After 35 years, we’re finally getting a third chapter in one of the most iconic 1980s horror-comedy franchises ever: Gremlins!
“Legacy sequels" are all the rage these days. Studios are realizing it’s pretty easy to dust off some old film from decades past, often with the original stars, give it a bit of new blood, and then put it out. We’ve seen the successes, most notably the revival of the Scream franchise. Yet it's still something else that, 35 years after its second outing, Gremlins is coming back to the big screen!
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Gremlins 3 is not only in production, but already has a release date set for November 19, 2027. Chris Columbus, who wrote the original 1984 film, will write and direct this outing, aided by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein. The latter pair know all about reviving a franchise, as evidenced by their smash hit Final Destination: Bloodlines. It’s produced by Steven Spielberg (who produced the original) alongside Kristie Macosko Krieger and Holly Bario of Amblin Entertainment and Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe of 26th Street Pictures.
Columbus told THR that, “I’m filled with a tremendous surge of inspiration and passion as I embark on this cinematic journey. It’s an honor to reunite with Steven Spielberg and Warner Bros., as we bring this latest chapter of Gremlins to a brand new generation of moviegoers who will experience all of the thrills of this grand adventure on the big screen”
“Few titles are as beloved and iconic as Gremlins, and we’re beyond excited to bring it back for both lifelong fans and a whole new generation,” said Jesse Ehrman, Warners’ president of development and production. “It’s a privilege to be working alongside Steven (Spielberg), Chris (Columbus), and the entire creative team, and we look forward to audiences experiencing the magic, mayhem, and heart of Gremlins on the big screen in 2027.”
We don’t know any details yet on the plot or cast, but for fans of the beloved franchise, the return of these wild creatures is great news!
Why Gremlins is so special
Released in the summer of 1984, Gremlins quickly won over audiences and critics alike with its dark comedy take on a classic horror setup. Written by Columbus and directed by Joe Dante, the story begins with a traveling salesman buying a small creature called a mogwai from a store in Chinatown. He brings it home to his son Billy (Zach Galligan), who names the creature Gizmo.
The family is warned of three rules for the mogwai: Keep it out of the light; never let it get wet; and never, ever feed it after midnight. While the first rule can kill it, getting Gizmo wet causes him to spawn newer, more wicked mogwai. They trick Billy into feeding them after midnight, which transforms them into monstrous creatures.
The Gremlins cause chaos across the town as Billy and his girlfriend Kate (Phoebe Cates) try to stop their rampage. The movie was a smash hit, grossing a whopping $212 million (almost $625 million today) and winning over critics.
A sequel followed in 1990, not written by Columbus, which many fans feel is actually the better movie. Sadly, it didn’t do as well at the box office, only $41.5 million against a $50 million budget. That pretty much killed the potential in the franchise, although it did inspire an animated prequel series that aired on HBO called Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai.
The original movie is still loved for its biting black humor, exemplified by Cates’ monologue on the horrifying yet hilarious fate of her father on Christmas Eve. The antics of the Gremlins are offset by Gizmo’s warmth and courage, with the film not taking itself too seriously while delivering top thrills. The sequel takes a sharp parody on pop culture that holds up much better today than in 1990.
Having Columbus back for this is key, as his script was wonderful, and having him also direct this entry should be good. It would be great to get Galligan and Cates to return for their roles, as perhaps they have kids of their own who accidentally unleash the Gremlins.
The CGI work should make the creatures more fearsome while not losing the quirky touches that made them so captivating in the original movies. It’d be a fun direction to go old school with puppet work, but either way, Columbus knows how to handle a special effects extravaganza.
The film is still in the planning stages, but for any kid of the 1980s, seeing the Gremlins back on the big screen is something to look forward to!
Gremlins and Gremlins 2 are currently streaming on Hulu.