Warner Bros. has officially confirmed the return of the Gremlins franchise with Gremlins 3 scheduled to hit theaters on November 19, 2027. The announcement was made by CEO David Zaslav during the studio’s quarterly earnings call. Chris Columbus, who wrote the original 1984 film, will direct and write the new installment. Steven Spielberg will return as executive producer, continuing his long-standing association with the mischievous Mogwai.
This marks the first live-action Gremlins film in over three decades and signals a major revival of one of the most iconic dark comedy franchises in cinematic history.
Franchise Revival and Creative Team
Chris Columbus, best known for directing Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, is returning to the franchise he helped launch. Columbus originally wrote the screenplay for Gremlins early in his career, and has long expressed interest in directing a third installment. In a 2020 interview with Collider, he confirmed that a script had already been written and emphasized his commitment to using practical puppetry over CGI.
Spielberg, whose Amblin Entertainment produced the original film, will serve as executive producer. Joe Dante, who directed the first two Gremlins films, has not been confirmed for involvement in the new project.
The film follows Warner Bros.’ recent expansion of the franchise, including the animated prequel series Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, which debuted in 2023.
Columbus’ Vision and Studio Confidence
Columbus has been vocal about preserving the tactile charm of the original films. “I would still do it the same way – I would do it as tangible puppets, not CGI,” he told Collider. The original Gremlins featured one stop-motion scene, but Columbus believes the franchise’s appeal lies in its handcrafted effects.
Spielberg’s return as producer adds significant weight to the project, signaling Warner Bros.’ confidence in the film’s potential. The studio is positioning Gremlins 3 as a major tentpole release for the 2027 holiday season.
Nostalgia Meets Modern Audiences
The revival of Gremlins taps into a wave of nostalgia-driven content that has dominated Hollywood in recent years. With Columbus and Spielberg at the helm, the film is expected to honor the tone and style of the originals while appealing to a new generation of viewers.
The decision to use practical effects may differentiate Gremlins 3 from other reboots and sequels that rely heavily on digital animation. This approach could resonate with longtime fans and critics who value authenticity in franchise filmmaking.
What’s Next: Production Timeline and Marketing Strategy
Production on Gremlins 3 is expected to begin in late 2026. Casting details have not yet been announced, but Warner Bros. is likely to begin promotional efforts by mid-2026. Teaser trailers and behind-the-scenes features are expected to roll out in early 2027.
The studio will likely leverage the success of Secrets of the Mogwai and the enduring popularity of the original films to build anticipation. Merchandise, re-releases, and fan events may accompany the film’s rollout.
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