For many of us who grew up in the ’80s, Gremlins may have been one of our first horror films. The lasting popularity of the film spawned a sequel six years later, though Gremlins 2: The New Batch, despite having its own fans, didn’t do too well at the box office, seemingly killing all chances for a third film. But as the cult status of Gremlins has grown over the years, there have been more and more talks about a Gremlins 3, or a possible reboot. Now it seems those talks are starting up again.
While speaking to Slashfilm, the original film’s screenwriter Chris Columbus revealed that he’s actually written a script for a third movie in the Gremlins series, one that is said to be more in line with the original Joe Dante movie from 1984 than with its zanier sequel. Columbus described the new screenplay as “as twisted and dark as anything,” stating he “wanted to go back to the really twisted sensibility of the first movie.”
Among other things Columbus mentions in the interview are his desire to possibly kill everyone’s favorite lead Mogwai, Gizmo, in something of a dark twist to the otherwise relatively lighthearted franchise (I say relatively, because we are talking about murderous little monsters here). He also mentions that Gremlins 3 would also go the practical effects route like the original, instead of CGI, which should come as a relief to many old school fans out there.
The real question, though: is Warner Brothers really that invested in making a third Gremlins film, as opposed to making a reboot that just cashes in on the name? Here’s hoping they go the former option, and give fans of the original something new to look forward to.
Are you excited about a third Gremlins film, or is this franchise better left in the ’80s? Be sure to let us know your thoughts down below in the comments.
Images: Warner Brothers
