Warner Bros. is officially bringing the Gremlins back to theaters, confirming a brand-new instalment of the beloved franchise slated for release on November 19, 2027. The studio made the announcement alongside key creative details that signal a nostalgic yet ambitious return to one of cinema’s most mischievous classics.
The film, titled Gremlins 3, marks the long-awaited revival of the 1980s cult series that first terrified and delighted audiences in 1984. Chris Columbus, who wrote the original Gremlins screenplay, is returning to direct and produce the third entry, reuniting with executive producer Steven Spielberg under the Amblin Entertainment banner. Their collaboration, which helped define the tone of darkly comic adventure films in the ‘80s, now looks set to bring the same blend of chaos and heart to a new generation.
While few details about the story have been revealed, Warner Bros. confirmed that Columbus is co-writing the new script alongside filmmakers Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, who previously collaborated on Freaks and Kim Possible. The project is being jointly produced by Amblin Entertainment and 26th Street Pictures, continuing the studio’s push to revive its most enduring properties with a modern edge.
According to the initial announcement, Gremlins 3 will aim to honor the tone and spirit of Joe Dante’s original while expanding its cinematic universe. No casting information has been confirmed yet, and it remains to be seen whether the new film will feature familiar faces from the earlier instalments or introduce a fresh lineup of characters. The studio has also not specified whether practical puppetry — one of the defining features of the franchise — will return, though longtime fans are already vocal online about wanting to see Gizmo and the mischievous Gremlins brought to life through traditional techniques.
The first Gremlins film, released in June 1984, became a surprise phenomenon, grossing over $200 million worldwide and cementing itself as a defining entry in ‘80s pop culture. Its blend of horror, comedy, and Christmas charm — paired with Spielberg’s production touch — made it a perennial holiday favourite. The sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, followed in 1990 with a more satirical tone, turning the franchise into a cult staple and inspiring generations of filmmakers.
For decades, rumours of a third film persisted, with various drafts reportedly developed and shelved over the years. Chris Columbus had previously confirmed that he had written a “twisted and dark” script, which he hoped would recapture the spirit of the original without leaning too heavily on CGI. Now, with both Columbus and Spielberg officially back on board, fans finally have a concrete timeline for the long-gestating sequel.
Industry outlets noted that Warner Bros. has been strategically reviving its major 1980s titles — from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to The Goonies spin-offs — as part of its broader legacy-driven slate. The return of Gremlins fits neatly into that plan, tapping into intergenerational nostalgia while introducing younger audiences to one of the studio’s most beloved creature features.
A studio statement described the new film as a “celebration of mischievous imagination and movie magic,” promising that it will “honor what made the original so special while pushing the boundaries of adventure storytelling for the next era.”
With its release date now locked for November 2027, Gremlins 3 will arrive more than four decades after the first film — a testament to the enduring cultural fascination with those small, chaotic creatures who once stole Christmas and cinema alike. While it may be a few years before audiences see the Gremlins wreak havoc on the big screen again, the anticipation for their return has already begun to build across fan circles and media outlets worldwide.
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