While it remains to be seen if the sequel will ever actually see the light of day, Gremlins creator Chris Columbus says Gremlins 3 would definitely feature practical puppets as opposed to CGI creatures. Written by Columbus and directed by Joe Dante, the first Gremlins was an instant hit when it was released in 1984. The underrated sequel Gremlins 2: The New Batch was released in 1990 with Dante back at the helm using a script by Charles S. Haas.
For years, Columbus has been open about his desire to make another Gremlins sequel, and he’s even got a screenplay ready to go. Speaking with Collider about the planned project, Columbus seems to suggest that getting Gremlins 3 made is a matter of timing. He also assuaged some fan fears that a sequel would use CGI for its gremlins, but Columbus is adamant that this won’t be the case.
From Collider:
“I would love to do it. I wrote a script, so there is an existing script. We’re working out some rights issues right now, so we’re just trying to figure out when the best time to make that film would be. I would still do it the same way – I would do it as tangible puppets, not CGI. Maybe having — you know we had one stop-motion scene in the first Gremlins, but I don’t think I’d use much CGI in Gremlins 3.”
To be clear, Gremlins 3 is not to be confused with Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, an animated series adaptation in the works at HBO Max. While that project certainly seems like it could be fun, I think many fans would still love to see an actual movie sequel be released someday, finally bringing Gizmo back to the big screen. Let’s hope it one day can become a reality.
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