The Syfy Channel movie "Sharknado" became an instant cult classic when it aired July 11, inspiring a massive response on Twitter as people marveled at the sheer ridiculousness of man-eating sharks raining down on Los Angeles in a freak storm.
Now it's coming to the big screen.
Regal Entertainment Group announced select theaters throughout the country will host about 200 special midnight screenings of "Sharknado" on Friday.
Locally, the movie will be screened at Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26 & IMAX, Edwards Valencia Stadium 12 & IMAX in Santa Clarita and Regal L.A. Live Stadium 14 in downtown Los Angeles.
"'Sharknado' has become a force of nature in its own right. This project transcends the original television platform and has created tremendous buzz," said Ken Thewes, chief marketing officer for Regal Entertainment Group, in a statement. "There's just something epic about watching these huge beasts on the big screen with your friends and family."
Regal officials expect lively crowd reactions during the screening, comparable to how audiences recite lines during midnight screenings of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show."
Regal officials even encourage moviegoers to take to social media and tweet during the screening using the hashtag #Sharknado and the company's Twitter handle @RegalMovies.
Advance tickets for $12.50 are now on sale at regmovies.com/promotions/sharknado.
"We have had quite a response from our advance ticket sales and have had to move Sharknado into larger auditoriums already," said Regal spokeswoman Rachel Lueras on Tuesday.
Lueras added that some cast members are expected to make the L.A. Live screening, though she wouldn't say which ones. The film stars Ian Ziering and Tara Reid. Syfy also recently announced a sequel will be set in New York City, with some reports saying Reid isn't being asked to return.
Syfy also plans to air "Sharknado" again on Aug. 22.
mariecar.mendoza@dailynews.com
@LANGMarMendoza on Twitter ___
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