Sharknado Returns: Beloved B-Movie Franchise Set for 2026 Comeback

Sharks and tornadoes are returning to the big screen. Variety reports that the “Sharknado” franchise, which wrapped up in 2018 after six over-the-top films, is making a comeback with a prequel titled “Sharknado Origins.”

The Asylum, the studio behind the original hit about a tornado that sucked up sharks and dropped them over Los Angeles, has confirmed that production will start later this year. Anthony Ferrante, who directed the earlier films, is returning to helm the project.

Casting details are still under wraps, and the film is expected to hit theaters in summer 2026, according to Variety.

As the name suggests, “Sharknado Origins” will show events leading up to the first movie from 2013. The story will focus on a young Fin and April, played in the original series by Ian Ziering and Tara Reid. According to the synopsis, the two meet during a summer at the beach and sparks fly.

But just as Fin is about to propose with a promise ring, a massive tornado forms, lifting sharks out of the ocean and setting the stage for the very first Sharknado. The description notes, “nothing says young love like airborne predators.”

The original “Sharknado” began as a joke idea during a pitch session but became a surprise hit when it aired on Syfy on July 11, 2013. Made on a $1 million budget, the movie gained a huge following thanks to its wild premise and celebrity cameos, including Olivia Newton-John, David Hasselhoff, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jerry Springer, and George R.R. Martin. Its success led to five sequels and three spin-offs.

The franchise’s second film, Sharknado 2: The Second One, drew the series’ largest audience at roughly 3.9 million viewers. It was followed by Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!, Sharknado: The 4th Awakens, Sharknado 5: Global Swarming, and finally 2018’s The Last Sharknado.

It looks like Sharknado is ready to storm the skies once more.

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