“Gremlins” is a wonderfully nasty delight, and is still a hell of a lot of fun 40 (!) years after its release. Director Joe Dante’s film became a real hit shortly after its release and took fourth place among the most successful films of the year in the US in 1984. The sequel “Gremlins 2 – The Return of the Little Monsters” could not build on the success of its predecessor – but since its release, the crazy meta fun has developed into a real cult film that is mercilessly celebrated by many fans today.
But since then, we’ve been waiting in vain for a new franchise entry. However, rumors regularly circulate that a new ‘Gremlins’ film is in development – but nothing has come of the plans so far. In 2023, only a new and disappointingly child-friendly series ‘Gremlins – Secrets of the Mogwai’ was released. In any case, it is a sign of life, even though fans of the franchise would certainly have wanted another movie visit. Now, a star from the original film is giving fans hope that a Gremlins reunion could still happen on the big screen.
Will there be another movie after the series?
Zach Galligan, who played Billy in ‘Gremlins’ and its sequel released six years later, spoke out in an interview optimistic about the future of the franchise:
“I can’t really imagine why Warner Bros. would make two seasons – not one, but two – of the animated series and spend a lot of money on it unless there was some kind of long-term plan.
And usually the goal for a major studio like Warner Bros. Discovery a live-action film. You can always make the most money with a live-action film. ‘The Super Mario Bros.’ Movie’ just proven! …The goal will probably be, I hope, a third film. But I don’t think it will be a reboot because Chris Columbus rejected that idea and he owns some of the rights.”
“Gremlins 3” is not meant to be a reboot
The question has long been whether “Gremlins 3” will be a reboot or a sequel to the events of the first two parts. But Galligan has a clear opinion about that too. Galligan commented in one way back in 2015 interview: “It won’t be a reboot. It won’t be a remake by any means. Chris Columbus has spoken out and said that the first film is close to his heart and that there will not be a remake as long as he lives. […] All they’re going to do – and apparently plan to do – is something like Jurassic World, set thirty years later.”
Of course, it has now been more than eight years since this statement was made. But judging by the ‘Gremlins’ star’s latest comments, Chris Columbus’ (‘Home Alone’) opinion on the subject apparently hasn’t changed since then. Fans can continue to hope that the horror fantasy series about Gizmo and his nasty brothers will get another sequel on the big screen.