Gremlins 3 is Officially a Go: Get Ready for More Mogwai Mayhem in 2027!

After more than three decades, the mischievous Mogwai are finally set to return to the big screen! Warner Bros. has officially announced a new Gremlins film, with some familiar, powerhouse names steering the ship, and a release date firmly locked in.

TL;DR: Quick Bites of the Big News

• A new Gremlins movie is officially in the works, hitting theaters on November 19, 2027.
• Original 1984 writer Chris Columbus is back to direct and produce, with Steven Spielberg executive producing.
• This marks the first live-action Gremlins film in 37 years, reviving a beloved horror-comedy franchise.

The Unexpected Return of Our Favorite Furry, Scaly Friends

Remember the three crucial rules for caring for a Mogwai? Don't expose them to bright light, don't get them wet, and whatever you do, never feed them after midnight. If those rules immediately bring to mind chaotic, cackling green creatures and a certain adorable, big-eared furball named Gizmo, then you're exactly the kind of fan who's been waiting for this news: Gremlins 3 is officially happening.

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav dropped the bombshell announcement during the company's third-quarter earnings call on Thursday, confirming a new chapter in the cult classic franchise. This isn't just any reboot; it's a direct continuation that’s been greenlit with serious talent attached. The film is slated for release on November 19, 2027, making it the first Gremlins movie to grace our screens in a staggering 37 years. It's a comeback few might have predicted, but many have desperately hoped for.

Original Creative Forces Reunite for a New Era of Mayhem

For fans, the biggest comfort in this announcement comes from the names attached. Steven Spielberg, whose Amblin Entertainment produced the original, is back as an executive producer. Even more exciting, Chris Columbus, the brilliant mind who penned the original 1984 screenplay, is returning to produce and direct the new installment. Columbus is joined by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the directing duo behind the recent horror hit Final Destination: Bloodlines, who are collaborating on the script. This combination of original visionaries and fresh genre talent suggests a careful balance of nostalgia and innovation.

The original 1984 film, directed by Joe Dante, was a dark horror-comedy that captivated audiences and famously led to the creation of the PG-13 rating due to its intense violence. Source: [Los Angeles Times, ‘Gremlins 3’ is real: Steven Spielberg, Chris Columbus reuniting for 2027 Mogwai movie, November 6, 2025]. Produced for just $11 million, it raked in an impressive $151 million domestically and $212 million worldwide, proving the immense appeal of its mischievous monsters. Its success cemented the Gremlins as pop culture icons.

The Legacy of Gizmo and His Destructive Offspring

The first movie introduced us to Billy Peltzer, a boy who receives a mysterious creature called a Mogwai. When the rules for its care are inevitably broken, Gizmo’s adorable offspring multiply, transforming into grotesque, destructive green killer monsters. This simple, yet terrifying premise, resonated with audiences, blending holiday cheer with genuine horror.

Its sequel, 1990’s Gremlins 2: The New Batch, directed again by Joe Dante but not written by Columbus, took a radically different approach. It was a broad, self-aware comedy set in New York City, brutally satirizing the original film and capitalist culture as the creatures took over a skyscraper. While it only grossed $41 million at the box office and effectively halted the franchise for decades, it has since garnered significant cult appreciation. Director Quentin Tarantino, for example, is a vocal champion of the sequel, noting its unique comedic genius.

"With Gremlins 2, [Dante] was able to do a MAD Magazine take-off on the first Gremlins for the entire movie. They actually start goofing on every aspect of Christopher Columbus’ original premise … and it was hysterical … it actually gets better every time you see it. It’s the first of those gag-like movies to 100 percent work from beginning to end since Airplane!"

— Quentin Tarantino, as quoted in The Hollywood Reporter

A Franchise Revived: Why Now, and How?

The timing of this revival isn't arbitrary. Warner Bros. and Amblin have been carefully testing the waters of modern-day interest in the franchise. In 2023, they launched an animated prequel series titled Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, which has aired two seasons on Max. This series delved into the creatures’ origins in 1920s China, briefly hinted at in the first film by shopkeeper Mr. Wing. Its success likely demonstrated a renewed appetite for Gizmo and his chaotic kin among both long-time fans and new audiences.

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav highlighted the company's impressive box office performance in 2025, leading globally with over $4 billion in revenue and achieving seven consecutive releases opening above $40 million. Source: [Variety, ‘Gremlins 3’ Movie Sets November 2027 Release Date, November 6, 2025]. Bringing back a beloved, iconic IP like Gremlins fits squarely into their strategy of leveraging established franchises to deliver strong theatrical results, alongside new entries in Minecraft and Superman.

The Return of Practical Effects Versus Modern CGI Challenges

A significant point of discussion among fans, and for the filmmakers themselves, revolves around the visual style of the new film. Chris Columbus has previously stated his preference for practical effects. In 2020, he told Collider, "I would still do it the same way — I would do it as tangible puppets, not CGI. We had one stop-motion scene in the first 'Gremlins,' but I don’t think I’d use much CGI in 'Gremlins 3.'" This commitment to physical puppetry over digital effects would be a huge win for maintaining the original films' anarchic charm and tactile sense of chaos.

