7 Years After TV Debut, Pennywise Almost Had His Own Ride at a Major Theme Park

The Legacy of Universal’s Horror Influence

Universal has long been synonymous with the horror genre, a reputation that stretches back to the studio’s earliest days. From classic monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula to iconic films such as Psycho and Jaws, Universal has consistently delivered unforgettable thrills and chills. This legacy extends beyond the silver screen into their theme parks, where attractions like Halloween Horror Nights have become global phenomena. Even the newly opened Monsters section at Florida’s Epic Universe continues this tradition of fear and fascination.

But before the world of Frankenstein and Dracula made their way to Orlando, another horror icon nearly became part of a terrifying attraction. Based on the world of Stephen King, this concept would have featured the 1990s version of Pennywise, played by Tim Curry, as a murderous theme park employee. The idea was so intense that it aimed to compete directly with Disney, but ultimately, Universal decided against building the ride.

A Rivalry That Spurred Innovation

The competition between Walt Disney Company and Universal is well-known. Their rivalry dates back to the early days of animation, including the infamous dispute over Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. However, the tension really escalated when Universal announced its expansion into Orlando with the opening of its Islands of Adventure. Soon after, Disney unveiled its own movie studio-themed park, raising the stakes in an already competitive market.

Both companies offered immersive experiences, featuring real movie production, studio tours, and cutting-edge attractions. They also partnered with influential filmmakers—Disney with George Lucas and Universal with Steven Spielberg. As the competition intensified, Universal sought to outdo Disney by bringing the world of Stephen King to life in a terrifying new way.

Stephen King’s Nightmare: A Scary Concept

Stephen King’s influence on horror is undeniable. From his debut novel Carrie to his many film adaptations, he has shaped the genre for decades. When Universal began planning its Orlando expansion, the idea of creating a Stephen King-based attraction emerged. The proposed experience, called Stephen King’s Nightmare, was meant to be one of the scariest rides ever built.

According to reports from Bloody Disgusting, the attraction would have combined some of King’s most chilling sequences. Guests would have experienced a series of scares before arriving at what appeared to be an unloading station. There, Pennywise would have revealed himself as the ride’s operator. Drawing inspiration from the elevator scene in The Shining, the ride would have shown blood splashing onto the platform before sending guests hurtling back into darkness.

This concept was far too gruesome for a family-friendly park. Although Universal had Halloween Horror Nights, which operates after hours with age restrictions, Stephen King’s Nightmare was intended to be a daytime attraction. Concerns about rider safety and maintenance led the company to abandon the idea.

Reusing the Ideas

Even though Stephen King’s Nightmare never came to fruition, many of its elements found their way into other Universal attractions. The idea of a fake unloading sequence was reused for Revenge of the Mummy, where guests arrive at a seemingly safe station only to be ambushed by the villain Imhotep.

In 2017, The Shining was brought to Halloween Horror Nights, featuring the bloody elevator scene that had once been part of the abandoned Pennywise ride. Meanwhile, Jack the Clown, a staple of HHN, shares many similarities with Pennywise in both appearance and behavior.

The Impact of the Decision

While it might have been exciting to see Pennywise come to life in the park, Universal’s decision to cancel the ride may have been the right one. The attraction was deemed too intense for daily operations, and its cancellation paved the way for other successful rides. For fans eager for more Pennywise action, Welcome to Derry will soon be available to stream on Max in the U.S. Until then, there are plenty of other horror experiences to explore.