A monstrous icon is coming to life in Los Angeles—and he’s bringing his goldfish.
Universal Studios Hollywood has unleashed the first-ever image of the fearsome beholder Xanathar and his beloved pet Sylgar ahead of the debut of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep, an all-new in-world experience launching exclusively at Universal Fan Fest Nights. The epic after-hours event kicks off April 25 and continues on select nights through May 18.
A Legendary Collaboration: Xanathar Comes to Life
The first look reveals a strikingly realistic, fully articulated Xanathar—an infamous eye tyrant and longtime fan-favorite from Dungeons & Dragons lore. Brought to life by the master craftsmen at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, this larger-than-life animatronic marvel blends cutting-edge puppetry with fantastical design. For over 40 years, the Creature Shop has led the industry in animatronics, puppetry, and digital effects, and their take on Xanathar is no exception.
The oversized blue Beholder, with his signature eyestalks, gaping maw, and hovering companion Sylgar in his fishbowl, is set to be the centerpiece of the Secrets of Waterdeep experience. Guests will encounter him as part of an immersive narrative that places them inside the Forgotten Realms, aligning with the Harpers spy network to thwart Xanathar’s devious plans to control the city of Waterdeep.
D&D’s World Comes Alive at Universal
Inspired by the “World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™” from Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, Secrets of Waterdeep is just one of many fantastical realms awaiting guests during Universal Fan Fest Nights. From sci-fi to fantasy and anime to gaming, the event transforms the theme park into a fandom utopia.
Attendees can cosplay (subject to guidelines), explore highly themed activations, and enjoy special meet-and-greet opportunities with characters from beloved properties including Star Trek, Back to the Future, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Wicked, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™.
Eat, Shop, Cosplay, Repeat
In true fan fest fashion, guests can indulge in limited-edition themed foods from Executive Chef Julia Thrash and shop for exclusive merchandise tied to each universe—including Dungeons & Dragons collectibles that are sure to be critical hits.
From interactive scavenger hunts in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to magical creature encounters in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, every corner of Universal Fan Fest Nights is packed with unforgettable experiences—and Xanathar’s lair promises to be one of its most legendary.
Select Attractions Open Nightly
In addition to the immersive activations, guests can also enjoy fan-favorite rides during the event, including:
- “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge”
- “Jurassic World—The Ride”
- “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride”
- “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™”
- “The Simpsons Ride™” and more.
Tickets for Universal Fan Fest Nights are now on sale at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Event dates include April 25–27; May 2–4, 9–11, and 15–18. For updates, follow @UniFanFestNights on Instagram and @UniStudios on Instagram and X. And be sure to tag us and we’ll reshare.
Will you brave the lair of Xanathar and unlock the secrets of Waterdeep? What fandom will you cosplay for your first night? And which in-world experience are you most excited to explore? Grab your tickets, ready your spells, and prepare to roll for initiative with us on social media!
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