Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights fans who missed HamiKuma last year are getting another shot. The beloved zombified bear — originally the Halloween Horror Nights mascot from Universal Studios Japan — will host a meet and greet at Universal Studios Florida this season, marking his long-awaited Orlando debut after skipping a personal appearance there in 2025.
Last year, HamiKuma made his U.S. premiere but ended up appearing in person only at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Horror Unleashed, while Universal Orlando guests had to settle for his merchandise. This time around, Orlando guests will be able to meet the character inside Five & Dime at Universal Studios Florida. Universal Studios Hollywood will also bring HamiKuma back for a meet and greet at select times.
For those unfamiliar with the character's lore, HamiKuma's backstory is delightfully dark. Originally a sideshow act in a traveling circus, he was attacked by jealous fellow performers who slashed open his belly and then burned down the big top to cover their tracks — killing the bear in the process. In the afterlife, a parasitic demon called Death Bringer took up residence in HamiKuma's hollowed-out belly, giving him eternal life but leaving his soul behind.
The character has evolved into several distinct iterations over the years: HamiKuma Soul represents his soul trapped in the afterlife, HamiKuma Punk channels his anger and resentment, and HamiKuma Candy embodies his greed. Each version brings its own unsettling personality to the Halloween Horror Nights experience.
This story was first reported by WDWNT.
