Gremlins 3 Unleashed! Teasers Hint at '80s Legend's Return While Warner Bros. Delays Release to 2028!
Warner Bros. has announced a delay for "Gremlins 3," moving its release to October 6, 2028, aligning it with the Halloween season. Chris Columbus is set to direct, with Steven Spielberg returning as executive producer, promising a new chapter for the beloved horror-comedy franchise. The film aims to recapture the magic and mayhem for both long-time fans and a new generation.
Warner Bros. has announced a significant delay for the highly anticipated “Gremlins 3,” pushing its release date from November 19, 2027, to October 6, 2028. This strategic shift places the film closer to the Halloween season, a decision influenced by Warner Bros.' past successes with blockbusters released in October, such as “Joker.” This aligns well with the series' horror roots, even though the original film is more commonly associated with Christmas. The delay was announced alongside the unveiling of a first official teaser, offering fans a glimpse to anticipate the return of the titular creatures.
The project, which marks a long-overdue return to live-action for the iconic 80s horror franchise, was initially revealed by David Zaslav, CEO and president of Warner Bros. Discovery, during an investor call in 2025. This third installment comes 36 years after the last theatrical outing, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” which debuted in 1990.
A formidable creative team has been assembled to carry on the legacy of the “Gremlins” franchise. Steven Spielberg is returning as an executive producer through his Amblin Entertainment banner, ensuring a connection to the original magic. Chris Columbus, who famously penned the first installment that launched the Mogwai into horror history, is set to produce and direct the new film. Columbus brings extensive experience behind the camera, having directed popular films such as “Home Alone” and the first two “Harry Potter” movies.
The script is being written by Hannah Marks, based on an original draft co-written by Chris Columbus, Zach Lipovsky, and Adam Stein. Lipovsky and Stein are recognized for their recent work in the horror genre, including their revival of the “Final Destination” franchise with “Final Destination: Bloodlines.” Additional producers include Kristie Macosko Krieger and Holly Bario under Amblin Entertainment, alongside Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe of 26th Street Pictures, and Eleanor Columbus of Maiden Voyage. While the official title, specific plot details, and casting information for “Gremlins 3” have not yet been disclosed, the studio's president of development and production, Jesse Ehrman, has expressed immense excitement for the project, highlighting its beloved and iconic status for both lifelong fans and new generations.
The original 1984 film, directed by Joe Dante, was a groundbreaking horror-comedy that played a significant role in the creation of the PG-13 film rating. It told the story of a young boy, Billy, who receives a cute, furry, yet mysterious creature called a Mogwai. This pet came with two strict rules: never get it wet and never feed it after midnight. The inevitable violation of these rules led to the Mogwai multiplying and transforming into mischievous Gremlins, unleashing chaos in Billy’s small town during the holiday season. The first “Gremlins” was a massive box office success, grossing a staggering $212 million worldwide against an approximate $11 million budget, and firmly established the lovable Gizmo as a widely recognizable mascot. Its 1990 follow-up, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” while only mustering $41 million at the box office, has since earned cult classic status.