The Graboids Are Back

The Graboids Are Back: A Monstrous Return to the Underground Horror Franchise

The earth is shaking again — and that can only mean one thing: the Graboids are back. Universal Pictures has officially announced the revival of the cult-favorite Tremors franchise, reawakening the subterranean terrors that first burrowed their way into audiences’ nightmares over three decades ago. Titled Tremors: Resurgence, the new film promises to deliver a gritty, modern take on the creature-feature formula, while paying homage to the quirky charm and practical effects that made the original 1990 classic a surprise hit.

When Tremors debuted starring Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward, no one expected the film about giant, flesh-eating underground worms to become a lasting franchise. But the mix of suspense, humor, B-movie energy, and memorable creature design helped it spawn six sequels, a short-lived TV series, and a passionate fanbase. Now, after years of speculation, the Graboids are slithering back into pop culture with a vengeance.

Tremors: Resurgence will reportedly take place in a new setting — a remote desert mining town in Nevada where seismic activity and mysterious disappearances begin to echo the franchise's early days. But this time, the Graboids have evolved once again, sporting new abilities, faster burrowing speed, and even deadlier instincts. According to the filmmakers, the creatures will blend practical effects with cutting-edge CGI, maintaining the franchise’s tactile legacy while amping up the horror.

Perhaps the biggest headline is the return of Michael Gross as the ever-paranoid, heavily armed survivalist Burt Gummer — a role he’s played in every installment since the original. Though Burt was seemingly killed off in Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020), early reports suggest a clever twist or timeline shift may bring him back, or perhaps introduce him as a mentor figure in flashbacks. New cast members include a younger group of survivalists and scientists, including a lead role for up-and-coming action star Dylan O’Brien, alongside horror veteran Katharine Isabelle.

The tone of the film is expected to walk a line between horror and humor, much like the earlier entries, but with more atmospheric tension and survival-thriller elements. Director Adam Robitel (Escape Room, Insidious: The Last Key) is at the helm, bringing a fresh visual edge to the underground chaos. In a recent interview, he stated: “We’re taking Tremors back to its roots — isolation, ingenuity, and the terrifying idea that something could be hunting you from beneath your feet.”

For fans of practical creature features, rural horror, and self-aware thrills, Tremors: Resurgence may be the franchise revival they’ve been waiting for. Slated for release in summer 2026, the film is also said to launch a new trilogy, depending on reception. With a legacy built on surprise, charm, and monster mayhem, the Graboids might just burrow their way into a whole new generation of horror lovers.

One thing is certain — when the ground shakes, and the sand begins to ripple… run.