New ‘Stranger Things’ Squishmallows to Be Released as Netflix Sets Halloween Screenings, Themed Hub and More
Netflix is conjuring up an entire haunted house’s worth of ways for fans to celebrate Halloween, with a screening series, “Stranger Things” merch tie-ins including new Squishmallows, live experiences and costume suggestions. The push to keep viewers engaging with spooky content throughout the month, both in-person and on streaming, includes the new Netflix & Chills Halloween hub, headlined by videos that guide viewers through themed rows such as “Killer Costume Ideas” and “Halloween Party Playlist.”
On the merchandising front, Squishmallows is collaborating with the series to launch four new “Stranger Things”-inspired Squishmallow plush toys including Max Mayfield and Vecna exclusively on Walmart.com in November. Other merchandise inspired by the show includes a a life-sized 7-foot-tall inflatable Demogorgon, “Stranger Things” pumpkin decorating and carving kits and a Hellfire Club party bundle.
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The streamer is also celebrating “Stranger Things” with a Halloween screening event featuring the Season 2 Halloween episode “Trick or Treat, Freak” on Oct. 31 at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre. The event will include photo opps, treats, music, and giveaways.
Netflix is also encouraging fans to dress as their favorite characters from popular shows with a selection of themed costume ideas such as Emily Cooper of “Emily in Paris,” Luffy, Eleven and Jim Hopper, The Bridgerton Family, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and more.
A film series at the Egyptian Theatre, curated by the Duffer brothers, will screen “Ghostbusters,” “The Thing,” “The Shining” and “Poltergeist.” The series begins Oct. 15 with tickets available now on the Egyptian Theatre website. And at Pacific Palisades’ Bay Theater, a screening series brings fans witches, zombies, and ghouls, with films including “Hubie Halloween,” “The Witches” and more.
Opening in New York City on Oct. 11, Squid Game: The Experience will offer fans the opportunity to compete against friends and family while the Six Flags Fright Fests will feature new rides inspired by “Stranger Things” and Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead.”
Netflix points out that in October 2023, horror and horror-adjacent titles featured in the U.S. Top 10 list more than 20 times, with favorite including “The Fall of the House of Usher” Limited Series,” “Reptile,” and licensed programming such as “Casper,” “Get Out” and “Us.”
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