If you haven’t heard by now, Stranger Things will be descending upon Universal Studios Singapore. The eighth edition of Halloween Horror Nights (HHN8) will feature a haunted house themed after the Netflix smash hit, and re-creates 12 iconic scenes from Season One. We got a sneak peek at the media preview, and trust us when we say that the attention to detail is mind-blowing. Naturally. After all, replicating the sets meant that the USS team, which has been prepping for this since a year ago, had to rigorously follow a set of guidelines and production stills provided by Netflix, and watch the sci-fi thriller series countless times over. But enough talk. Here’s a glimpse of some of the things you can expect when you set foot into Hawkins.

The journey in Hawkins kicks off outside the Byers home, where Will Byers has abandoned his bike. Look out for hints of the Demogorgon lurking nearby. But where exactly?

Scurry along to the Byers living room where you’ll meet a distraught Joyce Byers, played by Winona Ryder on the small screen, and this convincing scare-actor in HHN8. The oh-so-80s print on the wallpaper and other garish furnishings are exactly the same as what you’d find in the series — these were produced by USS based on a sample print provided by Netflix. It looks so authentic that you may be tempted to linger on for an Instagram opp. But there isn’t time to stop because stranger things have yet to happen. Plus, we doubt Joyce is in the mood for a selfie.

Trundle through the hallway (and if you’ve been to HHN before, you’ll know hallways are never safe) and you’ll find this familiar ‘No Trespassing’ sign outside Will’s room. Inside, lights are a-flickering. If you remember this scene where Holly follows the lights to look for Will, you’ll know that the darn Demogorgon is still close by. This isn’t even halfway through the journey, but you’ll feel like you’re living the life of Mike, Dustin and co. already.

Of course we’re not going to tell you where. What we can reveal is that the Demogorgon suit (seen here backstage with the rest of the costumes) is the key element that had to be similar across the board, that is, Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando, where Stranger Things will come to life. The Demogorgon suit took a month to craft and colour in the US. We’re told that the headpiece is so heavy that the scare-actor has to wear a helmet underneath to help sustain the weight.

Is that a sensory deprivation tank we spy? Where’s Eleven and co.? This is a major point in the show, and there will be ominous things happening here. But this is just, how shall we put it, the appetiser before the main course... because if you’ve always wondered what it feels like to be in the Upside Down, you won’t be disappointed. Just keep walking.

The penultimate scene of chaos takes place in the school, we’re told. And HHN8 producers have upped their game by turning the hallowed hallways of the school into a maze “so you don’t know where your next scare is coming from”. Yup, you’ll have nightmares about school… all over again.

Periodic tables will be the last thing on your mind when the paranormal and supernatural get involved at HHN8. We still got our fair share of scares at the media preview, even though not all 21 scare actors were activated for this teaser.

Pro-tip: It’s probably best to get a refresher before you head down to HHN8, but fret not if you don’t have the time to Netflix and kill. Twenty-minute clips, especially those featured at USS, will be screened outside at the queue. And since long lines are de rigueur at HHN (up to two hours!), we’re pretty sure re-watching Stranger Things beats refreshing your Instagram feed for the umpteenth time while you wait.

Halloween Horror Nights 8 is on at Universal Studios Singapore from Sep 27 to Oct 31. For tickets and more info, go to www.halloweenhorrornights.com.sg.

Photos: Ealbert Ho