Quick Read
- Gremlins 3 is officially set for November 19, 620, with Chris Columbus directing and co-writing.
- Steven Spielberg returns as executive producer, marking the first Gremlins film in over 30 years.
- The film will blend practical effects with modern storytelling, aiming to honor the original’s anarchic charm.
- Animated prequel ‘Secrets of the Mogwai’ renewed interest in the franchise in 2023.
- Warner Bros. Discovery is rebooting several classic franchises, including Gremlins.
Spielberg, Columbus, and the Long-Awaited Gremlins Return
After more than three decades of silence, the mischievous Mogwai are set to return to theaters. Warner Bros. Discovery has officially announced ‘Gremlins 3’ for a November 19, 2027 release, reuniting the original creative minds behind the franchise: Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg. The news, confirmed by CEO David Zaslav during the company’s earnings call, marks a significant moment for fans who have waited since 1990’s ‘Gremlins 2: The New Batch’ for the next chapter in this iconic story.
Chris Columbus, who penned the 1984 original, will direct and co-write the new film, collaborating with Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the duo behind the recent ‘Final Destination Bloodlines.’ Spielberg, whose Amblin Entertainment produced the first two entries, returns as executive producer, ensuring the third installment remains faithful to the anarchic spirit that made Gremlins a legend.
The Legacy of Mogwai Mayhem
It’s hard to overstate the impact of the first ‘Gremlins.’ Released in 1984, it introduced audiences to the adorable yet dangerous Mogwai, furry creatures with strict care rules: never get them wet, never feed them after midnight, and never expose them to bright light. The film, directed by Joe Dante, blended horror, comedy, and a touch of social satire. With a modest $11 million budget, it became a box office sensation, earning $212 million and cementing its place in pop culture.
The sequel, ‘Gremlins 2: The New Batch,’ arrived in 1990 with a bigger budget and more outlandish humor. While it didn’t match the original’s financial success—earning just over $40 million on a $50 million investment—it developed a cult following for its self-aware tone and inventive creature effects. Yet, after the second film, the franchise seemed to hibernate, its mischievous monsters left in cinematic limbo.
Reboots, Rethinks, and Revival Attempts
The path to ‘Gremlins 3’ has not been straightforward. Warner Bros. reportedly attempted to fast-track a third installment back in 2015, but creative hurdles stalled progress. Chris Columbus himself expressed concerns about the feasibility of reviving the series in a CGI-heavy environment, telling Coming Soon in 2010, “Those are edgy Muppets in a sense, and you don’t want to lose that sense of anarchy … behind the scenes are 25 puppeteers making them come to life.” The tactile chaos of puppet-driven Gremlins was essential, and Columbus believed that digital effects risked erasing that unique energy.
Despite these challenges, the Gremlins found new life in the animated prequel series, ‘Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai,’ which premiered in 2023. Set in 1920s China, the series dove into the origins of the Mogwai, offering a richer backstory hinted at by Mr. Wing in the original film. Showrunner Tze Chun and executive producer Brendan Hay aimed to ground the creatures in Chinese mythology, expanding on their mysterious roots. While the series was a departure from the live-action chaos of the films, it rekindled interest in the franchise and reminded viewers of the enduring appeal of Gizmo and his unruly kin.
What to Expect from Gremlins 3?
Details about the plot remain tightly guarded, but the involvement of Columbus and Spielberg suggests a return to the franchise’s roots: the delicate balance of horror, humor, and heart. Columbus will write the script with Lipovsky and Stein, whose recent work on ‘Final Destination Bloodlines’ was praised for blending suspense with dark comedy. This collaboration hints at a story that honors the mischievous spirit of the original, while potentially updating the formula for a new generation.
Fans have their own hopes and questions. Will Gizmo, the lovable Mogwai voiced by Howie Mandel, return? Can the filmmakers recapture the practical effects magic that defined the first two movies? And what about Greta, the fan-favorite “sexy gremlin” introduced in ‘The New Batch’? Social media buzz and conventions have made clear that nostalgia runs deep, and expectations are high.
Actor Zach Galligan, who starred in both previous films, hinted at a new script in the works during a Comic-Con Manchester appearance, fueling speculation about his possible return. According to Vulture and a TikTok from the event, the project was “waiting upon Mr. Spielberg to read it and approve it,” a sign that the creative team is keenly aware of the franchise’s legacy—and the stakes involved in reviving it.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s Reboot Strategy
‘Gremlins 3’ is part of a broader trend at Warner Bros. Discovery to revitalize beloved franchises. Recent years have seen reboots and new entries for ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ ‘Harry Potter,’ and ‘Practical Magic.’ The studio is betting on nostalgia, but also on the ability of iconic stories to resonate with both old and new audiences. The return of Spielberg and Columbus lends credibility and excitement, promising a film that honors the original while inviting fresh creative energy.
The timing of the release—just ahead of the 2027 holiday season—suggests a bid to recapture the magic of the first film’s Christmas setting, with its blend of festive cheer and subversive chaos. As the world waits for more details, one thing is clear: the Gremlins are back, and Hollywood is ready to let them loose once again.
The return of ‘Gremlins’ after more than thirty years is a calculated gamble that leverages nostalgia, creative pedigree, and the enduring appeal of practical movie magic. With Spielberg and Columbus at the helm, the franchise is poised for a revival that could satisfy longtime fans and intrigue newcomers—if it stays true to the anarchic charm that defined the originals.