Gremlins 3 is Officially Happening: Mark Your Calendars for 2027!

Get ready for more mischievous Mogwai mayhem! After decades of silence, a new live-action Gremlins film is confirmed, bringing back some familiar faces behind the camera.

TL;DR

• Gremlins 3 is slated for a theatrical release on November 19, 2027.
• Original writer Chris Columbus returns to direct and produce, with Steven Spielberg executive producing.
• The new film will be the first live-action Gremlins movie in 37 years, following the beloved original and its cult-classic sequel.

Remember those three crucial rules? Keep them away from bright light, don't get them wet, and whatever you do, never feed them after midnight. For over three decades, Gremlins fans have meticulously followed these directives, hoping against hope that one day, their patience would be rewarded with a new chapter of furry chaos. Well, good news: the wait is finally over!

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav officially announced on November 6, 2025, during the company's third-quarter earnings call, that a new Gremlins movie is in the works. This exciting news confirms widespread rumors and sets a firm theatrical release date for November 19, 2027. It's truly a monumental moment, as this will be the first live-action Gremlins film in a staggering 37 years, reigniting a beloved franchise that has captured imaginations for generations. Source: [Variety, ‘Gremlins 3’ Movie Sets November 2027 Release Date, November 6, 2025]

Making this revival even more special are the powerhouse names returning to steer the ship. Steven Spielberg, the legendary filmmaker who executive produced the original films, is back in the same capacity through his company Amblin Entertainment. Joining him is Chris Columbus, the original screenwriter of the 1984 classic, who will not only produce but also take on directorial duties for this long-awaited third installment. Source: [The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. Reviving ‘Gremlins’ With Chris Columbus, Steven Spielberg (Exclusive), November 6, 2025]

Recalling the Original Magic of Mogwai and Mayhem

The original Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante and penned by Chris Columbus, burst onto the scene in 1984 and quickly became a pop-culture phenomenon. It introduced audiences to the adorable, innocent Mogwai named Gizmo, adopted by Billy Peltzer, and the three golden rules that governed his care. As any fan knows, when those rules are inevitably broken, the result is a chaotic invasion of destructive, green monsters in the idyllic town of Kingston Falls.

The film was an undeniable box office hit, reportedly made on a budget of just $11 million, it went on to gross over $150 million domestically and an impressive $212 million worldwide. Source: [Variety, ‘Gremlins 3’ Movie Sets November 2027 Release Date, November 6, 2025] Its blend of horror, comedy, and surprisingly dark elements famously pushed the boundaries of family filmmaking, even leading to the creation of the PG-13 rating by the MPAA. The movie was a cultural touchstone that defined a generation's cinematic experience.

A Divisive Sequel That Found Its Own Cult Following

Six years later, in 1990, the franchise returned with Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Joe Dante once again directed, but this time Chris Columbus was not involved in the screenplay. The sequel took a distinctly different approach, leaning heavily into broad comedy, meta-humor, and outright satire of the original film and Hollywood sequels in general. Set in a modernized, Trump Tower-like building in New York City, it was an "ode to chaos" that shocked some and delighted others with its bizarre, balls-to-the-wall antics.

Financially, Gremlins 2 was far less successful than its predecessor, pulling in around $41 million at the box office. Source: [The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. Reviving ‘Gremlins’ With Chris Columbus, Steven Spielberg (Exclusive), November 6, 2025] However, over the decades, it has blossomed into a beloved cult classic, championed by filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, who praised its willingness to goof on every aspect of the original premise and likened its comedic timing to Airplane!. The sequel's audacity ensured the franchise, even in dormancy, remained a lively topic of discussion among cinephiles.

Bridging the Long Gap with Animated Adventures

While a new live-action film has been out of reach for decades, Warner Bros. and Amblin didn't completely let the Mogwai sleep. They effectively tested modern-day interest in the franchise with the animated prequel series, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, which premiered on HBO Max (now just Max) in 2023. The series, which aired two seasons and wrapped its second run earlier this year, proved to be a critical success.

This animated journey took a deep dive into Gizmo's Chinese origins, a detail only briefly hinted at in the first film by shopkeeper Mr. Wing. Executive producer Brendan Hay noted that setting the series in 1920s China was "a chance to own the somewhat throwaway origin that the Mogwai have in the films" and "find a place for Mogwai that fits into Chinese mythology." Source: [Los Angeles Times, ‘Gremlins 3’ is real: Steven Spielberg, Chris Columbus reuniting for 2027 Mogwai movie, November 6, 2025] This series provided a crucial bridge, keeping the Gremlins' unique blend of magic and mayhem fresh for a new generation while honoring its roots.

