After spending a decade on the shelf, a script finally found its way to the screen, accompanied by a creative team sidelined in the process. The transition from Australia to South Africa marked a significant change for the film Tremors 5: Bloodlines. Although the journey was far from smooth, it allowed audiences to rejoin survivalist Burt Gummer in his battle against the terrifying Graboids. In this article, we will delve deep into the tumultuous production history of this horror movie and uncover what truly happened behind the scenes.

The origins of Tremors trace back to the talented production company Stampede Entertainment, founded by S.S. Wilson, Brent Maddock, Nancy Roberts, and Ron Underwood. This dynamic team was responsible for the beloved 1990 monster classic that was a Universal release. As Universal sought to expand the Tremors franchise with direct-to-video sequels and a television series, they turned to Stampede for their expertise. The early 2000s were busy for the team; they released Tremors 3 in 2001, followed by a thirteen-episode TV series on Syfy in 2003, and Tremors 4 in 2004. Universal?s confidence in the franchise led them to initiate the development of Tremors 5 even while the fourth installment was in production. By the time Tremors 4 was released, Wilson and Maddock were already at work on the script for Part 5, building on a storyline they had crafted with Roberts. There were even discussions suggesting this installment could have a more substantial budget and a theatrical release, reminiscent of the original film.

The original Tremors film introduced audiences to the terrifying world of prehistoric Graboids, subterranean creatures wreaking havoc on the isolated town of Perfection, Nevada. In the sequel, Tremors 2, we followed familiar characters, including the ever-resourceful Burt Gummer, portrayed by Michael Gross, as they dealt with a new Graboid threat in a different location. Initially, the sequel was set to take place in Australia, but the location was ultimately changed to Mexico. For Tremors 5, Stampede returned to the original Australian concept, embarking on a thrilling monster hunt in the rugged Outback. Each sequel contributed new layers to the Graboid life cycle, culminating in a detailed understanding of their evolution. Over time, Graboids metamorphosed into two-legged, heat-seeking creatures known as Shriekers, which themselves would later evolve into Ass Blasters?creatures capable of launching themselves into the air by mixing flammable chemicals in their rear ends. Tremors 4 had also introduced audiences to the infant version of Graboids. In this Outback adventure, Burt faced off against Ass Blasters and baby Graboids, along with a unique Australian species of Graboid that promised to be larger, stranger, and visually distinct.

However, the road ahead was not without obstacles. Despite decent ratings, the Tremors TV series faced cancellation after just one season. Universal’s release of Tremors 4 came with minimal promotional effort, coinciding with a downturn in the DVD market, resulting in disappointing financial returns. Consequently, the studio opted to delay the production of Tremors 5, leading to an extended waiting period for eager fans. While fans were aware that Tremors 5 was in development and that Wilson and Maddock had penned a script, Universal showed little interest in advancing the project. As the years rolled on, the prospects for the sequel dimmed. Stampede made efforts to keep the hope alive; every change in leadership at Universal presented a new opportunity for the project to get the green light. Interest in Tremors 5 peaked at Universal in 2008, but soon faded again. Efforts by Stampede to negotiate with an independent producer for funding fell through, leading many to believe the sequel was doomed. Unexpectedly, the situation shifted when Stampede invoked their right of first refusal in their contract for Tremors 5. This meant Universal had to offer the project to Stampede before seeking other options. Just as that clause expired in 2014, Universal announced their intention to proceed with the film?without Stampede?s involvement.

When the news of Tremors 5‘s greenlight reached Stampede, Wilson recounted, ?Nancy asked Universal whether they wanted Brent or I to direct. They responded that neither of us would be directing or involved in any capacity. We were shocked. It defied both creative logic and financial sense. The explanation given was that they needed a team experienced in low-budget filmmaking. However, the sequels we previously produced were all low-budget films. This couldn?t have been the real reason, and we never discovered what the actual reasoning was.? Universal did offer the Stampede team executive producer credits, but with limited input on creative decisions. Ultimately, they opted not to attach their names to the project.

With Stampede excluded from the process, Universal sought a new director for Tremors 5. They chose Don Michael Paul, known for directing direct-to-video action and creature features. The original script from 2004 required revisions, including a shift in location from Australia to South Africa, a popular choice for budget-friendly productions. To assist with the rewrites, John Whelpley, who had previously worked on the script for Tremors 3, was brought on board. While Whelpley’s adjustments altered the script, the final version remained true enough to the original vision of Wilson, Maddock, and Roberts that they retained credit, albeit under pseudonyms: Woodrow Truesmith (a nod to a character from the 1944 film Hail the Conquering Hero), M.A. Deuce (a reference to a weapon), and C.J. Strebor (Roberts’ name spelled backward).

