While
Tremors was released to only moderate success during its theatrical run in 1990, the S.S. Wilson and Brent Maddock scribed, Ron Underwod directed film that starred Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, and Michael Gross was succesful enough on VHS to warrant the release of two direct-to-video sequels, a direct-to-video prequel, and a short lived television series that ran on the SyFy (then Sci-Fi) Channel in 2003 for 13 episodes.
The giant, prehistoric worms and their always-mutating offspring may finally be making a comeback. After a decade of development hell it seems like the long-rumored fifth film in the Stampede Entertainment saga may actually become a reality, based on hints being dropped by franchise mainstay Michael Gross (Burt Gummer in the first three films and the television series and Hiram Gummer, Burt's great-grandfather, in the fourth film).
Back in July director Don Michael Paul seemingly confirmed involvement in a Tremors film, stating the following in a now-deleted blog post:
After I finish up 'Company Of Heroes: The Fourth Reich' I will be headed to Johannesburg, South Africa to reboot the 'Tremors' franchise for Universal. Big year ahead and I’m excited to keep it going with the support of all you genre movie lovers out there.
When the quote hit the internet it appeared to come out of nowhere. Don Michael Paul has no previous involvement with the series. Just a few days ago, however, Michael Gross updated his Facebook page with this image:
THE POOP SCOOP. Day one on location in South Africa I was greeted by a huge pile of crap outside my dressing room trailer, which begs the question: was it a zebra, a wildebeest, or just another disgruntled movie critic? :0)
According to Gross' update, it appears that he is filming an as-of-yet unannounced film in the very country that director Don Michael Paul is apparently rebooting the Tremors franchise in. Some of the comments that Gross made below his picture further deepen the connection to a potential Tremors film.
One Facebook user speculated "Tremors," which prompted Gross to respond with a comment paying homage to his character Burt's paranoia and mistrust of the government:
Can neither confirm nor deny, as the US Government might be listening in.
Another Facebook user asked "The Zebra and Wildebeest are civilized... which leaves..... ?" Gross' answer referenced the precambrian origins of the Graboid creature as established in Tremors 2: Aftershocks:
Hmmm... something precambrian?
Finally, Gross made a comment of his own which appears to hint at Universal Studios, the production company behind all of the previous Tremors films:
I believe I have received more comments on this subject than from almost any other posting. Obviously this is a subject of universal interest! :o )
Given Michael Gross' current location and the nature of his comments, it seems almost obvious that something Tremors related is in the pipeline. It should only be a matter of time before Universal Studios comes out and makes an official announcement. Until then, stay tuned and stay off the ground!