Fans Go Wild as Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus Confirm Long-Awaited Gremlins 3 for 2027 Release
Over three decades after the last Gremlins movie terrified and entertained audiences, fans of the mischievous little monsters have a major reason to celebrate. Warner Bros. Discovery has officially announced that Gremlins 3 is in development and set for a theatrical release in November 2027.
The exciting news came directly from Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who confirmed the project during an investor call on Thursday morning. The announcement immediately set social media ablaze, with nostalgic fans expressing their excitement—and a touch of nervousness—about what’s next for the cult-favorite franchise.
In a move that has thrilled longtime followers, Chris Columbus, the writer of the original 1984 classic, will step into the director’s chair for this new chapter. Meanwhile, legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who served as executive producer on the original, will reprise that same role, ensuring that the heart and spirit of the franchise remain intact.
According to Zaslav, Gremlins 3 will be a “love letter to the original,” blending practical effects, dark humor, and a modern twist on the beloved chaos that defined the earlier films. The screenplay will be written by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, the directing duo behind Final Destination: Bloodlines, who will build upon an earlier draft penned by Toby Halbrooks and Carl Ellsworth (Disturbia, Red Eye).
The return of Spielberg and Columbus has reassured many fans who feared the franchise might drift too far from its roots. However, not everyone is without concern. Some fans have voiced worries that modern studios’ reliance on CGI could replace the iconic practical effects that made the original Gremlins so memorable. The rubbery, tactile creatures—brought to life through puppetry and animatronics—became one of the most defining aspects of the series. Columbus, however, has hinted in previous interviews that he prefers the tangible, handmade approach, raising hopes that the film will maintain that authentic ‘80s charm.
The original Gremlins (1984) told the story of Billy Peltzer, a small-town young man who receives a mysterious, adorable creature called a Mogwai from his father as a Christmas gift. The creature, named Gizmo, comes with three strict rules: never expose it to bright light, never get it wet, and never feed it after midnight. Of course, the rules are broken, and chaos ensues as Gizmo spawns a horde of mischievous, destructive gremlins who terrorize the town in one of the most memorable horror-comedy films of all time.
The film was both a box office hit and a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $200 million worldwide and spawning endless merchandise, references, and parodies. Its success led to a sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, released in 1990. While the second film leaned more into satirical comedy and cartoonish antics, it has since become a cult favorite in its own right.
With over 40 years between Gremlins 2 and the upcoming Gremlins 3, anticipation is sky-high. Fans are eager to see how modern storytelling and technology will blend with the nostalgia of the original films. Some also speculate that the story might explore the origins of the Mogwai species or focus on a new generation encountering the creatures for the first time.
Whatever the direction, one thing is certain — Gremlins 3 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic returns in recent years. With Spielberg and Columbus back at the helm, audiences can expect a mix of heart, horror, and holiday chaos that defined the franchise.
As one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Spielberg and Columbus back together for Gremlins 3? Take my money already!”
If all goes as planned, those mischievous little monsters will be back to cause mayhem once again in November 2027, just in time to make another Christmas season unforgettable.
