For all the bemoaning of recent film-to-TV adaptations that many of us enjoy, the recent announcement of a Tremors TV reboot should remind us that it’s hardly a new trend. The original 1990 B-movie launched a string of direct-to-video sequels before Tremors: The Series launched in 2003, although it only aired 13 episodes.
Perhaps the reason the 2003 show failed was because, unlike the upcoming version, it didn’t have original star Kevin Bacon back to reprise his role as Valentine McKee, which is probably a major reason why Syfy has ordered the pilot for the new show. Bacon clarified this in an interview at the Edinburgh Film Festival, before going on to add:
“[Valentine McKee is] the only character I’ve ever played that I was interested in exploring 25 years later. [Tremors] is a really good movie. I don’t go back and watch my movies but because we were doing this one, I had to go back and look at it. It’s just the idea of this loser who is living a very ordinary life and has an extraordinary experience with these monsters and becomes, for a moment, a hero”.
The series will attempt a continuation of McKee’s story rather than being a straight-up reboot of the show. The press release states that the new story will find McKee “attempting to save the town again — but this time, also battling age, alcohol and a delusional hero complex”.
Andrew Miller will be writing the adaptation and serving as showrunner.
Tremors arguably defines the exact aesthetic the Syfy channel attempts to create, so this is a perfect match. With Bacon on board and a genuine attempt being made to continue the story of the original film, there’s a chance this will turn into something good.
At least it’ll hopefully get Bacon away from those constant EE ads on British TV.
#Peace.Love.Tremors
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