The long-awaited third installment of the Gremlins franchise is moving closer to reality, with the script currently under review by executive producer Steven Spielberg. According to Zach Galligan, the original lead actor who played Billy Peltzer in the 1984 and 1990 films, Warner Bros. is highly motivated to greenlight Gremlins 3, buoyed by the recent success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Announced on July 29, 2025, this development has reignited excitement among fans of the beloved horror-comedy series, which blends mischief, humor, and iconic creatures.
A Long Journey for Gremlins 3
The Gremlins franchise, which began with the 1984 cult classic directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, has remained a cultural touchstone for decades. Its sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), leaned into absurdist humor, cementing the series’ unique place in pop culture. Since then, fans have eagerly awaited a third film, with various rumors and stalled projects keeping the possibility alive.
Zach Galligan, speaking in a recent interview, shared that the Gremlins 3 script is complete but requires Spielberg’s approval before moving forward. As the executive producer, Spielberg’s influence on the franchise is significant, ensuring that any new installment aligns with the original vision. Galligan’s comments suggest that Spielberg’s review is a critical step in determining the project’s fate.
Warner Bros. Enthusiasm Fueled by Beetlejuice Success
Warner Bros., the studio behind the Gremlins franchise, is reportedly enthusiastic about reviving the series. Galligan attributed this renewed interest to the box office triumph of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the 2024 sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 classic. The success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which grossed over $400 million globally, has demonstrated the viability of revisiting nostalgic properties from the 1980s and 1990s. This has prompted studios to explore dormant franchises with strong fan bases, making Gremlins 3 a prime candidate for development.
The studio’s optimism is further supported by the enduring popularity of the Gremlins brand. The original film’s mix of horror, comedy, and family-friendly appeal has kept it relevant through home media, merchandise, and the animated series Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, which premiered on Max in 2023. Warner Bros. sees Gremlins 3 as an opportunity to capitalize on this nostalgia while introducing the mischievous Mogwai and Gremlins to a new generation.
Potential Direction for Gremlins 3
While specific details about the Gremlins 3 script remain under wraps, Galligan’s comments suggest that the project aims to stay true to the franchise’s roots while exploring fresh ideas. The original films balanced dark humor with heartfelt moments, centered around the adorable yet dangerous Mogwai creatures and their chaotic Gremlin counterparts. Fans are speculating about potential storylines, which could include:
- Returning Characters: Billy Peltzer (Galligan) and Gizmo, the iconic Mogwai, could reprise their roles, continuing their adventures in a modern setting.
- New Threats: A new generation of Gremlins could introduce updated mischief, possibly incorporating technology or urban environments.
- Nostalgic Elements: The film may pay homage to the 1980s aesthetic while appealing to contemporary audiences with updated visuals and humor.
- Expanded Lore: The success of Secrets of the Mogwai suggests potential ties to the animated series’ mythology, exploring the origins of the Mogwai.
The script’s tone and direction will likely reflect Spielberg’s vision, ensuring a balance between the franchise’s signature charm and modern storytelling techniques.
Challenges in Bringing Gremlins 3 to Life
Developing Gremlins 3 presents several challenges, starting with Spielberg’s approval process. As a prolific filmmaker and producer, Spielberg’s involvement in multiple projects, including Indiana Jones and West Side Story adaptations, may delay his review of the script. Additionally, Warner Bros. must navigate the expectations of a fan base that holds the original films in high regard, requiring careful consideration to avoid alienating longtime supporters.
Another hurdle is the evolving landscape of the film industry. The success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has shown that nostalgic sequels can thrive, but missteps in tone or execution could lead to a lukewarm reception, as seen with some reboots of classic franchises. Warner Bros. will need to ensure that Gremlins 3 captures the quirky spirit of the originals while appealing to modern audiences accustomed to high-budget visual effects and sophisticated narratives.
The Role of Nostalgia in Hollywood
The push for Gremlins 3 reflects a broader trend in Hollywood, where studios are increasingly revisiting iconic properties to leverage nostalgia. Recent successes like Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) have demonstrated that well-executed sequels can resonate with both original fans and new viewers. According to industry reports from Variety, studios are prioritizing projects with established brand recognition to mitigate financial risks in an era of streaming competition and fluctuating box office performance.
The Gremlins franchise is well-suited for this strategy, given its memorable characters, versatile premise, and cross-generational appeal. The animated series Secrets of the Mogwai has already expanded the franchise’s reach, introducing younger audiences to the Mogwai universe. A successful Gremlins 3 could further solidify Warner Bros.’ portfolio of legacy franchises, potentially leading to additional spin-offs or merchandise opportunities.
Production and Creative Considerations
While Spielberg’s approval is pending, Warner Bros. is likely preparing for the next steps in production. The studio will need to assemble a creative team, including a director and writers, to bring the script to life. Joe Dante, who directed the first two films, has not been confirmed for Gremlins 3, leaving open the possibility of a new filmmaker taking the helm. The involvement of original cast members like Galligan and Phoebe Cates, who played Kate Beringer, remains uncertain but would likely be a draw for fans.
The use of practical effects, a hallmark of the original films, could play a significant role in Gremlins 3. The tactile charm of the Mogwai and Gremlins, achieved through puppetry and animatronics, distinguished the franchise from CGI-heavy contemporaries. Modern audiences, however, may expect a blend of practical and digital effects to enhance the creatures’ chaotic antics.
Fan and Industry Expectations
Fans of the Gremlins series have expressed enthusiasm on social media about the prospect of a third film, with many hoping for a return to the dark humor and inventive storytelling of the originals. Industry analysts, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, suggest that Gremlins 3 could perform well at the box office if it captures the nostalgic appeal of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice while delivering a fresh narrative. The film’s potential success will depend on Warner Bros.’ ability to balance homage with innovation.
What’s Next for Gremlins 3
The timeline for Gremlins 3 remains uncertain, as Spielberg’s review and subsequent pre-production phases could take months. If approved, the project could move quickly, given Warner Bros.’ eagerness to capitalize on the current wave of nostalgia-driven projects. Fans can expect updates as the script review progresses, with potential announcements regarding casting, direction, and a release window in the coming year.
In the meantime, the Gremlins franchise continues to thrive through its animated series and enduring cultural relevance. The success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has set a high bar, but it also provides a roadmap for Warner Bros. to revive Gremlins with a mix of nostalgia and modern flair.
Zach Galligan, the original star of the Gremlins franchise, revealed on July 29, 2025, that the script for Gremlins 3 is awaiting approval from executive producer Steven Spielberg. Warner Bros. is eager to proceed with the project, inspired by the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which demonstrated the market potential for nostalgic sequels. The third film aims to continue the horror-comedy legacy of the 1984 and 1990 films, potentially exploring new stories within the Mogwai universe. While details about the script and production remain undisclosed, the development marks a significant step toward reviving the beloved franchise.
Sources & References:
- Variety
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Deadline
- Screen Rant
