Fans of the beloved Mogwai will need to hold on a little longer: Warner Bros. has officially pushed the release of Gremlins 3 to October 6, 2028. The news came with a brief teaser showing Gizmo peeking out from a backpack, confirming the creature’s return to the big screen after more than three decades.
The film was originally slated for November 19, 2027. The studio did not provide a reason for the delay but used the opportunity to generate excitement by offering the first glimpse of the furry star.
What We Know So Far
Chris Columbus, who wrote the original 1984 film, is directing and producing Gremlins 3. Hannah Marks is writing the screenplay based on an earlier draft by Columbus, Zach Lipovsky, and Adam Stein. Steven Spielberg returns as executive producer through Amblin Entertainment and 26th Street Pictures.
Warner Bros. has not yet revealed the full cast or plot details. It remains unconfirmed whether Zach Galligan will reprise his role as Billy Peltzer, the character he played in the first two films.
The Legacy of the Franchise
The original Gremlins (1984), directed by Joe Dante, followed Billy Peltzer as he received Gizmo as a Christmas gift—along with three crucial rules: avoid bright light, never get him wet, and don’t feed him after midnight. When the rules were broken, the town of Kingston Falls was overrun by mischievous and dangerous Gremlins. The film earned an 86% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and became a cult classic for its blend of horror, comedy, and holiday charm.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) took a more satirical turn, moving the action to a corporate skyscraper and introducing bizarre new Gremlin variants. While it earned a 71% critic score, it developed a strong cult following.
What the New Film Could Bring
The October 2028 release date places Gremlins 3 close to Halloween, suggesting the film might lean into the horror elements of the franchise while maintaining the comedic tone that made it distinctive. With Columbus and Spielberg involved, the sequel has a direct link to the original creative team.
For now, Gizmo is back—but almost everything else remains a mystery. Fans will have to wait until 2028 to discover what new trouble awaits the Mogwai.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Gremlins 3 be released?
The film is scheduled for October 6, 2028, after being moved from its original November 19, 2027 date.
Who is directing Gremlins 3?
Chris Columbus, who wrote the original film, is directing and producing. Hannah Marks wrote the screenplay based on earlier drafts.
Will Gizmo return?
Yes. The teaser confirms Gizmo’s return, though Warner Bros. has not yet detailed his role.
Will Zach Galligan return as Billy Peltzer?
This has not been confirmed. Warner Bros. has not announced the full cast.