Warner Bros. has delayed the untitled third Gremlins movie by nearly a year, pushing its release from November 19, 2027, to October 6, 2028. The film, which sees Chris Columbus return to the franchise, is now set for a release in the autumn of 2028.
New Release Date and Strategic Shift
The latest instalment in the beloved horror-comedy series, initially scheduled for November 19, 2027, will now arrive in cinemas on October 6, 2028. According to Deadline, Warner Bros. made the change, noting their prior success with a first-weekend-of-October slot, such as with the film Joker. The shift also means the film will not be competing against any Paramount releases on its new date.
This move is part of broader release date adjustments by Warner Bros., which also saw the DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation feature Dynamic Duo move from June 30, 2028, to September 22, 2028.
Creative Team and Production Details
Chris Columbus, who penned the original 1984 Gremlins screenplay, is set to direct the new film. The current draft of the script has been written by Hannah Marks, building upon an earlier screenplay by Columbus, Zach Lipovsky, and Adam B. Stein, as reported by Variety. Steven Spielberg returns as an executive producer alongside Eleanor Columbus of Maiden Voyage.
Producing the film are Kristie Macosko Krieger and Holly Bario for Amblin Entertainment, with Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan, and Mark Radcliffe producing via 26th Street Pictures. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO and President David Zaslav first revealed the project during an investor call in 2025. The official title, plot details, and casting information have not yet been disclosed.
Franchise History and Anticipation
The original 1984 Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante, was a box office success, grossing $212 million worldwide and playing a role in the creation of the PG-13 film rating. Its 1990 follow-up, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, while only taking $41 million, is now considered a cult classic.
In addition to the feature films, the franchise expanded with an animated series, Secrets of the Mogwai, which has aired two seasons on HBO Max since 2023. Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros. Pictures’ president of development and production, expressed excitement about the return of the franchise, stating, “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.”
Implications for Manchester Film Fans
For Manchester and Greater Manchester film enthusiasts, the confirmed October 6, 2028, release date for the next Gremlins movie means a slightly longer wait than anticipated. However, the involvement of original creative talent like Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg suggests a continuation of the franchise’s established tone and style, offering something for both long-time fans and new audiences in the region.
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