Warner Bros. has delayed the release of the upcoming Gremlins 3 by nearly a full year, moving the threequel from November 19, 2027, to October 6, 2028. The shift pushes the franchise’s return even further past its predecessor, creating a 38-year gap since the 1990 release of Gremlins 2: The New Batch.
Production Team and Creative Lineup Behind Gremlins 3
David Zaslav, the CEO and president of Warner Bros. Discovery, first revealed the project during an investor call in 2025. Steven Spielberg is returning as executive producer alongside Maiden Voyage’s Eleanor Columbus. Meanwhile, Harry Potter filmmaker Chris Columbus is set to produce and direct the feature. Hannah Marks is writing the script from an original draft penned by Chris Columbus, Zach Lipovsky, and Adam Stein.
Kristie Macosko Krieger and Holly Bario are producing the film under Amblin Entertainment. They are joined by Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe of 26th Street Pictures. As of now, Warner Bros. has not disclosed official title details, plot specifics, or casting choices.
Franchise History: From Box Office Smash to Cult Classic
The original 1984 Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern PG-13 film rating. The horror-comedy follows a young boy named Billy who receives a cute, furry creature called a Mogwai as a holiday present. The pet comes with three strict rules: keep it away from bright lights, never get it wet, and never feed it after midnight. When those regulations are inevitably broken, the creature multiplies and unleashes chaos across Billy’s small town.
The first movie grossed $212 million worldwide against an $11 million budget. Its 1990 follow-up, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, brought in $41 million during its theatrical run but later gained a devoted following as a cult classic, earning praise from filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino.
Did you know? The original 1984 film was directly responsible for the creation of the MPAA’s PG-13 rating.
Warner Bros. Strategy and Slate Adjustments
The delay of the horror-comedy threequel is part of a broader shuffling of the studio’s 2028 release slate. According to IGN, Warner Bros. also shifted the release date for DC’s experimental animated Robins project, Dynamic Duo, from June 2028 to September 22, 2028. Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros. Pictures’ president of development and production, previously highlighted the studio’s enthusiasm for reviving the monster franchise for both longtime fans and new audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Gremlins 3 be released in theaters?
Warner Bros. has scheduled the film for release on October 6, 2028.
Who is directing the new Gremlins movie?
Chris Columbus, who wrote the original 1984 film, is directing the upcoming threequel.
Are original cast members returning for Gremlins 3?
Casting details have not been officially disclosed, and it remains unconfirmed whether legacy actors like Zach Galligan will return.
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