Steven Spielberg, Chris Columbus Reunite for ‘Gremlins 3’
The franchise of “Gremlins” is set to make a significant comeback with the announcement of a third film, “Gremlins 3.” Warner Bros. Discovery’s President and CEO, David Zaslav, revealed plans for the project during the company’s earnings call. The film is anticipated for a theatrical release on November 19, 2027.
Reunion of Filmmaking Legends
This new installment will see the reunion of Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus. Columbus, the original writer of “Gremlins,” will take on the roles of director and producer. Spielberg will return as an executive producer for the upcoming film, making it a collaborative effort with Amblin Entertainment, which produced the first two movies.
Creative Team Behind ‘Gremlins 3’
- Chris Columbus: Director and writer
- Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein: Co-directors known for “Final Destination Bloodlines”
- Steven Spielberg: Executive producer
The third film marks the first new entry in the Gremlins franchise in over three decades. Columbus originally introduced audiences to the quirky Mogwai characters in the 1984 film, establishing the iconic rules of their care: no water, no food after midnight, and avoiding bright light.
Legacy and Historical Context
Both “Gremlins” released in 1984 and its sequel in 1990, directed by Joe Dante, captured the mayhem that ensued when these rules were ignored. Notable cast members included Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, and Howie Mandel as the voice of Gizmo, the beloved Mogwai.
Recent Developments in the Franchise
Despite the long gap since the last movie, “Gremlins” found renewed attention with the 2023 animated series “Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai.” Set in the 1920s, the series explored the backstory of Mogwai and featured Mr. Wing, played by the late Keye Luke. Showrunner Tze Chun emphasized the series’ intent to delve into Chinese mythology surrounding the creatures.
Galligan hinted at the new movie during Comic-Con Manchester, suggesting that a script had been finalized and that Warner Bros. was eager for Spielberg’s approval to move forward.
Upcoming Warner Bros. Projects
The revival of “Gremlins” aligns with Warner Bros. Discovery’s trend of rebooting nostalgic franchises. Other reinvented properties include “The Lord of the Rings,” “Harry Potter,” and “Practical Magic.”
