Universal Studios axes Halloween show over gay Superman jokes

Earlier this week, we reported on the backlash over Universal Studios’ annual Halloween show, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure, after everyone found out that the show was filled with some pretty homophobic/racist/reference-heavy jokes.

Naturally, it didn’t take long before Universal Studios decided to cut its losses and axe the whole show. I know, I’m sure most of you are simply crushed. I know I had my heart set on gay Superman jokes, but . . . well, them’s the breaks.

According to The National Post, Universal Studios released a statement regarding the show’s cancellation, saying, “After thoughtful consideration, Universal Studios Hollywood has made the decision to discontinue production of the Halloween Horror Nights’ Bill & Ted show for the remainder of its limited run.”

At the risk of sounding like the humourless fun-police here: meh. Can’t say I’m sad to see it go. Look, there’s nothing wrong with jokes about the LGBT community, as long as the person telling them is (to borrow a term from from my Second City writing teacher) operating at the height of their intelligence. If you’re going to use gay and racist humour to pander to your audience and then fill in the rest of the show with reference-heavy humour that doesn’t actually extrapolate from its starting point . . . well, maybe you just wrote a bad show. It happens. Just drop it and move on to the next bit.

Keep Reading

Six members of the Rideau Speedeaus hold a sign with the league's name on it in front of a pool

Queer sports leagues offer safety and joy

Recreational sports leagues across Canada are offering LGBTQ2S+ people something essential: the freedom to just show up and play
The cover of 'I Remember Lights'; Ben Ladouceur

‘I Remember Lights’ is a time machine trip to Montreal’s gay past

Ben Ladouceur’s rigorously researched new novel is romantic, harrowing and transportive
A black and white photo of speakers at a rally; a sign that says "Love and Let Love" hangs behind them

‘Parade’ invites us to embrace queer history to tackle the present

Noam Gonick’s new documentary turns the spotlight on Canada’s long-overlooked LGBTQ2S+ activists to tell their stories
Countess Luann holding a microphone

Countess Luann on cabaret superstardom, Kenya Moore and life after ‘The Real Housewives’

“Elegance is learned, my friends,” and the Countess’s class is in session