Tremors (franchise)

Last updated

Tremors
Tremors - Complete Collection boxset artwork.jpg
Official U.S. DVD collection cover
Created by
Original work Tremors (1990)
Owner Universal Pictures
Years1990–present
Films and television
Film(s) List of films
Television series Tremors (2003)
Games
Video game(s) List of video games

The Tremors franchise consists of a series of American monster comedy-horror films and a spin-off television show, with a plot centered around attacks from subterranean worm-like creatures known as Graboids. It began in 1990 with the release of Tremors , which spawned a series of direct-to-video films and a television series. A second television series was ordered to air on Syfy, and a pilot was shot for the spring of 2018, but the project was ultimately cancelled. [1]

Contents

Films

FilmU.S. release dateDirector(s)Screenwriter(s)Story byProducer(s)
Tremors January 19, 1990 Ron Underwood Brent Maddock and S. S. Wilson Ron Underwood and Brent Maddock and S. S. Wilson Gale Anne Hurd, Brent Maddock and S. S. Wilson
Tremors 2: Aftershocks April 9, 1996S. S. WilsonBrent Maddock and S. S. Wilson Nancy Roberts and Christopher DeFaria
Tremors 3: Back to Perfection October 2, 2001Brent MaddockJohn WhelpleyBrent Maddock, S. S. Wilson and Nancy RobertsS. S. Wilson and Nancy Roberts
Tremors 4: The Legend Begins January 2, 2004S. S. Wilson Scott Buck Nancy Roberts
Tremors 5: Bloodlines October 6, 2015 Don Michael Paul William Truesmith and M. A. Deuce and John WhelpleyWilliam Truesmith, M. A. Deuce and C.J. Strebor Ogden Gavanski
Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell May 1, 2018John Whelpley Mike Elliott
Tremors: Shrieker Island October 20, 2020 Don Michael Paul and Brian BrightlyBrian BrightlyTodd Williams and Chris Lowenstein

Tremors (1990)

Tremors is a 1990 American monster film directed by Ron Underwood, with a screenplay by S. S. Wilson and Brent Maddock, starring Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross and Reba McEntire. It was distributed by Universal Pictures. [2]

Tremors 2: Aftershocks (1996)

Tremors 2: Aftershocks is a 1996 action-horror sequel to Tremors, in which the character of Earl Bassett, returning from the first movie, is hired to deal with a subterranean "Graboid" infestation at a Mexican oilfield. It was directed by S. S. Wilson, and stars Fred Ward, Christopher Gartin, Michael Gross and Helen Shaver. It introduced a new creature called the Shriekers.

Tremors 3: Back to Perfection (2001)

Tremors 3: Back to Perfection is a 2001 comedic monster film, the third in the "Tremors" series featuring the subterranean worm-creatures dubbed "Graboids". It was directed by Brent Maddock and stars Michael Gross. Like the second movie, the film was not released in theaters. It introduced a new creature called the Ass-Blasters.

Tremors 4: The Legend Begins (2004)

Tremors 4: The Legend Begins is a 2004 direct-to-video movie. It is the fourth film in the "Tremors" series of monster films. It is a prequel to the earlier movies and featured Michael Gross as the ancestor to his original character in the first Tremors film.

Tremors 5: Bloodlines (2015)

Tremors 5: Bloodlines was produced in South Africa, featuring a returning Michael Gross and new co-star Jamie Kennedy. It also stars Natalie Becker. The film was released on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD on October 6, 2015. [3] Though it is based on a script written by Brent Maddock and S. S. Wilson in 2004, the original creators declined to be involved due to a lack of creative control over the project. It received mixed reviews.

Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell (2018)

On September 20, 2016, Michael Gross announced on his official Facebook page that a sixth film was in development. Tremors 5 co-star Jamie Kennedy returned, along with director Don Michael Paul. [4] Filming commenced in late January 2017. [5] The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray in May 2018.

Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020)

On December 13, 2018, Michael Gross confirmed that Universal had ordered a seventh entry in the series and that he would return to star, stating "Tremors fans will be delighted to know I have just agreed to the terms of a contract for a seventh film. My best estimate is that Burt Gummer will begin his hunt for Graboids and other nefarious forms of wildlife in the fall of 2019." [6] On November 13, 2019, filming began in Thailand. [7] [8] [9] On November 26, 2019, Jon Heder, Jackie Cruz, and Richard Brake signed on to star alongside Gross. [10] On December 12, 2019, Gross confirmed that filming had wrapped. [11] In August 2020, the film was known under the working title Island Fury until it was officially titled Tremors: Shrieker Island. [12] The film was released direct-to-video on October 20, 2020. [13] [14]

Future

In a podcast with Bloody Disgusting, Gross mentioned that "part of me that feels that Universal Home Entertainment might've had enough of Tremors", though he followed up by saying "The door is still open for an eighth Tremors. It may seem unlikely by what people see on the screen, but it is possible. There could be an eighth. And if there were, and if it were an interesting story, I would be up for it because Burt is always a great deal of fun. It would depend on his physicality. How much they want me to do. If it's in another two years, I'll be 75 years old. So I will continue to hope and pray that I stay in shape, to do what is asked of me – if it is asked of me." [15] Gross later said on Facebook "There are no guarantees, but for those who wonder aloud if this is the final film, I will say what I have said before: SALES drive sequels. Show biz is 5% show and 95% business, so if this latest addition to the Tremors franchise, sells well, Universal Studios Hollywood will follow the money, and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment may will [sic] be back for more." [16] In April 2025, it was announced that Stampede Entertainment had reclaimed the rights to the original screenplay and are discussing a “return to Perfection” sequel, with hopes of getting Kevin Bacon to return as Val. [17]

Television

Tremors (2003)

Tremors is a television spin-off of the Tremors franchise which originally ran on Syfy, with one half-season of 13 episodes aired before being cancelled.

SeriesSeasonEpisodesFirst releasedLast releasedShowrunner(s)Network(s)
Tremors 113March 28, 2003August 8, 2003Nancy Roberts Syfy

Cast and crew

Principal cast

CharacterFilmsTelevision series
Tremors Tremors 2:
Aftershocks
Tremors 3:
Back to Perfection
Tremors 4:
The Legend Begins
Tremors 5:
Bloodlines
Tremors:
A Cold Day in Hell
Tremors:
Shrieker Island
Tremors
19901996200120042015201820202003
Burt Gummer Michael Gross Michael Gross
Hiram GummerMichael Gross
Earl Bassett Fred Ward
Valentine "Val" McKee Kevin Bacon
Rhonda LeBeck Finn Carter
Nancy Sterngood Charlotte Stewart Charlotte Stewart Marcia Strassman
Mindy Sterngood Ariana Richards Ariana Richards Tinsley Grimes
Melvin Plugg Robert Jayne Robert JayneRobert Jayne
Miguel Tony Genaro Tony Genaro
Heather Gummer Reba McEntire
Walter Chang Victor Wong
Nestor Cunningham Richard Marcus
Fred "Old Fred"Michael Dan Wagner J.E. Freeman
Edgar Deems Sunshine Parker
Jim WallaceConrad Bachmann
Megan Wallace Bibi Besch
HowardJohn Goodwin
CarmineJohn Pappas
Grady Hoover Christopher Gartin
Dr. Kate Riley Helen Shaver
JulioMarco A. Hernandez
Señor Carlos Ortega Marcelo Tubert
PedroJose Ramon Rosario
Jack "Desert Jack" Sawyer Shawn Christian
Jodi ChangSusan Chuang Lela Lee
BufordBilly Rieck
Dr. Andrew Merliss Barry Livingston
Agent Charlie RuskJohn Pappas
Agent Frank Statler Tom Everett
Juan PedillaBrent Roam
Pyong ChangLo Ming
Lu Wan ChangLydia Look
Fu Yien ChangSam Ly
Christine Lord Sara Botsford
"Black Hand" Kelly Billy Drago
Tecopa August Schellenberg
Travis Welker Jamie Kennedy
Dr. Nandi Montabu Pearl Thusi
Johan Dreyer Brandon Auret
BarutiRea Rangaka
Erick van WykDaniel Janks
Den BraversIan Roberts
Lucia Natalie Becker
Ndebele ChieftainErnest Ndhlovu
Dr. Rita Sims Tanya van Graan
Valerie McKeeJamie-Lee Money
Hart HansenKiroshan Naidoo
AklarkKeeno Lee Hecto
Swackhamer Rob van Vuuren
Mac Adrienne Pearce
Dr. Charles FerezzeFrancesco Nassimbeni
Mr. CuttsPaul du Toit
Geo-Tech VargasChristie Peruso
Dr. DJay Anstey
Jimmy Jon Heder
Freddie Jackie Cruz
Bill Richard Brake
Jasmine "Jas" Welker Caroline Langrishe
AnnaCassie Clare
"Mr. Bowtie"Sahajak Boonthanakit
"Wall Street"Randy Kalsi
IshimonBoonma Lamphon
Researcher IrisIris Park
Parkour BoyAukrawut Rojaunawat
"Mohawk"Bear Williams
Tyler ReedVictor Browne
Rosalita SanchezGladys Jimenez
W.D. Twitchell Dean Norris
Larry Norvel J. D. Walsh
Dr. Cletus Poffenberger Christopher Lloyd
Harlowe Winnemucca Branscombe Richmond
Dr. Casey Matthews Sarah Rafferty
Roger Garrett Richard Biggs
Frank Nicholas Turturro

