Sharknado Origins Reveals Surprise Prequel to the Infamous Disaster Series

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the beach (and the air!), the belovedly absurd Sharknado franchise is making a shock return. Prepare for a trip back in time to witness the very first airborne shark incident in Sharknado Origins.

TL;DR: Here's the Gist of the Sharknado Comeback

• A seventh Sharknado film, titled Sharknado Origins, is officially in development, set to be a prequel to the entire franchise.
• Production kicks off later this year, aiming for a Summer 2026 release.
• Director Anthony Ferrante, who helmed all six previous installments, is returning to unleash more fin-filled fun.
• The movie will explore the teenage origins of Fin and April, the series' iconic protagonists, and reveal how their romance intertwined with the birth of the very first Sharknado.

Revisiting the Unexpected Whirlwind of Sharks and Social Media

Remember 2018? The year we thought we’d seen the last of Fin Shepard chainsawing through airborne predators? After six increasingly outlandish installments, including a time-traveling finale aptly named The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time, the B-movie phenomenon seemed to have finally spun itself out. But hold onto your hats – and maybe your chainsaws – because The Asylum, the studio behind this cultural oddity, has reportedly decided that it’s about time for more.

The news dropped from Variety on November 14, 2025, confirming that a seventh movie, a prequel titled Sharknado Origins, is now in the works. This means we're not just getting more sharks and more tornadoes; we're going back to where it all began, to uncover the primal chaos that spawned a genre unto itself.

The Genesis of Aerial Aquatic Anarchy: What to Expect from Sharknado Origins

This isn't a direct sequel picking up after the time-travel shenanigans; instead, Sharknado Origins promises to rewind the clock. The film will reportedly take place before the very first Sharknado movie, which debuted on Syfy back on July 11, 2013. The plot aims to introduce us to teenage versions of the franchise's enduring heroes, Fin and April, originally played by Ian Ziering and Tara Reid.

Imagine a perfect beach summer. Young love is blossoming. Fin is about to give April a promise ring, sealing their innocent romance. And then, because this is Sharknado, the sky turns dark, a massive funnel cloud forms over the ocean, and sharks dramatically erupt from the water. Yes, you guessed it – this is the birth of the very first Sharknado, an origin story where, as the official description playfully notes, "nothing says young love like airborne predators." While Ziering and Reid were integral to the original series, they are not expected to return to play these younger versions of their characters. Casting announcements for the teenage leads are anticipated soon, adding another layer of intrigue to this unexpected comeback.

The Creative Forces Behind the Returning Franchise

One of the most comforting pieces of news for long-time fans is the return of director Anthony Ferrante. Ferrante has been the steady hand guiding the chaos through all six previous Sharknado films, proving his knack for embracing and amplifying the series' unique brand of "so-bad-it's-good" charm. His continued involvement ensures that the prequel will likely retain the distinctive tone and over-the-top practical effects (and lack thereof) that viewers have come to love.

Production for Sharknado Origins is slated to begin later this year, with The Asylum eyeing a Summer 2026 release. While the original films predominantly premiered as made-for-TV Movies on Syfy, it remains to be seen if Origins will follow suit or if there are plans for a theatrical run, especially after the original movie received a 10th-anniversary re-release in theaters in 2023. This potential shift in distribution could signal an expanded ambition for the franchise's new chapter.

A Look Back at How the Original Sharknado Became a Cultural Sensation

The original Sharknado, a low-budget thriller about a tornado that sucks up great whites and hammerheads and spits them out over Los Angeles, started as a throwaway line in a pitch session during the American Film Market. Made for a modest $1 million, it became a surprise cultural phenomenon upon its debut in 2013. Its preposterous premise, fueled by a frenzied social media reaction and a growing list of celebrity fans, turned it into an unexpected hit. The film’s success quickly led to five sequels, three spinoffs, video games, books, comics, and even documentaries.

The franchise's peak viewership came with Sharknado 2: The Second One in 2014, which attracted approximately 3.9 million viewers. Across its run, the series boasted an impressive roster of cameos, featuring everyone from Olivia Newton-John and Al Roker to Billy Ray Cyrus, Jerry Springer, Ann Coulter, Jackie Collins, George R.R. Martin, and David Hasselhoff. This blend of Z-list celebrity appearances and genuine pop culture figures added to the quirky appeal, making each installment a unique event for viewers and social media users alike.

