Gremlins 3 Officially Announced Amid Fan Backlash
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the film community, Warner Bros. has officially confirmed that Gremlins 3 is in production and slated for a November 19, 2027 release. The announcement was made by Warner Bros. Pictures' president of development and production, Jesse Ehrman, who stated the studio is 'beyond excited' to bring back the iconic franchise. However, the news has been met with a significant and vocal backlash from fans who vividly remember the 'terrible' second film.
Creative Team and Fan Reaction
The long-rumoured project will see a major shift in its creative leadership. While Steven Spielberg returns as an executive producer, Chris Columbus—who wrote the original 1984 film's script—is taking over the director's chair. This change comes as original director Joe Dante, now 78 and largely retired, is not returning. The screenplay is being co-written by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein.
Fans wasted no time expressing their dismay on social media platform X. User TheGermanicist succinctly asked, 'Why? Gremlins 2 was terrible.' Another user, RDanaReid1, called it 'one of the worst movies they spent money to see in a theatre'. The criticism largely centres on the 1990 sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, which many feel was a major disappointment compared to the beloved original.
The Enduring Debate Over Gremlins 2
Despite the harsh criticism, Gremlins 2 has also garnered a dedicated cult following over the decades. Released in 1990, the film saw Joe Dante return to direct, with Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates reprising their roles. The plot follows Gizmo spawning new creatures that become monstrous gremlins wreaking havoc in a New York skyscraper.
Defenders of the film praise its over-the-top comedy, satirical edge, and imaginative practical effects. It heavily parodies the first film, as well as sequels, consumerism, and corporate power. One supporter argued that it is 'one of the most imaginative sequels of all time', highlighting its clever meta-commentary. This split in opinion is reflected in its 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a score that, while positive, falls short of the original film's Certified Fresh 87%.
With Chris Columbus now at the helm, some fans hope for a return to the magic of the first movie, though others express concern that his more conventional directorial style of recent years may result in a 'weak-blooded rerun'. As the 2027 release date approaches, the debate over the Gremlins legacy is sure to intensify.
