A New Generation of Mayhem: ‘Gremlins’ Returns with Third Film Slated for 2027
A third installment in the beloved “Gremlins” franchise is officially in development, with a theatrical release targeted for November 19, 2027, Warner Bros. Discovery announced Thursday. The continuation of the story of the mischievous Mogwai and the chaos they unleash marks the first “Gremlins” film in over three decades, signaling a renewed interest in the iconic 1980s horror-comedy.
The project reunites original “Gremlins” screenwriter Chris Columbus with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, the production company behind the first two films. Columbus will not only write the script, in collaboration with Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein – the directing duo known for “Final Destination Bloodlines” – but will also direct and produce the upcoming movie. Spielberg will return as an executive producer, according to the company’s statement during its third-quarter earnings call.
The original 1984 film, directed by Joe Dante, introduced audiences to the rules of Mogwai care: never get them wet, never feed them after midnight, and never expose them to bright light. These seemingly simple guidelines, when ignored, lead to the creatures’ transformation into destructive Gremlins, wreaking havoc on the unsuspecting town of Kingston Falls. The 1990 sequel continued this tradition of comedic chaos, further cementing the franchise’s place in pop culture history.
“Gremlins” starred Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, and featured the voice talents of Howie Mandel as the gentle Gizmo, and Frank Welker as the voices of the antagonistic Gremlins. The enduring appeal of these characters has kept the franchise alive in the public consciousness, even in the decades since the last theatrical release.
Recently, the world of the Mogwai expanded with the 2023 animated prequel series, “Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai.” The series, spearheaded by showrunner and executive producer Tze Chun, delved into the origins of the creatures, briefly alluded to in the original films by shopkeeper Mr. Wing, portrayed by Keye Luke. According to series executive producer Brendan Hay, setting the prequel in 1920s China offered “a chance to own the somewhat throwaway origin that the Mogwai have in the films.”
Hay elaborated, stating, “In the films, it’s clear that they’re of Chinese origin, but it’s not that developed. This is our chance to tell that story and really embrace it [by] actually try[ing] to find a place for Mogwai that fits into Chinese mythology, or at least builds off of existing Chinese mythology, and have fun in that world.”
Rumors of a new “Gremlins” film began circulating earlier this year, with actor Zach Galligan hinting at a script in development during an appearance at Comic-Con Manchester. According to reports from a TikTok video, Galligan indicated that Warner Bros. was “incredibly interested” in the project, pending approval from Spielberg.
The return of “Gremlins” is part of a broader trend at Warner Bros. Discovery, which has been actively rebooting and revisiting beloved franchises such as “The Lord of the Rings,” “Harry Potter,” and “Practical Magic.” The studio’s commitment to these established properties demonstrates a strategy of leveraging nostalgia and brand recognition to attract audiences. The upcoming film promises a fresh dose of Mogwai mayhem for a new generation, while also appealing to longtime fans of the original films.
