The Tremors franchise is on the brink of an exciting development. Writer S.S. Wilson, known for co-writing the 1990 cult classic Tremors with Brent Maddock and director Ron Underwood, has announced that the original creative team has reacquired the rights to their initial screenplay. This bit of news came during Wilson’s appearance at the 2nd Annual Tremors Fest in New Mexico, as reported by JoBlo. While fans of the horror-comedy series might be eager to revisit Perfection, Nevada, the new project will not be a remake but rather a sequel. The absence of rights to subsequent films, however, sets a challenging path for Wilson and Stampede Entertainment, necessitating creative adjustments.
The Tremors universe, although initially praised, hasn’t always maintained the same critical acclaim in its sequels. For instance, while the original Tremors boasts a solid 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, its follow-ups like Tremors II: Aftershocks and Tremors 3: Back to Perfection saw a drop in audience approval at 46% and 34%, respectively. More recent endeavors such as Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell and Tremors: Shrieker Island didn’t fare much better, scoring 28% and 37% with audiences. These numbers suggest a decline in the franchise’s appeal when its original creators are absent, amplifying the anticipation and pressure for a fresh installment under Wilson and Maddock.
The reacquisition of rights, however, presents its own set of complications. Stampede Entertainment lacks the rights to elements introduced in later films, such as the Shriekers or Ass Blasters. This could mean crafting a narrative that harks back to the original’s tension without the added monsters and expanding on the story in innovative ways. Despite these hurdles, the team seems focused on developing a new chapter that brings familiar faces back to Perfection. Yet, foreign distribution rights remain tied to Universal, requiring negotiations that could influence the project’s global reach.
In the sea of potential directions for this sequel, there’s talk of following a “Prey-style” approach. This concept could mirror the likes of 2018’s Halloween or 2021’s Candyman, where the narrative disregards the sequels post the original and forges an alternative sequel path. Kevin Bacon’s potential return adds a layer of excitement, as fans may finally see Valentine McKee battling Graboids once more, though Fred Ward’s passing closes the avenue for Val and Earl’s joint adventures.
Closing Credits
The Tremors universe, with its signature balance of humor and horror, seems poised to return to its roots—a nostalgic trip back to the foundations that made it a cult classic. The process, lined with legal and creative road bumps, is worth navigating if the result brings audiences another thrilling encounter with those underground threats. While a release date remains uncertain, the anticipation for a Perfection, Nevada-based sequel is palpable. Stay tuned for further updates as Wilson and his team continue negotiations and development on what promises to be a promising addition to the beloved franchise.
