanga.
Fans also had opportunities to test their gaming abilities during king-of-the-hill competitions.
Monster Energy’s professional skateboarders joined the action, with Ishod Wair, Filipe Mota, and Elliot Sloan temporarily trading their skateboards for gaming controllers.
Bringing the Battlefield Into the Real World
Beyond the virtual action, the event featured physical displays inspired by the Call of Duty universe.
Attendees encountered a real-world presentation of the Monster Energy Operator Skin, along with a collection of Polaris vehicles.
Among the vehicles displayed was the Polaris DAGOR, a military-inspired off-road vehicle featured in Modern Warfare 4.
The combination of real-world vehicles, interactive attractions, and Cosm’s enormous display helped create an atmosphere that connected elements of the game with tangible experiences.
“With Call of Duty, we’re always looking for ways to push the experience beyond the screen,” said Jordi Gayola, chief marketing officer of the Americas at Monster Energy.
Gayola explained that bringing the celebration to Cosm provided an opportunity to place fans, athletes, and creators directly into the action while combining gaming culture with Monster Energy’s broader entertainment partnerships.
Gaming, Food, and Exclusive Experiences
The immersive celebration extended beyond competitive gaming.
Guests received exclusive merchandise giveaways and enjoyed interactive attractions throughout the venue.
Even the food reflected the event’s creative atmosphere.
The menu featured Korean-inspired selections, including kimchi mandu, Korean corn cheese nachos, and gochujang-glazed wings.
Complimentary Monster Energy beverages were also available throughout the event.
Together, the food, entertainment, and interactive activities helped create a festival-like atmosphere centered on gaming culture.
Monster Energy and Call of Duty Extend Their Partnership
The celebration also highlighted an ongoing promotional partnership between Monster Energy and Call of Duty, scheduled to continue through March 31, 2027.
Under the promotion, consumers can earn in-game rewards by purchasing qualifying Monster Energy beverages.
According to Monster Energy, eligible purchases include Monster Energy Original Green, Zero Sugar, and Zero Ultra.
Each qualifying can provides 15 minutes of Double XP, while additional rewards available through the first five qualifying cans include:
- An exclusive Large Decal
- Two weapon blueprints
- Two Operator Skins
The partnership also includes four Monster Energy and Polaris vehicle sweepstakes at participating 7-Eleven, Hy-Vee, QuikTrip, and RTG retail locations.
Eligible consumers can enter through retailer-specific QR codes displayed in participating stores. Promotion rules, eligibility requirements, and restrictions apply.
Fans interested in learning more about the promotion can visit the official Monster Energy and Call of Duty promotional website.
A New Era of Immersive Gaming Entertainment?
The Cosm Los Angeles celebration illustrates an increasingly important trend in the entertainment industry: the convergence of video games, professional sports, celebrity culture, and immersive technology.
Gaming events are no longer limited to conventions, competitive tournaments, or traditional launch parties.
Venues featuring advanced visual technology, such as Cosm’s massive LED dome, provide new opportunities for publishers and entertainment brands to create shared experiences that bring digital worlds into physical spaces.
For fans, these events offer something that cannot easily be replicated at home: the opportunity to experience their favorite games alongside celebrities, professional athletes, gaming personalities, and fellow enthusiasts.
As gaming continues to influence mainstream entertainment, events like the Monster Energy and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launch celebration could offer a glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment.
Whether through immersive venues, live competitions, or collaborations between major brands, the line separating video games from traditional entertainment continues to evolve.
And for the fans who gathered in Inglewood, the celebration provided an opportunity to experience that convergence firsthand.
About Cosm Los Angeles
Located in Inglewood, California, Cosm Los Angeles is an immersive entertainment venue featuring a massive dome-shaped LED display designed for shared viewing experiences.
Its technology allows audiences to experience sports, entertainment, and other visual presentations in a panoramic environment that creates the sensation of being surrounded by the action.
About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is a global energy drink brand known for its partnerships with athletes, musicians, motorsports organizations, action sports personalities, and gaming communities.
The company regularly sponsors events and experiences connecting fans with entertainment, sports, and popular culture.
https://callofduty.monsterenergy.com/en-us
Source: Monster Energy press release, October 25, 2026.
Photo Credit: Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Monster Energy.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on information provided by Monster Energy in its October 25, 2026, press release. Event details and promotional offers are attributed to the company.
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