A long‑rumored third Gremlins film moved closer to production when original star Zach Galligan told fans at Comic Con Manchester that a completed screenplay “is waiting on Mr. Spielberg to read it and approve it,” describing the project as Warner Bros.’ top legacy priority after years in limbo. Galligan noted the renewed momentum follows the robust box‑office run of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which convinced the studio that 1980s properties still draw contemporary crowds.
Warner Bros. leadership signalled the same ambition in April, when co‑chair Pam Abdy said the company was “super excited” to partner with Amblin on new entries in both the Gremlins and Goonies franchises. That endorsement arrives as the script—penned by series architect Chris Columbus alongside Carl Ellsworth—has been described as a direct sequel that leans into the original’s darker comic tone while pledging to use practical puppetry over CGI.
Spielberg, who executive‑produced the first two movies, is widely considered the final hurdle before the film receives a formal green light; insiders suggest that his approval could trigger a 2026 start date and position a release for 2027, aligning with the franchise’s mid‑forties anniversary. No director is attached, and veteran Joe Dante—now 78—has publicly distanced himself from another round of mogwai mischief.
The original Gremlins earned $212 million worldwide in 1984 and helped prompt the creation of the PG‑13 rating, while 1990’s Gremlins 2: The New Batch found cult status despite a softer box‑office return. The property has remained visible through merchandising and Max’s animated prequel Secrets of the Mogwai, which debuted its second season this spring. With a fresh script, studio enthusiasm, and Spielberg’s potential blessing, Gizmo and company may finally be poised for another midnight snack run—provided that last signature arrives.