Additional crew

FilmCrew and information
Composer(s)CinematographerEditorProduction
companies
Distributing
companies
Running time
Tremors Ernest Troost Alexander Gruszynski O. Nicholas Brown Universal Pictures,
No Frills Film Productions,
Wilson-Maddock Productions
Universal Pictures96 minutes
Tremors 2:
Aftershocks
Jay Ferguson Virgil L. Harper Bob Ducsay MCA/Universal Pictures,
Stampede Entertainment
MCA/Universal Pictures,
MCA Home Entertainment
97 minutes
Tremors 3:
Back to Perfection
Kevin Kiner Drake Silliman Universal Family and Home Entertainment,
Stampede Entertainment
Universal Family and Home Entertainment104 minutes
Tremors 4:
The Legend Begins
Jay FergusonHarry B. Miller, IIIStampede Entertainment Universal Pictures Home Entertainment 101 minutes
Tremors 5:
Bloodlines
Frederik Wiedmann Michael SwanVanick Moradian Universal 1440 Entertainment,
Capacity Relations
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment,
Syfy
99 minutes
Tremors:
A Cold Day in Hell
Frederik Wiedmann & Brain MantiaHein de VosCameron HallenbeckUniversal 1440 Entertainment Universal Studios,
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
98 minutes
Tremors:
Shrieker Island
Frederik WiedmannAlexander KrumovHeath Ryan103 minutes

Production

Attraction

While only the first film was filmed in Lone Pine, California, there is an exhibit dedicated to Tremors in the Lone Pine Film History Museum. The exhibit contains film props such as the Graboid head used to burst through the ground, a miniature of Chang's Market used in Tremors 4: The Legend Begins , and a mount of a Graboid used in Tremors 2: Aftershocks. [18]

Reception

Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA Awards

AwardFilm
TremorsTremors 2:
Aftershocks
Tremors 3:
Back to Perfection
Tremors 4:
The Legend Begins
Tremors 5:
Bloodlines
Tremors:
A Cold Day in Hell
Tremors:
Shrieker Island
Best Science Fiction FilmNomination
Best Special EffectsNomination
Best Home Video ReleaseNomination
Best Supporting Actress - Finn Carter Nomination
Best Supporting Actress - Reba McEntire Nomination

Young Artist Awards

AwardFilm
TremorsTremors 2:
Aftershocks
Tremors 3:
Back to Perfection
Tremors 4:
The Legend Begins
Tremors 5:
Bloodlines
Tremors:
A Cold Day in Hell
Tremors:
Shrieker Island
Best Young Actress Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - Ariana Richards Nomination

DVD Exclusive Awards

AwardFilm
TremorsTremors 2:
Aftershocks
Tremors 3:
Back to Perfection
Tremors 4:
The Legend Begins
Tremors 5:
Bloodlines
Tremors:
A Cold Day in Hell
Tremors:
Shrieker Island
Best Actor - Michael GrossWon
Best Visual Effects - Linda Drake Nomination
Best Actress (in a DVD Premiere Movie) - Sara BotsfordNomination

Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA Awards

AwardFilm
TremorsTremors 2:
Aftershocks
Tremors 3:
Back to Perfection
Tremors 4:
The Legend Begins
Tremors 5:
Bloodlines
Tremors:
A Cold Day in Hell
Tremors:
Shrieker Island
Best Sound Editing - Direct to VideoNomination

Other media

Video games

Cancelled television series

During the production of Tremors 2: Aftershocks, a television series titled Tremors 2: Aftershocks – The Lost Monsters! was being developed by Universal Television and Stampede Entertainment. According to Stampede, "[the] series premise was that, after their success in fighting the Graboids, Val and Earl would be sought out by the readers of tabloid newspapers, believers in UFOs, etc. to battle other little-known creatures". [24]

