Fans of the Gremlins franchise are hoping the long-awaited third film will use practical effects rather than CGI, after Warner Bros released a brief teaser on social media. The 11-second clip has sparked an outpouring of nostalgia and speculation, even though it shows very little footage.
Teaser reveals mogwai in a rucksack
Posted on Warner Bros' Instagram page, the clip shows a rucksack moving before a mogwai peeks out of the opening. The furry creatures transform into gremlins under particular circumstances, but the preview gives little else away.
Despite the lack of detail, fans have been looking for clues about how the creatures will be brought to life. On Reddit, one user asked: "Any word on if they will use practical effects or if they'll make a bad movie?" Another replied: "Based on the 11 seconds released so far, I would say they are going practical."
Fans hope for practical effects
A further commenter wrote: "Praying it's practical effects." Others were similarly hopeful, with one viewer adding: "The teasers look like they'll be using practical effects. I'm hoping so, too. I can't stand CGI."
Those reactions reflect fans' hopes rather than confirmation of how the finished film will be made. Over on Instagram, the response was just as enthusiastic.
Release date moved to 2028
The teaser arrives alongside a revised release date. Gremlins 3, which was confirmed to be in production last November, is now due in October 2028, having previously been scheduled for November 2027.
The new sequel will be the first Gremlins film since 1990, following the original's release in 1984. By the time it reaches cinemas in 2028, there will have been a 38-year gap between films.
For some viewers, the prospect of seeing the characters again was enough to stir strong emotions. One Instagram user wrote: "I am legit shedding a tear, my handsome little Gizmo." Another had already decided which release would top their watchlist: "I don't care what big, huge, record-breaking blockbuster comes out in 2028, 'Gremlins 3' is my most anticipated movie of that year, no matter what."
Creative team and background
Chris Columbus, who wrote the original Gremlins, is set to direct and produce the third film, while Hannah Marks is handling the screenplay. Its official title, cast and storyline have not yet been announced.
Announcing the project, Warner Bros Pictures' president of development and production, Jesse Ehrman, said: "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 next instalment of the magic, mayhem and heart of Gremlins on the big screen."
The original film followed Billy, played by Zach Galligan, after he received an unusual creature as a gift. Caring for his new companion came with strict warnings, including never exposing it to water and never feeding it after midnight.
