Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Show has become something of a regular tradition at Universal Studios Hollywood: a comedic live performance, usually featuring a variety of other pop culture characters, that frequently runs as part of the park's Halloween festivities. This year's show joined other Halloween attractions, such as a maze inspired by The Walking Dead.

The 2013 Bill & Ted show attracted media attention following the publication of a Vice article criticising both the show's quality and its depiction of gay characters. The article explains "a witch accidentally sprinkles Superman with fairy dust, turning him gay", and then sees the superhero adopt a number of stereotypical homosexual traits.

The writer goes on to explain "Superman's voice and posture changes. His lips purse, his toes point inward, and his wrists become limp. His new voice sounds like a homophobic uncle doing a drunken impression of Richard Simmons, complete with lisps and frequent use of the word 'faaaaaaabulous!' [Bill and Ted's] initial excitement at having Superman with them on their quest turns to disappointment". The article also accuses the show of perpetuating various racial stereotypes.

Universal Hollywood has now chosen to close the show, with the park's Halloween website stating "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".

GLAAD has praised the move, with spokesperson Wilson Cruz stating "NBCUniversal has taken quick and strong action regarding this matter and also started a productive dialogue around future 'Bill & Ted' programming to ensure that all park visitors can have an enjoyable experience. This decision falls in line with NBCUniversal's history of including groundbreaking and positive depictions of LGBT people across its brands".

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)