On November 28, 2015, it was reported that Universal Television and Blumhouse Productions were developing a new Tremors TV series and that Kevin Bacon would reprise his role of Valentine McKee for the first time in the series since the first film. [25] In September 2016, it was announced the series was moving forward at Amazon Prime Video, [26] however, in June 2017, the pilot was moved to Syfy. [27] In August 2017, it was announced that Vincenzo Natali would direct the pilot [28] which would be written by showrunner Andrew Miller [29] with filming taking place from late October 2017 through November 2017. [29] On April 28, 2018, it was announced that Syfy had passed on the pilot. [30]

References

  1. Mattise, Nathan (June 9, 2019). "Kevin Bacon shares the Tremors TV pilot—Val is washed, Graboids are hungry". Ars Technica. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  2. Canby, Vincent (January 19, 1990). "Underground Creatures and Dread Events". The New York Times.
  3. Movies News Desk. "Sci-fi Comedy Adventure TREMORS 5 Coming to DVD & Digital HD in 2016". broadwayworld.com. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014.
  4. Gross, Michael (September 20, 2016). "It's Happening!". Facebook.
  5. Squires, John (January 17, 2017). "'Tremors 6' Will Begin Filming in South Africa Next Week". Bloody Disgusting . Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  6. "Michael Gross confirms Tremors 7 coming soon!". www.joblo.com. December 13, 2018.
  7. Sprague, Mike (November 13, 2018). "Burt Looking Like Homeless Santa in Tremors 7 Bts Pic". Dread Central . Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  8. Sprague, Mike (November 19, 2018). "Explosive Tremors 7 Set Video Goes Behind-the-Scenes with the Cast". MovieWeb . Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  9. Sprague, Mike (November 19, 2018). "Tremors 7 Set Pics With Michael Gross & Jon Heder". Dread Central . Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  10. Collinson, Gary (November 16, 2018). "Napoleon Dynamite's Jon Heder Joins Tremors 7". Flickering Myth. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  11. Scott, Ryan (December 12, 2019). "Tremors 7 Wraps Production, Michael Gross Shares Final Set Photo". MovieWeb . Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  12. Scott, Ryan (August 6, 2020). "'Tremors 7' Gets a New Title and Official Rating". MovieWeb . Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  13. Scott, Ryan (April 21, 2020). "'Tremors: Island Fury' Is Still Targeting a Halloween Release Assures Michael Gross". MovieWeb . Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  14. Millican, Josh (August 26, 2020). "Trailer: Tremors: Shrieker Island Hits Blu-ray/DVD October 20th". Dread Central. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  15. Squires, John (October 21, 2020). "Michael Gross Says "The Door is Still Open" for a Potential Eighth 'Tremors' Movie". Bloody Disgusting . Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  16. Michael Gross: Official Tremors Franchise Fans, news from Burt Gummer
  17. "'Tremors' Creators Win Back Script Rights; Kevin Bacon Could Return for a New Installment? - Bloody Disgusting". bloody-disgusting.com. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  18. Sgman, Robert. "Tremors & Sci-Fi Exhibit". lonepinefilmhistorymuseum.org. Archived from the original on February 8, 2015. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  19. Plunkett, Luke (April 5, 2010). "Twenty Years Late, 'Tremors' Gets A Game Adaptation". Kotaku. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  20. "...'Tremors' has been turned into an 8-bit video game?". April 7, 2010.
  21. "Tremerz". Newgrounds.com.
  22. 1 2 "Tremors". gamespy. Retrieved October 5, 2013.
  23. "TREMORS™ Rock Solid™ Studios recently announced the development of Tremors for PC, PS2, Xbox and GameCube". RockSolidStudios. Archived from the original on October 6, 2002. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  24. "Tremors 2: Aftershocks - The Lost Monsters!". stampede-entertainment.com.
  25. Trumbone, Dave (November 24, 2015). "Kevin Bacon to Battle Graboids in 'Tremors' TV Series". Collider. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  26. "The "Tremors" TV Series is Moving to Amazon". Bloody Disgusting!. September 1, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
  27. Andreeva, Nellie. "'Tremors' Reboot Starring Kevin Bacon From Blumhouse Gets Syfy Pilot Order". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
  28. Andreeva, Nellie (August 22, 2017). "'Tremors': Vincenzo Natali To Direct Syfy-Blumhouse Reboot Starring Kevin Bacon". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 22, 2017.
  29. 1 2 Gomez, Adrian (October 4, 2017). "Kevin Bacon back in the saddle for 'Tremors' pilot". Albuquerque Journal . Retrieved October 7, 2017.
  30. Andreeva, Nellie (April 28, 2018). "'Tremors' Reboot Pilot Starring Kevin Bacon Not Going Forward At SyFy". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 30, 2018.