On Saturday Huff Post Gay Voices featured a story about a show at Universal Studios' "Halloween Horror Nights" titled "Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure." The production came under fire from several media outlets for reportedly including homophobic and racist stereotypes, as well as jokes about rape and a Superman character who is sprinkled with "fairy dust" and then allegedly becomes gay.
As GLAAD reports, Universal Studios announced on Tuesday that the show has been canceled. The company released a statement informing the public that "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."
Universal Studios also removed a clip from the show which featured the gay Superman character from YouTube.
On Monday, before the show had been canceled, a spokesperson for Universal Studios told the Advocate:
[Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure] appears during "Halloween Horror Nights" in limited run and is specifically intended to be shocking and satirical in tone, focusing on adult themes. The show lampoons across all areas of our culture and it was not our intention to offend or upset anyone. We know there are a range of opinions on this issue and we will respect them as we consistently review and refine the show's content.
Vice, the media outlet that originally broke the story, highlighted not only the homophobic instances in the production but its reportedly racist portrayals and use of rape jokes.
Vice reported that at one point a character playing "Wreck-It Ralph" beat the show's "Amanda Bynes" and "Nicki Minaj" characters into unconsciousness. He then reportedly slung "Minaj" over his shoulder as he walked off stage and "[gestured] toward Nicki's ass and [said] 'I'm gonna wreck it.'"
Following the abrupt end of "Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure," Vice published an article that called the move a "massive overreaction" and stated Universal Studios should have "simply cutting out the homophobic and racist parts."
Some people completely support Universal Studios' decision:
Others, however, were less than thrilled:
Change the name of @Glaad to "The No Fun Homos" Shutting down Bill and Ted over a gay superman joke? Really? It's a fucking joke! #fags
— Stoned In EPCOT (@StonedInEPCOT) October 24, 2013
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