Tim Curry’s Legendary Transformation in Ridley Scott’s Legend (Ep. 117)

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey round up the latest Universal news, including Halloween Horror Nights rehearsals, Hamikuma’s arrival in Orlando, Dufftoberfest in Springfield, and new developments tied to Fast & Furious on both coasts. They also look at Universal Studios Hollywood’s new backlot photo experience and what may be ahead for The Simpsons during Halloween Horror Nights. Then Jim remembers Tim Curry with the story behind Ridley Scott’s Legend, from its Disney-inspired origins to Curry’s demanding transformation into the Lord of Darkness.

NEWS

• Halloween Horror Nights rehearsals suggest Sinners and Stranger Things could be among the event’s biggest draws.

• Hamikuma, Universal Japan’s zombie bear mascot, makes his way to Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando.

• The Deathly Afraid necklace returns for HHN 2026 with a 35th anniversary design.

• Dufftoberfest brings seasonal Duff Beer back to Springfield, U.S.A., while Simpsons Halloween offerings hint at more to come.

• Universal continues work on Fast & Furious attractions while Hollywood adds a new backlot photo experience.

FEATURE

• Jim looks back at Tim Curry’s performance as Darkness in Ridley Scott’s 1986 fantasy Legend.

• Scott originally envisioned the film as an elaborate live-action fantasy inspired by the mood and imagery of classic Disney animation.

• Curry’s Darkness makeup involved extensive prosthetics, massive horns, stilts, and hours in the makeup chair each day.

• The production went through multiple cuts and different musical scores before developing a cult following in the years after its release.