The Masterminds Reassemble for a New Cinematic Chapter

The return of Chris Columbus to direct and produce, with Steven Spielberg as executive producer, signals a strong commitment to the original vision. Columbus, of course, wrote the script for the groundbreaking first film, giving him an intimate understanding of the franchise's core appeal. He’ll be collaborating on the screenplay with Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the directing duo behind this summer's horror hit Final Destination: Bloodlines. While an earlier draft was penned by Toby Halbrooks and Carl Ellsworth, the current writing credits now include Columbus, Lipovsky, and Stein. Source: [Deadline, ‘Gremlins 3’ Set For Theatrical Release In November 2027; Chris Columbus To Direct, Steven Spielberg Executive Produces, November 6, 2025]

Further bolstering the production team are Kristie Macosko Krieger and Holly Bario producing for Amblin Entertainment, alongside Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe from 26th Street Pictures. This ensemble brings a wealth of experience, promising a robust and carefully crafted return for the mischievous creatures. The involvement of these key figures suggests a respectful continuation of the Gremlins legacy, rather than a radical reimagining.

A Notable Absence: Joe Dante and the Director's Artistic Vision

While the return of Spielberg and Columbus is exciting, a significant talking point among fans and critics alike is the absence of Joe Dante from the director's chair. Dante's unique vision was crucial to shaping the tone of both original films, especially his "B-movie sensitivity" and knack for blending horror with whimsical, dark humor in the first Gremlins. For the sequel, he delivered an "ode to chaos" that pushed boundaries and satirized Hollywood itself. Source: [SlashFilm, Gremlins 3 Is Finally Happening, But It's Missing The Most Important Part Of The Original Films, November 6, 2025]

Chris Columbus's filmography as a director, which includes blockbusters like the first two Home Alone Movies, the initial Harry Potter installments, and Mrs. Doubtfire, generally leans towards more family-friendly fare. This raises a fair question: will Gremlins 3 recapture the darker, edgier sensibility that defined the original, or will it embrace a softer, broader appeal more aligned with Columbus's directorial track record? This trade-off between established directorial vision and a fresh take will be a key aspect for fans to watch.

For example, imagine a long-time fan named Sarah, who grew up watching Gremlins every Christmas. She’s devoured the animated series but always felt a big-screen return needed that specific Joe Dante spark. Now, she’s cautiously optimistic but her concern for Dante's absence mirrors what many seasoned fans might feel—a hope that the film retains its original blend of scares and laughs, and doesn't shy away from the anarchic spirit that made the first two so memorable. It's a tricky balance to strike when you bring back beloved franchises after so long.

Practical Puppets or Cutting-Edge CGI: The Visual Dilemma

One of the enduring charms of the original Gremlins films was their reliance on practical effects and puppetry to bring Gizmo and his monstrous counterparts to life. Chris Columbus himself, back in 2010, stated his belief that it would be "impossible to revisit in a CGI environment," noting that the creatures were like "edgy Muppets" that required 25 puppeteers to make them "come to life." Source: [Vulture, Gremlins 3 Is Coming, and It Better Have the Sexy One, November 6, 2025]

Given Columbus's direct involvement in the new film, there's a strong hope among fans that Gremlins 3 will lean towards practical effects to maintain that tactile, anarchic charm. The debate between CGI and practical effects is always lively for creature features, but for a franchise built on tangible mischief, many will be rooting for a return to the puppeteer magic. There has been no official confirmation yet on the visual effects approach, so we’ll have to wait and see if the team manages to recreate the beauty of creatures like Greta, the "sexy-girl Gremlin" from the sequel, with physical effects.

