Gremlins fans have long-awaited a new film (Image: Warner Bros.)
For anyone who grew up watching Gizmo and his troublesome companions, the wait for another Gremlins film has felt never-ending. Now, a fleeting glimpse of the next chapter has given those fans something new to get excited about.
Warner Bros has shared a short teaser on social media, prompting an outpouring of nostalgia and plenty of speculation. Despite offering very little footage, the preview has already sparked a lively debate about how the much-loved creatures should return.
The big request from fans is for practical effects rather than a reliance on CGI. Several viewers say they hope the filmmakers will take a hands-on approach to bringing the mogwai and their mischievous gremlin counterparts to life.
The teaser arrives alongside a revised release date. Gremlins 3, which was confirmed to be in production last November, is now due in October 2028, having previously been scheduled for November 2027.
Posted on Warner Bros’ Instagram page, the clip shows a rucksack moving before a mogwai peeks out of the opening. These furry creatures transform into gremlins under particular circumstances, but the brief preview gives little else away.
That has not stopped fans from looking for clues about the effects. On Reddit, one user asked: “Any word on if they will use practical effects or if they’ll make a bad movie?”
Another replied: “Based on the 11 seconds released so far, I would say they are going practical.”
A further commenter wrote: “Praying it’s practical effects.”
Others were similarly hopeful, with one viewer adding: “The teasers look like they’ll be using practical effects. I’m hoping so, too. I can’t stand CGI.”
Those reactions reflect fans’ hopes rather than confirmation of how the finished film will be made.
Over on Instagram, the response was just as enthusiastic. The new sequel will be the first Gremlins film since 1990, following the original’s release in 1984. By the time it reaches cinemas in 2028, there will have been a 38-year gap between films.
For some viewers, the prospect of seeing the characters again was enough to stir strong emotions. One Instagram user wrote: “I am legit shedding a tear, my handsome little Gizmo.”
Another had already decided which release would top their watchlist: “I don’t care what big, huge, record-breaking blockbuster comes out in 2028, ‘Gremlins 3’ is my most anticipated movie of that year, no matter what.”
Chris Columbus, who wrote the original Gremlins, is set to direct and produce the third film, while Hannah Marks is handling the screenplay. Its official title, cast and storyline have not yet been announced.
Announcing the project, Warner Bros Pictures’ president of development and production, Jesse Ehrman, said: “Few titles are as beloved and iconic as Gremlins, and we’re beyond excited to bring it back for both lifelong fans and a whole new generation.
“It’s a privilege to be working alongside Steven [Spielberg], Chris [Columbus], and the entire creative team, and we look forward to audiences experiencing the next instalment of the magic, mayhem and heart of Gremlins on the big screen.”
The original film followed Billy, played by Zach Galligan, after he received an unusual creature as a gift. Caring for his new companion came with strict warnings, including never exposing it to water and never feeding it after midnight.