The crux of the story remained intact: Ass Blasters and Graboids now terrorized South Africa instead of Australia, and Burt Gummer was called upon to confront these menacing creatures due to his extensive experience. Upon his arrival, Burt quickly discovered he had been provided with inadequate weaponry. Moreover, his employers had not been entirely truthful, as they expected him to capture an Ass Blaster alive. As Burt remained the focal character, fans anticipated Michael Gross’s return, as he had featured in every previous film and the TV series. Gross agreed to reprise his role, but he expressed to Famous Monsters of Filmland that it felt like an uncomfortable situation. ?It felt like a family divorce, with me caught in the middle. While Stampede had the passion and drive, they didn?t own the property. I had a choice: either to miss this opportunity or embrace the chance to be Burt once more.? Gross found himself tasked with protecting the integrity of the franchise, often clashing with the new director over character decisions. He noted, ?I had to point out inaccuracies, reminding them that ?Burt can?t say that, because it?s not true.? It was a delicate balancing act without the original writers to provide that final say.?

Whelpley?s revisions also modified the supporting cast, removing a love interest for Burt and introducing a sidekick named Travis B. Welker, who ultimately turned out to be Burt?s long-lost son, a result of a brief encounter in the ?70s. Jamie Kennedy was cast as this character, who, despite his helpfulness, often annoyed Burt with his incessant one-liners, adding a layer of tension to their dynamic. Burt’s character exhibited a notably grumpy demeanor throughout the film, creating a humorous contrast with Travis’s upbeat personality.

Additionally, the absence of baby Graboids marked a significant shift, replaced by a bizarre new evolutionary development. In this iteration, the tentacles that Graboids typically use for hunting can now detach and function independently in pursuit of prey. This bizarre transformation of the tentacles into separate entities raised eyebrows among fans. The redesigns for both Graboids and Ass Blasters sparked controversy, with some fans expressing dissatisfaction over the new looks. The Ass Blasters were perceived as over-engineered and deviated significantly from their original designs. The Graboids, now claimed to be larger and more formidable than ever, were depicted in an exaggerated manner, often launching themselves out of the ground dramatically. Such changes appeared unnecessary, raising questions about whether the original Tremors would have thrived with such drastic alterations to its iconic creatures.

Understandably, the team at Stampede felt a deep sense of disappointment regarding these developments. Universal extended an invitation to S.S. Wilson for a private screening of the completed film. His reaction was one of horror: ?By the halfway point, it was painfully obvious that this wasn?t anything we would have wanted to create. I kept hoping it would improve, but it only got worse. A lengthy list of flaws became apparent. It seemed riddled with clichés typical of monster movies, the kind we used to mock as children. There were awkward references to Jurassic Park that felt out of place.?

The exclusion of the Stampede team from the creation of Tremors 5 was a significant misstep. Their vision and sensibilities had shaped the distinctive style and tone of the series up until that point, which contributed to its enduring fanbase. While Tremors 5 retained ties to their original work, it ultimately felt like a different entity altogether. Without their creative guidance, numerous questionable decisions were made, leading to unsatisfactory monster designs and an unusual focus on crude humor involving bodily fluids, with urine making several appearances. Burt?s character was portrayed as unusually cantankerous, and the film’s overall tone felt darker and rougher, at times bordering on off-putting. Nonetheless, it was still a thrill to see the movie come to fruition, allowing fans to witness Michael Gross in action against these menacing monsters once more. Ultimately, Tremors 5 marked the conclusion of a long-awaited chapter in the franchise after years of uncertainty.

Tremors 5: Bloodlines received a physical media and streaming release, proving successful in rekindling fan interest in the franchise after its lengthy hiatus. Its success paved the way for two additional sequels, again produced without the involvement of Stampede. Michael Gross returned, continuing the legacy of Burt Gummer as he fought against Graboids, Shriekers, and Ass Blasters. While some decisions remained questionable, the fun of the franchise was still evident. As of 2024, the U.S. copyright for Tremors has returned to Stampede Entertainment, marking a triumphant homecoming for the creators who lost control of their beloved series, as their iconic monsters return to their rightful home.

For a deeper dive into the world of Tremors, check out the previous episodes of the show linked below. To explore more content, visit our JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channel and be sure to subscribe!