The Gremlins franchise, dormant for decades, looks poised for a revival as Warner Bros. reportedly develops a third installment with original writer Chris Columbus. Actress Jenna Ortega, known for her roles in horror and cult classics, has expressed strong interest in joining the project, reflecting her longtime affection for the series and excitement about its return.
Jenna Ortega’s Enthusiasm for Gremlins’ Return
<pDuring the SXSW premiere of her film Death of a Unicorn, Ortega was asked by IMDb about which mythical creatures she wished to see back on screen. Without hesitation, she shared her childhood fondness for the Gremlins and expressed eagerness to participate in a sequel.
Ya know what I used to love as a kid? Gremlins,
she said with a smile.
Would love… Gremlins 3? 4? Call me.
— Jenna Ortega
Ortega’s growing reputation in genre films like Scream, Beetlejuice, and Wednesday positions her well to join the Gremlins legacy should the project move forward.
The History and Current Status of the Gremlins Franchise
The original Gremlins hit theaters in 1984, directed by Joe Dante, featuring mischievous creatures wreaking havoc. Its sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, followed in 1990. Since then, the series has remained a nostalgic favorite despite no new films for 35 years. Warner Bros. has been exploring ways to revive the franchise, with talks pointing to a true third installment rather than a reboot.
An animated prequel series, Gremlins: The Wild Batch, currently airs on Max, helping maintain interest. New episodes are scheduled to debut on April 10, 2025, reinforcing the franchise’s continued relevance. However, approval for a live-action third film remains pending from Warner Bros.
Creative Vision for Gremlins 3
Chris Columbus, the original writer, has shared insights about the upcoming film. He confirmed that a script exists and mentioned ongoing negotiations over rights issues, delaying production decisions. Columbus emphasized his preference to maintain the practical effects style of the original films, saying:
I would still do it the same way – I would do it as tangible puppets, not CGI. Maybe having — you know we had one stop-motion scene in the first Gremlins, but I don’t think I’d use much CGI in Gremlins 3.
— Chris Columbus
The screenplay was penned by Carl Ellsworth, who described the movie as a direct sequel primarily to the first film, intending to honor its tone while acknowledging the second movie. Ellsworth highlighted the importance of humor balanced with horror, stating:
I think that helped get me the job: I said, ‘Yeah, there’s a lot of humor in the movie, helped by the classic Jerry Goldsmith score that gives us a license to laugh, but it’s first and foremost a horror movie.’
— Carl Ellsworth
Ellsworth further explained the nature of the creatures as violent and relentless, reinforcing the horror aspect:
So that’s where it all started. I tried to preserve the humor, but at the same time, I was starting with the foundation of this being a horror movie, which I was really thrilled about.
— Carl Ellsworth
Anticipated Elements and Returning Cast
The anticipated third film is expected to be darker and more twisted, continuing the mythology surrounding Gizmo and the Gremlins. Columbus mentioned that the story would delve deeper into their origins and lore, with Gizmo serving as the central figure.
But, it’s explained that “Gizmo was at the very core of the story; it explored more of the mythology and the history of the Gremlins.
— Chris Columbus
There is also hope for the return of original cast members, including Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer and Phoebe Cates as his girlfriend, which would strengthen the connection to the first films.
Future Prospects and Fan Anticipation
With Warner Bros. holding the keys to production, the future of Gremlins 3 remains uncertain, although the creative team and fans alike are eager for its realization. The combination of practical effects, a script grounded in original themes, and enthusiasm from talents like Jenna Ortega add momentum to the project. Should the film proceed, it would not only rekindle the chaotic charm of the Gremlins but also introduce the creatures to new audiences while satisfying longtime followers.
