Ever wondered when Gremlins 3 would finally hit the big screen? Original writer Chris Columbus spills the beans on the long-awaited sequel, confirming that despite multiple scripts, nothing has been approved. The journey to bring more mischievous creatures back seems tougher than feeding them after midnight. Will we ever see Gizmo again?
The highly anticipated third installment of the beloved Gremlins franchise, “Gremlins 3,” continues to be a subject of intense speculation and fervent hope among fans, more than three decades after the release of its last sequel, “The New Batch” in 1990. Despite persistent rumors and the passage of time, the project remains firmly in a protracted development phase, awaiting the crucial green light from key creatives.
According to Chris Columbus, the acclaimed screenwriter behind the original “Gremlins” film, numerous scripts for the long-rumored threequel have been penned over the years, yet none have secured final approval. Speaking exclusively with GamesRadar+, Columbus elaborated on the ongoing creative process, confirming that the current iteration of “Gremlins 3” is essentially awaiting the endorsement of legendary producer Steven Spielberg, signifying a significant hurdle in its progression towards production.
The journey of the “Gremlins” film franchise dates back to the 1980s, marking one of the foundational collaborations between Columbus and Spielberg’s influential Amblin Entertainment. While the original film garnered widespread success, Columbus initially expressed reservations about extending the narrative, opting not to participate creatively in the 1990 sequel, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” believing his storytelling contribution to the world of these mischievous creatures was complete.
Columbus’s decision to forgo involvement in the second “Gremlins” installment stemmed from a creative philosophy that, at the time, favored moving on to new stories rather than revisiting established ones. This period saw him embark on other significant projects with Spielberg, including the cult classic “The Goonies” and the critically acclaimed “Young Sherlock Holmes,” further solidifying his reputation as a versatile storyteller in Hollywood.
Interestingly, Columbus’s stance on movie sequels evolved over his illustrious career, evidenced by his directorial work on “Home Alone 2” in the early 90s and his pivotal role in launching the globally successful “Harry Potter” film series. However, despite this shift, follow-ups to both “Gremlins” and “The Goonies” have, remarkably, remained unrealized, trapped in a cycle of conceptual development and refinement.
Both Columbus and Spielberg share a steadfast commitment to artistic integrity, openly admitting that their reluctance to push forward with a “Gremlins 3” stems from a desire to craft a truly exceptional cinematic experience. Their guiding principle is clear: a new film must transcend mere box office potential and offer a compelling narrative that justifies its existence, honoring the legacy of the original beloved film.
The creators emphasize that any return to the Gremlins universe must be more than just a title-driven commercial endeavor; it must be a project that instills pride in both the filmmakers and the dedicated fan base. This unwavering dedication ensures that when “Gremlins 3” finally materializes, it will be a thoughtfully constructed and high-quality addition to the iconic film franchise, delivering the kind of memorable storytelling that audiences genuinely cherish.
