Rewind
Tremors 2: Aftershocks (1996)
Tremors 2: Aftershocks (1996) is a comedy-horror film that successfully builds upon the cult classic Tremors (1990), offering up more of the deadly subterranean creatures and the humor fans love. Directed by S. S. Wilson, who also co-wrote the original film, Aftershocks brings back Fred Ward as the rugged Earl Bassett, along with Michael Gross reprising his role as the paranoid survivalist Burt Gummer. The sequel blends horror, comedy, and action with a touch of Western flair, making it a standout entry in the Tremors franchise.
Picking up after the events of the first film, Earl Bassett finds himself broke after spending all the reward money earned from his initial encounter with the Graboids. He’s hired to take on a new infestation of these underground creatures at a Mexican oil refinery, with a tempting $50,000 reward for each Graboid killed. Realizing he’s in over his head, Earl recruits Burt Gummer to join him in dealing with the monstrous creatures. However, the Graboids have evolved, now able to attack above ground, making this new challenge far more dangerous than before.
While the first Tremors film was a sleeper hit, blending horror with humor and creating an instantly iconic franchise, Tremors 2: Aftershocks took what worked and built upon it, delivering more of the action and wit that fans craved. The film stands out for its ability to strike the right balance between absurdity and suspense, a trait that many sequels fail to capture. Reviews for the film were largely positive, with many critics noting that Aftershocks ranks among the best direct-to-video sequels ever made—something not often said about follow-ups in the genre.
Tremors 2 was followed by Tremors 3: Back to Perfection (2001), which continued to explore the world of Graboids and their evolved forms. To date, a total of seven Tremors films have been released, along with a TV series. Although a pilot episode for another Tremors TV series starring Kevin Bacon was filmed, the series was never picked up.
Recently, Stampede Entertainment reacquired the rights to the Tremors franchise and has expressed interest in developing a sequel rather than a full reboot—an exciting possibility for fans of the franchise who have long awaited the next chapter. As the Tremors franchise celebrates the 35th anniversary of the original film in 2025, there will be a special screening of Tremors at Palace Cinemas in Adelaide, hosted by the Bonfire Horror Club. It’s the perfect time for longtime fans and newcomers alike to revisit the roots of this beloved series.
For those looking for an action-packed, comedic, and thrilling ride, Tremors 2: Aftershocks delivers in spades. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the series, the second film in the Tremors franchise is a must-watch. At Movieland, we highly recommend Tremors and its sequels, with Aftershocks being a particular favorite for its perfect mix of humor and horror. Get ready for the wild ride of monster hunting, hilarious one-liners, and Graboids galore!
Rock, paper, scissors!
RIP Fred Ward
