Tremors Revival: Bring Back More Than Just Kevin Bacon!

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Summary

  • Rights changing hands has spurred the potential for a new Tremors film.
  • The creators have already mentioned ideas involving Kevin Bacon‘s Valentine “Val” McKee.
  • There are other great actors from the franchise who should return beyond just Kevin Bacon.

It’s an ideal moment to revive the Tremors series now that rights have shifted, as the creators might consider reprising roles beyond just Kevin Bacon. The humorous horror saga initially appeared in the 1990’s with Tremors, featuring Bacon, Fred Ward, and Michael Gross. Although it seemed like a typical B-movie, its quirky small-town characters, authentic humor, and intriguing subterranean monsters (named Graboids) quickly won over viewers, turning it into a cult classic that gave rise to an entire series.

A production featuring Kevin Bacon was slated for the Syfy channel, with a pilot episode filmed in 2017 that saw him re-adopt his character Valentine “Val” McKee. Unfortunately, the network opted not to proceed with the TV series version, but they did unveil a trailer showcasing the creators’ vision for the show. However, as certain rights for the Tremors franchise have now been transferred, fans might still get another sequel in the future. If this happens, the creators have some exciting possibilities aside from Bacon to potentially resurrect.

There Are Many More Tremors Movies Than Mainstream Audiences Probably Realize

Initially, the movie “Tremors” was helmed by director Ron Underwood based on a screenplay penned by writers S.S. Wilson and Brent Maddock. Despite not performing well at the cinemas, it thrived in the home video market, leading to further installments in the series through direct-to-video sequels. The second film, “Tremors 2: Aftershocks,” was released in 1996, with Wilson assuming the director’s role and collaborating on the script with Maddock. Over the following sequels, these two remained the primary creative forces, each receiving story credits. Maddock directed “Tremors 3: Back to Perfection,” while Wilson returned to direct the prequel, titled “Tremors 4: The Legend Begins.

In the sequel to Tremors, Fred Ward reappeared, but it was Michael Gross’ character, Burt Gummer, who took center stage throughout the series. Tremors 3 functioned as a precursor to the Tremors TV show, which ran for only one season and was overseen by Nancy Roberts, who had been a key figure in the production of the first three sequels. However, after Tremors 4, Universal Studios, the franchise’s rights holder, opted not to renew contracts with the original creators, leading to director Don Michael Paul taking charge of subsequent sequels.

In each episode, Burt battles the continuously transforming Graboid menace, as these monsters mutated into Shriekers, Ass-Blasters, and even a virus. The fifth film, titled Tremors 5: Bloodlines, finds Burt journeying to South Africa with a son he didn’t know he had. The sixth movie, known as Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell, places Burt against a Graboid threat that has been thawed due to global warming, deep in the Arctic Circle.

Ultimately, the seventh installment in the series came out, named Tremors: Shrieker Island. It showcased a group of wealthy individuals hunting Shriekers for amusement. In this movie, Burt Gummer met his end in an iconic fashion – he leaped through the air, flipped off the Queen Graboid as it swallowed him, and then the Queen fell to its destruction. This act of bravery by Burt turned out to be a successful last attempt to save everyone from the danger posed by the Shriekers. The seventh film was released in 2020, and since then, the franchise has been quiet.

Why Now Is The Absolute Perfect Time To Dig Up The Tremors Franchise

After Burt’s passing, the Tremors series found itself without a leading character to continue the storyline, as Kennedy and even Jon Heder in Shrieker Island were deemed unsuitable to carry the franchise on their own. However, Tremors might be given a new chance, as some rights have been returned to Underwood, Wilson, Maddock, and Roberts through Stampede Entertainment. The team is currently developing plans for a Tremors novelization and brainstorming ideas for the next Tremors sequel.

According to Stampede Entertainment, they are contemplating a sequel to “Perfection” that brings back the Graboids, possibly in fresh environments. Furthermore, they mentioned some out-of-the-ordinary concepts related to these creatures. Notably, they aren’t sticking to the original script for Tremors 5, which was their previous plan for the series before a halt. They also hinted at a long-requested wish from fans: they are thinking about bringing Kevin Bacon back as Val, but it’s not guaranteed yet. This is the most significant update the franchise has had in five years and opens up a multitude of possibilities for its future.

We are considering ideas that feature the return of Kevin Bacon as Val, but no promises!

Kevin Bacon Should Return To The Series, Along With Other Actors From The Tremors Franchise

Fans have eagerly anticipated Bacon’s comeback in the Tremors series since its sequels were launched. Initially, the actor wasn’t keen on the movie, viewing it as a B-movie, but the fans eventually managed to change his perspective. Interestingly, Bacon’s character was referenced in “Tremors 2: Aftershocks,” where Earl mentioned he had married Rhonda LeBreck from the first Tremors film, played by Finn Carter. In “Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell,” Val and Rhonda’s daughter, Valerie “Val” McKee, was introduced, suggesting that they might have divorced. The only other instance of Bacon rejoining the franchise was his aborted TV revival.

As a die-hard Tremors fan, I’m thrilled about the possibility of a new sequel! With Kevin Bacon showing renewed excitement for the project, it feels right to reintroduce the iconic character, Val. However, bringing back Rhonda, Val’s wife, might be challenging since Michael Gross seems to have retired from acting. Plus, whether they acknowledge the existence of their daughter in these potential sequels is something that creators would need to decide. But, with such a rich universe as Tremors, there are plenty of compelling characters and storylines to explore!

In the movie “Tremors,” Reba McEntire portrayed Burt’s wife, Heather. It was reported that their characters divorced in the series, which allowed her character to be written out in subsequent sequels. However, since her role in “Tremors” and despite her highly successful music career, McEntire has grown into a prominent television personality, acting in shows such as “Happy’s Place,” “Big Sky,” and her own sitcom “Reba,” which spanned six seasons.

Other actors who might reappear in the Tremors series include Ariana Richards, famously known as Lex from Jurassic Park, and she played Mindy in the initial film and Tremors 3. Additionally, Chris Gartin and Helen Shaver, who portrayed Grady and Kate in Tremors 2, respectively, would make excellent additions. Regardless of the path the creators choose, the future for Tremors seems promising with a wide range of talented options to bring back for more thrilling Graboid encounters.

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2025-05-02 20:17