Buddy the Unicorn appeared outside Universal Studios Hollywood during the opening night of Halloween Horror Nights on September 3, 2026. Universal personnel later told the character to leave the property.
The appearance drew attention because Buddy is the title character of the 2026 horror-comedy film Buddy. The character appeared near the theme park as guests arrived for Halloween Horror Nights.
Kicked Out
Around 1 p.m. on September 3, the Buddy X account teased that Buddy would be at Halloween Horror Nights to greet guests at 7 p.m.
Buddy did not enter Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal CityWalk. Instead, the character appeared on a parking garage bridge and interacted with people attending the event.
A video later shared by Buddy showed an encounter with Universal management. Management told Buddy to leave and said the sheriff’s department was on the way. Buddy’s social media post said personnel had told the character that costumes were not allowed at Halloween Horror Nights.
they said no costumes allowed at @horrornights, but i’m a unicorn 🦄#HHN #UniversalHHN #Buddy pic.twitter.com/MOcUlM0Jvw
— BuddytheUnicorn (@Buddy_The_Uni) September 4, 2026
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Buddy responded with a joke, arguing that it was a unicorn rather than someone wearing a costume.
After leaving Universal property, Buddy appeared at nearby public locations. The character held signs that read “Security Kicked Me Out!” and “Honk if u <3 Buddy,”
Who Is Buddy the Unicorn?
Buddy is the central character in the 2026 film Buddy, directed by Casper Kelly. Kelly also co-wrote the screenplay with Jamie King. It was released August 28, 2026.
The movie follows a bright orange unicorn who hosts a 1990s-style, children’s television program called It’s Buddy!. The story centers on children trapped inside the show’s world as they try to escape.
Keegan-Michael Key provides the voice of Buddy. The cast also includes Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Topher Grace, Michael Shannon and Patton Oswalt.
The Sundance Film Festival selected Buddy for its 2026 program.
The film premiered at Sundance in January 2026. Roadside Attractions and Saban Films acquired North American distribution rights before its theatrical release.
Halloween Horror Nights
Halloween Horror Nights is a seasonal, after-hours Halloween event held at Universal theme parks.
This year’s lineup includes haunted houses based on properties such as Sinners, Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser and Evil Dead Burn.
The announcement image for Stranger Things 5 at Halloween Horror Nights 35 – Universal
The event also features original haunted houses, including KILLceañera: Music by SLASH and Dead, Deader, Deadest.
Other parts of the 2026 event include scare zones, live entertainment, and Halloween-themed food and beverages during the event.
Halloween Horror Nights requires a separate ticket from regular daytime admission. At Universal Studios Hollywood, the 2026 event runs on select nights from September 3 through November 1.
Buddy the Unicorn and Halloween Horror Nights
The incident gave the newly released Buddy character a little more exposure at Halloween Horror Nights just days after the release of the film.
Halloween Horror Nights continues on select nights through November 1, according to Universal’s published 2026 schedule.
What do you think of Buddy the Unicorn getting kicked out? Sound off and let us know your thoughts.
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