Gremlins 3 Announced for 2027: Spielberg and Columbus Reunite for the Return of Gizmo
Warner Bros. is bringing back one of its most beloved creature franchises. After nearly three decades away from the big screen, Gremlins 3 is officially happening — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting revivals in years.
The Return of a Cult Classic
Warner Bros. announced that Gremlins 3 will hit theaters on November 19, 2027. The project was confirmed by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav during the company’s third-quarter earnings call. The film will mark the first live-action Gremlins movie since 1990’s Gremlins 2: The New Batch.
What’s making fans even more excited is the reunion of two Hollywood legends. Chris Columbus, who wrote the original 1984 Gremlins screenplay, will direct and produce the new film. And Steven Spielberg, whose Amblin Entertainment produced the first two movies, is returning as executive producer.
This creative team helped shape the mischievous creatures into one of the most memorable movie monsters of the 1980s. Their return promises to blend nostalgia with modern filmmaking magic.
How the Franchise Became a Legend
The original Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante, hit theaters in 1984 and became an instant pop culture phenomenon. Mixing dark humor, horror, and family adventure, the film grossed over $165 million worldwide and introduced audiences to the adorable Mogwai named Gizmo — and the chaos that unfolds when the rules are broken.
Its 1990 sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, took a more satirical and self-aware tone. Though it earned a more modest $41 million at the box office, it later gained cult status for its bold humor and unique style. Over the years, Gremlins has remained a fan favorite through home video, merchandise, and even a recent animated prequel series, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, on Max.
Warner Bros. Bets Big on Nostalgia
According to Zaslav, Gremlins 3 is part of a larger effort to revive Warner Bros.’ biggest legacy franchises and restore its dominance at the box office. “Warner Bros. Discovery is back and stronger than ever,” Zaslav said during the announcement. “It’s taken time and investment, but the studio is now where creatives want to be.”
With fewer than two months left in 2025, Warner Bros. currently holds the top spot at both the domestic and global box office — a strong position that could set the stage for another blockbuster era. While Disney will end the year with the highly anticipated Avatar: Fire and Ash, it remains to be seen if that will shift the rankings.
A Changing Studio Landscape
The announcement also comes as Warner Bros. Discovery faces major corporate changes. The company has received multiple buyout offers, including three confirmed bids from Paramount Skydance. There’s also talk of a possible split into two separate entities. If that happens, Warner Bros.’ movie division would soon find itself under new ownership — its fourth in just ten years.
Despite the shifting business landscape, Warner Bros. appears committed to its cinematic legacy. Reviving Gremlins — a franchise that defined the studio’s creative spirit in the 1980s — sends a clear message: classic storytelling still has a place in the modern movie market.
What to Expect from Gremlins 3
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, fans can expect Gremlins 3 to mix practical effects and modern CGI to bring the mischievous creatures to life. Given Columbus’s involvement, the film is likely to strike a balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling — possibly introducing a new generation to Gizmo and his troublesome offspring.
If history is any guide, the film will revisit the classic Gremlins rules that fans love: don’t expose them to bright light, don’t get them wet, and — most importantly — never, ever feed them after midnight. Whether the movie continues the story of Billy and Gizmo or starts anew, it’s almost certain to bring back the same blend of chaos, comedy, and heart that made the original a hit.
Why This Matters for Hollywood
Hollywood has been leaning heavily into reboots and legacy sequels, but few have the built-in fan enthusiasm that Gremlins 3 enjoys. This announcement not only revives a beloved property but also highlights Warner Bros.’ strategic shift toward leveraging nostalgia while investing in new storytelling opportunities.
With Spielberg and Columbus steering the project, the film is already drawing strong buzz. Both filmmakers have deep emotional ties to the franchise, and their collaboration could deliver a heartfelt, visually stunning return to the mischievous mayhem of Kingston Falls.
Final Thoughts
For fans who grew up with Gizmo and the gang, Gremlins 3 feels like a long-overdue holiday gift. It’s a nostalgic yet forward-looking revival that could bridge generations of movie lovers. With its release date set for November 19, 2027, audiences have plenty of time to prepare — and to start hoping this new installment recaptures the original’s mischievous magic.