Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein are diving into the world of mischievous creatures as they prepare to direct the highly anticipated new installment of the Gremlins franchise. Known for their work on this summer’s horror sensation, Final Destination: Bloodlines, this dynamic duo is collaborating with famed filmmaker Chris Columbus to bring this beloved horror-comedy series back to the big screen. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the feature project is gaining momentum, with Warner Bros. announcing a release date of November 19, 2027.
The new Gremlins film is being produced by an impressive team that includes Kristie Macosko Krieger and Holly Bario from Amblin Entertainment, alongside Columbus, Michael Barnathan, and Mark Radcliffe from their production company, 26th Street Pictures. Moreover, the legendary Steven Spielberg is set to return as an executive producer, ensuring that the project retains its iconic roots.
Columbus, who penned the original Gremlins in 1984, is not only returning to write the script but is also slated to direct this new chapter. The development of the screenplay has been in progress since 2017, with prior drafts created by Toby Halbrooks and Carl Ellsworth. The addition of Lipovsky and Stein, who have gained significant recognition in Hollywood due to their recent success, adds an exciting element to this long-awaited project.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Columbus expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the Gremlins universe: “I’m filled with a tremendous surge of inspiration and passion, as I embark on this cinematic journey. It’s an honor to reunite with Steven Spielberg and Warner Bros., as we bring this latest chapter of Gremlins to a brand new generation of moviegoers who will experience all of the thrills of this grand adventure on the big screen.”
Jesse Ehrman, the president of development and production at Warner Bros., shared his excitement about the project, 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. 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 magic, mayhem, and heart of Gremlins on the big screen in 2027.”
With the successful release of Bloodlines, Lipovsky and Stein have rejuvenated a franchise that had been dormant for over a decade. This film, which debuted in May, grossed an impressive $315 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $50 million, marking it as the highest-grossing entry in the Final Destination series and earning rave reviews.
Both Lipovsky and Stein have expressed their enthusiasm for working on a project that holds nostalgic value for them. The opportunity to collaborate with Columbus, who is also recognized for classics like The Goonies and Home Alone, is a dream come true for the duo. Although they have not yet confirmed their next directorial venture, they are receiving significant interest from various studios.
The original Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante, revolves around a young man who receives a unique and adorable creature named Gizmo as a gift. Accompanied by three crucial rules—keep it away from light, avoid water contact, and never feed it after midnight—chaos ensues when these rules are inevitably broken. The film, released alongside Ghostbusters, quickly became a cultural phenomenon of the 1980s.
After years of speculation and intermittent discussions about a potential third installment, the release of the animated series Gremlins: The Wild Batch on HBO Max in 2023 reignited interest in the franchise. Dante, who was involved with the animated series, noted that the chance of a third film would ultimately depend on audience demand, stating, “The fact is that it’s too big a property for somebody not to make something.”
With Lipovsky, Stein, Columbus, and Warner Bros. at the helm, it appears that the Gremlins saga is poised for a thrilling revival in 2027.