The Frighteners was first released in July of 1996. Despite shaky box office results, the film was a solid addition to Peter Jackson's then-budding resume. To this day, the film enjoys a cult following and a robust online fandom. And that is because is it not just another horror-comedy; it cleverly combines the scares and the laughs while weaving in a story of a grieving man learning to use his gifts for the right reasons, a rich mythos about the tiny town of Fairwater, incredible performances from each actor, and a surprisingly tender love story that is beautifully acted out by Michael J. Fox and Trini Alvarado.

You would think that with those credentials, that Universal would have themed one of their Halloween Horror Night haunted houses after this movie, right? Wrong. In 1996, the year that the film was released, there were three themed haunted houses during the Universal Halloween Horror Nights promotion; none of them were themed to The Frighteners. Nor has there been anything themed to The Frighteners in the past twenty-nine years. No themed rides, no face characters, nothing.

But, with the thirtieth anniversary coming up next year, Universal has an opportunity. Not only could they have a Frighteners-themed haunted house, but they could hold a whole host of attractions related to this incredibly underrated film.

Suggestions include:

• Character Meet-And-Greets: Frank Bannister and Lucy Lynskey would be great face characters to interact with and for photo ops. And Universal Creative would utilize cutting-edge technology to recreate the spectral characters from the film (i.e. Cyrus and Stuart, the Judge) so that the guests can interact with them, as well.
• Rides: With their skill in immersing parkgoers in another world, Universal could create a ride or two dedicated to The Frighteners. Say, a simulator (not to dissimilar to the now-defunct Back to the Future ride) where you are Frank Bannister's spirit form, flying over Fairwater to save Lucy from the clutches of both Milton Dammers and the Soul Collector. Or a dark ride that takes you on a spooky tour through Fairwater's more seedy, supernatural side. Even a rollercoaster!
• Stage Show: Maybe a stage show that demonstrates the film's innovative special effects. Or something more interactive that utilizes performers as the film's characters.

I know that it may seem strange to be begging for attractions based off of a thirty-year-old movie that didn't break even during it's original theatrical run. But it has still found it's way into the hearts of many fans, has been included on lists detailing underrated horror films, and has since developed a decent following. And, if you consider the following reasons, it might not seem that strange anymore.

• The Frighteners is yet another film under Universal's domain that stars Michael J. Fox. Not only could Universal use this connection between this film and the still highly lucrative Back to the Future franchise to drum up interest, but this could also help push Universal into the direction of once again giving the trilogy a focus in the parks. And with Universal once again including Ghostbusters in the parks, that's another marketing opportunity that I don't think they should miss.
• Even if the film didn't break even at the box office, the true following began when it hit the shelves of yesteryear's Blockbuster. Many fans who grew up in the 90s and remember renting the VHS tape will be thrilled to come to Universal and experience this film in a way that they never could before.
• Even if Universal decides to only focus on The Frighteners during Halloween Horror Nights, it would fit right into the theme. And with the upcoming opening of the year-round Horror Unleashed park in Las Vegas, it can still find a way to enjoy a year-round life.
• This film was Peter Jackson's next entry on his resume following the success of Heavenly Creatures and right before his involvement with the Lord of the Rings franchise, but it has since been forgotten. Not only would any Frighteners-themed attraction drum up interest into his other offerings to audiences, it would give him a broader identity than the "Lord of the Rings guy."

I hope that there are others out there who feel the same as I do about this film. And I sincerely hope that Universal listens to us and, one day, we can claim a place in the parks along with Harry Potter or with the Minions.