Warner Bros. Discovery's Ambitious Studio Strategy

The announcement of Gremlins 3 comes amidst a period of strategic revitalization for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and its film division. CEO David Zaslav used the earnings call to paint a picture of WBD as a "theatrical movie powerhouse" that is "back and stronger than ever." He boasted that the studio is leading the 2025 box office, both domestically and globally, having already surpassed $4 billion in revenue thus far. This remarkable achievement includes a streak of seven consecutive releases that opened above $40 million, featuring diverse titles like A Minecraft Movie, Superman, Weapons, and The Conjuring: Last Rites. Source: [Deadline, ‘Gremlins 3’ Set For Theatrical Release In November 2027; Chris Columbus To Direct, Steven Spielberg Executive Produces, November 6, 2025]

This success isn't without its challenges; Zaslav acknowledged financial misses, such as Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, which is tracking to lose $100 million against its $130 million budget despite its Oscar potential. However, the studio’s overall strategy is clear: leverage a wide range of offerings—from kid-centric hits to horror and adult-skewing dramas—and crucially, revive "beloved titles." Gremlins 3 fits perfectly into this plan, joining other iconic franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter that WBD is bringing back to the big screen. The move reflects a broader industry trend of re-engaging with established intellectual property to ensure consistent box office performance.

Jesse Ehrman, President of Development and Production, Warner Bros. Pictures, shared his excitement:

“Few titles are as beloved and iconic as Gremlins, and we’re beyond excited to bring it back for both lifelong fans and a whole new generation. It’s a privilege to be working alongside Steven, Chris, and the entire creative team, and we look forward to audiences experiencing the next installment of the magic, mayhem, and heart of Gremlins on the big screen in 2027.”

Will We See Billy and Kate Again? Casting and Plot Hints

Currently, no cast members have been officially announced for Gremlins 3. However, there’s been a flicker of hope regarding the return of original stars Zach Galligan (who played Billy Peltzer) and Phoebe Cates (Kate Beringer). Zach Galligan himself hinted at a new Gremlins movie earlier this summer while appearing at Comic-Con Manchester, reportedly 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 suggests that at least one of the original leads might be in discussions, or at the very least, considered. Fans would undoubtedly be thrilled to see Galligan and Cates reprise their roles, perhaps even in a "second-generation storyline" where they pass on the Mogwai-rearing wisdom (or lack thereof) to new characters. While plot details are under wraps, one can always safely guess the central premise will involve Gizmo somehow getting fed after midnight, triggering another round of memorable havoc. Source: [Stanisland, Gremlins 3: Everything You Need To Know, November 6, 2025]

What This Means for Fans: Your Practical Takeaways

• Circle November 19, 2027, on your calendar for the theatrical release of Gremlins 3. It's a date a long time coming!
• Expect a strong connection to the original film's spirit, given Chris Columbus's return as director and writer, and Steven Spielberg's executive production.
• Keep your eyes peeled for casting announcements, especially if original stars like Zach Galligan might return to face the Gremlins once more.
• The visual style is a big question mark: will Gremlins 3 stick to beloved practical puppetry or embrace modern CGI? This will be a key detail for fans.
• This new installment is part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s broader strategy to revive and capitalize on cherished franchises, so anticipate a well-supported, high-profile release.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Gremlins 3 Answered

When is Gremlins 3 scheduled to be released? Gremlins 3 is officially set for a theatrical release on November 19, 2027.

Who is directing and producing the new Gremlins movie? Chris Columbus, the original screenwriter, will direct and produce the film, with Steven Spielberg returning as an executive producer.

Will Gremlins 3 feature the original cast members? No cast members have been officially announced yet. However, original star Zach Galligan has hinted that a script was in the works and that original leads might be considered.

How long has it been since the last Gremlins film? When Gremlins 3 is released in 2027, it will be 37 years since the last live-action film, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, which came out in 1990.

Sources

• Deadline, ‘Gremlins 3’ Set For Theatrical Release In November 2027; Chris Columbus To Direct, Steven Spielberg Executive Produces, November 6, 2025
• The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. Reviving ‘Gremlins’ With Chris Columbus, Steven Spielberg (Exclusive), November 6, 2025
• Variety, ‘Gremlins 3’ Movie Sets November 2027 Release Date, November 6, 2025
• Los Angeles Times, ‘Gremlins 3’ is real: Steven Spielberg, Chris Columbus reuniting for 2027 Mogwai movie, November 6, 2025
• SlashFilm, Gremlins 3 Is Finally Happening, But It's Missing The Most Important Part Of The Original Films, November 6, 2025
• Stanisland, Gremlins 3: Everything You Need To Know, November 6, 2025
• Vulture, Gremlins 3 Is Coming, and It Better Have the Sexy One, November 6, 2025
• Den of Geek, Gremlins 3 is Official: Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus Return, But Who's Directing?, November 6, 2025
• Polygon, A new Gremlins movie is coming in 2027, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav confirmed, November 6, 2025
• io9, ‘Gremlins 3’ Is Real, and Coming in 2027, November 6, 2025