'Sharknado' headed to movie theaters Aug. 2

CENTENNIAL, Colo., July 27 (UPI) -- Syfy channel's instant cult classic "Sharknado" is to screen for one night next week in select U.S. movie theaters, NCM Fathom Events announced Friday.

The TV movie was a ratings hit and social media sensation when it was shown on the cable television network July 11.

Starring Ian Ziering and Tara Reid, the film will debut on the big screen Aug. 2 in 200 select movie theaters.

"Sharknado 2" will premiere on Syfy in July 2014.

"'Sharknado' was an instant hit with fans -- and celebrities -- from the moment they first saw it, creating a social media phenomenon on July 11 with nearly 400,000 social mentions," Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president for NCM Fathom Events, said in a statement Friday. "Imagine sharks invading from the skies on 40-foot screens in movie theaters nationwide. Next week's special midnight showing is a first for Fathom and will answer the age-old question: Who knew sharks could fly?"

"Hosting 'Sharknado' at midnight is a tremendous alternative entertainment choice for our guests and Regal is proud that the forecast is for 'Sharknado' to hit approximately 200 of our theaters all across the country," said Ray Nutt, senior vice president for Regal Entertainment Group.