It's been 26 years since the last Gremlins film, but with the nostalgia factor in full effect resurrecting old films and TV shows, it's really only a matter a time before Gremlins 3 hits theaters. While such a project has been in development for a while, progress has been slow and infrequent updates have left questions on what exactly is going on with the film. Original Gremlins actor Zach Galligan recently weighed in on the development process, and assured that the same creative team of the original is working on it and that that they are still ironing out the story.
I think you can tell what's happening with Gremlins 3 the same way you could tell with Gremlins 2. It's the same people and they tend to work the same way. There is a huge time gap but it's Warner Bros, Spielberg and Chris Columbus. Now, Chris Columbus didn't have anything to do with Gremlins 2 -- because by his own admission he didn't see a franchise. He kind of regrets it I believe, but he was 'one and done' I don't think he cared for Gremlins 2 and the direction some of the characters went in, so he's kind of wrested control back. Everything I'm quoting is stuff he's publicly said. There will never be a remake, There will never be a reboot, there will only be a sequel. He has been aggressively working on a Gremlins 3 that takes place in present day. He tantalizingly says there will be some NEW characters and some OLD characters -- I guess in the style of a Force Awakens type sequel -- One thing we know for sure is they have a writer on board.
Zach Galligan played Billy Peltzer, the young teenager who got a Gremlin named Gizmo for Christmas and then unwittingly unleashed tiny sized terror on his hometown. The actor was recently in London for a special 70mm screening of Gremlins, and spoke with Bleeding Cool about his experience with the franchise and what the hell is going on with Gremlins 3. Galligan had a lot to say and ensured that the original creative team was ironing out the story.
It sounds like original series writer Chris Columbus has changed his mind on a third film, and his vigorously working on making his vision of Gremlins 3 a reality. Like most people, Columbus wasn't thrilled with how Gremlins 2 panned out and is looking to right some wrongs. Though Columbus will apparently not be the writer of the film ,and the jury is still out on who will eventually direct the third installment.
The film will also forgo the path of the reboot, and will instead be a straight up sequel presumably set in present day. The film will bring back old characters (like Billy, I would imagine) and introduce new ones -- perhaps to pick up the torch and carry a new series of films in a similar way to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
If you're a Gremlins fan then all of this must be inspiring information. While we all like frequent updates, at least they seem to be taking their time with this one. We're more than likely still ways off from a release date, so stick with CinemaBlend and we'll keep you updated.
