SHARKNADO ORIGIN

THE SHARKNADO SAGA IS REBORN WITH 

SHARKNADO ORIGIN

Killer sharks and waterspouts are set to reunite on screen once again.

“Sharknado,” the low-budget thriller that unexpectedly became a hit with its tale of a tornado hurling great whites and hammerheads across Los Angeles, is officially developing a new prequel titled “Sharknado Origins.” Production is expected to kick off later this year, with returning director Anthony Ferrante back at the helm. Casting details are on the way, and the film is targeting a summer 2026 release.

As the title reveals, the story takes place before the original 2013 “Sharknado” and introduces younger versions of Fin (played in the first six films by Ian Ziering) and April (originally portrayed by Tara Reid). The two meet during an idyllic summer at the beach, where romance quickly sparks. But just as Fin is ready to make things official with a promise ring, the sky darkens, a monstrous funnel cloud appears, and—naturally—sharks burst from the ocean. Thus, the very first Sharknado forms, because, as the synopsis cheekily notes, “nothing says young love like airborne predators.”

The original “Sharknado” began as a tossed-off idea during a pitch session at the American Film Market, yet became a surprise cultural phenomenon after premiering on Syfy on July 11, 2013. Its outrageous premise, heavy social-media buzz, and a growing crowd of celebrity fans helped propel the $1 million film into a franchise spanning five sequels and three spinoffs, along with cameo appearances from the likes of Olivia Newton-John, Al Roker, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jerry Springer, Ann Coulter, Jackie Collins, George R.R. Martin, and David Hasselhoff.

The franchise continued with “Sharknado 2: The Second One,” which drew the series’ biggest audience at roughly 3.9 million viewers, then “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!,” “Sharknado: The 4th Awakens,” “Sharknado 5: Global Swarming,” and finally 2018’s aptly titled “The Last Sharknado.”