Addressing the Twists and Turns of the Sharknado Narrative

One might reasonably ask: didn't the last movie, The Last Sharknado: It's About Time, effectively prevent the entire phenomenon through time travel, creating a Sharknado-free timeline? Yes, it did. This prequel setting introduces a fascinating narrative challenge. However, demanding strict story consistency from a franchise built on flying sharks and chainsaw-wielding heroes might be missing the point. The Sharknado series has always prioritized ludicrous entertainment over logical plot progression.

For example, picture this scenario: You're at a casual movie night with friends, excitedly explaining the new prequel. "So, Fin and April meet, fall in love, and then BAM! First Sharknado!" Your friend, who remembers the time-traveling finale, might raise an eyebrow. "But didn't they... erase all Sharknados?" You'd likely shrug and say, "It's Sharknado! We don't watch it for airtight timelines, we watch it for airborne sharks!" This playful disregard for continuity is part of its charm and a knowing nod to its B-movie roots. It’s a testament to the franchise's self-awareness that fans don't just forgive these narrative gymnastics; they often expect them.

Some critics might also dismiss Sharknado Origins as just another low-budget B-movie, reinforcing a perception of unoriginality. However, this perspective overlooks the inherent appeal of The Asylum's approach. They lean into the low-budget, fast-and-loose filmmaking culture, creating a distinct niche that actively celebrates its quirks rather than hiding them. This unique style has even inspired a documentary, Mockbuster, which won the audience award at the Adelaide Film Festival, highlighting the studio's significant, albeit unconventional, impact on the film landscape.

The Asylum's Legacy: Beyond the Shark-Filled Tornadoes

Beyond the Sharknado franchise, The Asylum is renowned for its "mockbuster" films, which are often direct-to-video releases timed to coincide with major studio blockbusters (think The Odyssey or Ape vs. Monster). This strategic, low-budget approach allows them to tap into public interest generated by larger productions while offering their own unique, often campy, spin. Their business model, which has also produced original hits like Z Nation, demonstrates a clever understanding of niche markets and audience appetites for genre fare that doesn't take itself too seriously.

The success of Sharknado wasn't just a fluke; it was a perfect storm of timing, social media virality, and a studio confidently embracing its identity. Sharknado Origins represents a continuation of this legacy, inviting audiences to once again suspend disbelief and enjoy the sheer spectacle of something so absurdly entertaining.

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to Sharknado Origins When is Sharknado Origins expected to be released? The film is currently eyeing a Summer 2026 release. Who is directing the new Sharknado movie? Anthony Ferrante, who directed all previous installments, is returning to the helm. Will Ian Ziering and Tara Reid be in Sharknado Origins? While the film features teenage versions of their characters, Fin and April, Ziering and Reid are not expected to reprise their roles as the younger protagonists. What kind of story can we expect from a Sharknado prequel? It will show the origin of the very first Sharknado, intertwining it with the budding romance of teenage Fin and April during a beach summer. Practical Takeaways for Impatient Fans of Airborne Sharks

• Mark Your Calendars for Summer 2026: While specific dates aren't out, plan for your summer viewing to include a dose of shark-filled chaos.
• Manage Expectations for Star Returns: Don't expect original stars Ian Ziering or Tara Reid to play their teenage counterparts, but anticipate new faces filling those iconic roles.
• Embrace the Absurdity: Remember that Sharknado thrives on its tongue-in-cheek premise; don't get too caught up in logical inconsistencies from previous films.
• Keep an Eye on Social Media: The franchise exploded because of online buzz, so follow news for casting updates and teaser drops to join the conversation early.

Sources

• Variety: ‘Sharknado’ Returns! Seventh Film in B-Movie Franchise in the Works (EXCLUSIVE) (Alex Ritman, Nov 14, 2025)
• Bloody Disgusting: ‘Sharknado Origins’ – Prequel Coming in 2026 from ‘Sharknado’ Director Anthony Ferrante (Alex DiVincenzo, Nov 14, 2025)
• IGN: Sharknado Origins Reveals Surprise Return for Infamous Disaster Film Series With Summer 2026 Premiere Plans (Michael Cripe, Nov 14, 2025)
• JoBlo.com: The Sharknado franchise is being revived with Sharknado Origins (Cody Hamman, Nov 14, 2025)
• ComicBook.com: Fan-Favorite Shark Movie Franchise Gets Seventh Entry, First Details (Maggie Dela Paz, Nov 14, 2025)