Warner to Produce ‘Gremlins 3’ with Spielberg and Columbus
Warner Bros. is set to revive the beloved Gremlins franchise with a new installment, Gremlins 3, slated for release on November 19, 2027. This upcoming film marks the first return of the franchise in 37 years, bringing back renowned figures from the original series. David Zaslav, the head of Warner Bros. Discovery, confirmed the greenlight for this project during the company’s third-quarter earnings call.
Key Figures Behind Gremlins 3
Steven Spielberg will return as the executive producer through Amblin Entertainment, a name synonymous with blockbuster hits. Additionally, Chris Columbus, who penned the original 1984 film, will take on the roles of producer and director for this new installment.
Franchise History and Box Office Performance
The original Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante, was a significant success. It introduced audiences to the enigmatic Mogwai, a creature that transforms into destructive gremlin monsters when rules are broken. Produced on a budget of $11 million, the film earned an impressive $151 million domestically.
- Original release year: 1984
- Budget: $11 million
- Domestic gross: $151 million
A sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, was released in 1990. Although it garnered mixed reviews and only earned $41 million at the box office, it has since found a cult following, particularly noted by director Quentin Tarantino.
Recent Developments in the Franchise
Modern interest in Gremlins was recently tested with an animated series, Secrets of the Mogwai, which launched in 2023 and has aired two successful seasons on Max. This creative approach signifies the franchise’s potential for growth and renewed interest among fans.
Moreover, the concept of gremlins itself originated in the 1920s, when mechanical issues in Royal Air Force airplanes were humorously attributed to these imaginary creatures. The term gained further traction when Roald Dahl published a book titled The Gremlins in 1943, although plans for a Disney adaptation never materialized.
With the combined efforts of Spielberg and Columbus, Gremlins 3 aims to reignite the charm and excitement of the original films while introducing a new generation to the whimsical yet menacing world of the Gremlins.
