Behold! Xanathar Materializes at Universal Fan Fest Nights

Prepare to tremble, adventurers! The legendary beholder Xanathar, a name whispered in fear throughout the Forgotten Realms, has made a grand entrance into the real world. Universal Studios Hollywood has just unveiled the very first look at this iconic Dungeons & Dragons villain, brought to life in breathtaking detail by the masterminds at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop for their upcoming Universal Fan Fest Nights event, “Secrets of Waterdeep.”

Yes, you read that right. The infamous eye tyrant, along with his beloved (and often endangered) goldfish Sylgar, is no longer confined to the pages of rulebooks and adventure modules. He’s here, in all his monstrous glory, ready to become the centerpiece of an all-new, immersive experience kicking off exclusively at Universal Fan Fest Nights. This epic after-hours event begins on April 25th and continues on select nights through May 18th.

A Legendary Collaboration Brings a Legend to Life

Universal Fan Fest Nights is pulling out all the stops, and their collaboration with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop is nothing short of spectacular. For over four decades, the Creature Shop has been at the forefront of animatronics, puppetry, and digital effects, and their rendition of Xanathar is a testament to their unparalleled artistry.

The first glimpse reveals a stunningly realistic and fully articulated Xanathar. This larger-than-life animatronic marvel captures every terrifying detail of the beholder, from his oversized blue body and signature array of eyestalks to his gaping maw. And of course, no Xanathar would be complete without his precious Sylgar, suspended in his fishbowl, ever-present by his master’s side.

Step Inside the Secrets of Waterdeep

Guests venturing into the “Secrets of Waterdeep” experience will find themselves immersed in the heart of the Forgotten Realms. The narrative will thrust them into the role of allies within the Harpers spy network, tasked with thwarting Xanathar’s nefarious schemes to seize control of the bustling city of Waterdeep. Encountering this magnificent, many-eyed villain firsthand promises to be an unforgettable experience.

A Fandom Utopia Awaits

Universal Fan Fest Nights isn’t just about Dungeons & Dragons; it’s a celebration of all things fandom! Inspired by the “World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™” from Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, “Secrets of Waterdeep” is just one of the many fantastical realms awaiting attendees. The event will transform the theme park into a haven for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and gaming.

Prepare to don your best cosplay (within guidelines, of course!), explore intricately themed activations, and seize special meet-and-greet opportunities with characters from beloved franchises like Star Trek, Back to the Future, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Wicked, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™.

And what’s a fan fest without exclusive goodies? Executive Chef Julia Thrash will be crafting limited-edition themed foods, and exclusive merchandise tied to each universe – including must-have Dungeons & Dragons collectibles – will be available for purchase.

From interactive scavenger hunts in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to magical creature encounters in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, every corner of Universal Fan Fest Nights promises unforgettable moments. But make no mistake, braving Xanathar’s lair and uncovering the secrets of Waterdeep is poised to be a truly legendary highlight.

Plus, select fan-favorite rides will also be open nightly during the event!

So, will you dare to face Xanathar and unravel the secrets of Waterdeep?

Tickets are available now via Universal Hollywood Website