However, practical effects come with their own set of tradeoffs. While they offer a unique, tangible quality that can feel more "real" on screen, they are often more labor-intensive, time-consuming, and potentially expensive for complex sequences. Modern CGI, conversely, allows for greater flexibility and scale, but can sometimes feel less grounded if not executed perfectly. For a movie like Gremlins, where the creatures' distinct personalities and physical interactions are key, Columbus's stated approach holds significant weight in preserving the franchise's soul. It's a creative decision that could define whether this new film truly feels like a Gremlins movie.

Take, for example, the sheer expressiveness of Gizmo or the menacing snarls of Stripe in the original films, brought to life by dozens of puppeteers. Imagine trying to recreate the delightful chaos of Greta, the "sexy-girl Gremlin" introduced in the sequel, purely through CGI. While possible, many fans argue that the subtle imperfections and physical presence of puppets are what gave these characters their enduring appeal, demanding a level of craft that CGI sometimes struggles to replicate. The desire for "more Greta" from certain corners of fandom further emphasizes the need for authentic creature work.

Whispers from the Production Cauldron: What to Expect Next

While specific plot details remain under wraps, the involvement of Columbus suggests a strong possibility of returning to the core "rules broken" premise. It’s safe to assume Gizmo will be central to the story, potentially sparking a new generation of destructive, rule-breaking offspring. The original films starred Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer and Phoebe Cates as Kate Beringer; their return is unconfirmed, but would be a strong draw for long-time fans.

Interestingly, Zach Galligan himself hinted at the project’s development last summer at Comic-Con Manchester, stating that "they’ve come up with a script" and that Warner Bros. was "incredibly interested in doing it, apparently it’s waiting upon Mr. Spielberg to read it and approve it." Source: [Los Angeles Times, ‘Gremlins 3’ is real: Steven Spielberg, Chris Columbus reuniting for 2027 Mogwai movie, November 6, 2025]. This timeline suggests a carefully considered path to greenlight, ensuring the project met the high standards of its original creators.

The concept of "gremlins" themselves predates the 1984 film, first conceived in the 1920s when mechanical failures in Royal Air Force aircraft were jokingly blamed on small monsters. Children’s author and RAF pilot Roald Dahl even published a book titled The Gremlins in 1943, which Walt Disney considered adapting. This rich, historical backdrop adds another layer to the enduring appeal of these mischievous creatures.

Practical Takeaways for Eager Fans

• Mark Your Calendars: November 19, 2027, is the date for a return to Gremlins-filled holiday chaos.
• Expect Original DNA: With Chris Columbus directing and Steven Spielberg executive producing, the film promises to connect deeply with the spirit of the 1984 classic.
• Hoping for Practical Effects: Director Chris Columbus has expressed a strong desire to use practical puppets instead of heavy CGI, which could preserve the iconic look and feel of the creatures.
• Stay Tuned for Cast News: While unconfirmed, the return of original stars Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates would be a huge boon, so keep an eye out for casting announcements.
• Revisit the Classics: Now's the perfect time to rewatch Gremlins (1984) and Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), perhaps followed by the animated series Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai on Max, to prepare for the new installment!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the New Gremlins Movie

When is the new Gremlins movie coming out? The film is currently scheduled to be released in theaters on November 19, 2027. Who is directing Gremlins 3? Chris Columbus, who wrote the original 1984 film, is set to direct and produce this new installment. Will Steven Spielberg be involved? Yes, Steven Spielberg is returning as an executive producer through his company, Amblin Entertainment. Will the movie use CGI or puppets for the Gremlins? Director Chris Columbus has indicated a strong preference for using tangible puppets over CGI, aiming to recreate the authentic feel of the original films.

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter, 'Gremlins 3': 'Final Destination' Duo Zach Lipovsky, Adam B. Stein Join Chris Columbus to Write Script (Exclusive), November 6, 2025.
• Variety, ‘Gremlins 3’ Movie Sets November 2027 Release Date, November 6, 2025.
• Deadline, ‘Gremlins 3’ To Hit Theaters In November 2027 With Chris Columbus Directing & Steven Spielberg Exec Producing, November 6, 2025.
• Los Angeles Times, ‘Gremlins 3’ is real: Steven Spielberg, Chris Columbus reuniting for 2027 Mogwai movie, November 6, 2025.
• The Daily Beast, Iconic Horror Franchise to Return After 37 Years, November 6, 2025.
• Vulture, Gremlins 3 Is Coming, and It Better Have the Sexy One, November 6, 2025.
• Stanisland Magazine, Gremlins 3: Everything You Need To Know, November 7, 2025.
• Fortress of Solitude - Movie News, Gremlins 3 Confirmed: Chris Columbus Returns to Direct, Hitting Theaters November 2027, November 6, 2025.