Fans of the upcoming Gremlins 3 have voiced a single shared wish after a new teaser for the film was released this week: they want practical effects, not CGI.
The third instalment in the franchise was announced in November last year, originally slated for a November 2027 release. Warner Bros has since delayed the film by a year, with Gremlins 3 now due to arrive in October 2028. Alongside the updated release date, the studio shared a short trailer on social media.
Teaser shows mogwai in a backpack
The brief clip, posted to the Warner Bros Instagram account, features a backpack that begins to move. Seconds later, a mogwai - the furry creatures that transform into gremlins under certain conditions - pokes its head out of the opening before the video ends.
While the video revealed little, it has already sparked discussion online. Many fans have expressed the same concern, saying they hope the producers will use practical effects for the mogwai and their gremlin forms rather than relying on CGI.
Fans share their hopes on social media
In a Reddit discussion, one person asked: "Any word on if they will use practical effects or if they’ll make a bad movie?" Another responded: "Based on the 11 seconds released so far, I would say they are going practical." A further comment read: "Praying it's practical effects."
One fan echoed the sentiment, writing: "The teasers look like they'll be using practical effects. I'm hoping so, too. I can't stand CGI." Commenters on the Instagram post also shared their excitement for the film, which will be the first Gremlins instalment since the original two films were released in 1984 and 1990, respectively.
First new film in nearly 40 years
By the time Gremlins 3 arrives in 2028, it will be the first new film in the franchise in almost 40 years. Fans online have said it will "heal their inner child" to finally see it in two years' time.
One person on Instagram said: "I am legit shedding a tear, my handsome little Gizmo." Another added: "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."
Gremlins 3 is set to be directed and produced by Chris Columbus, who wrote the original 1984 film, with Hannah Marks writing the script. The official title, plot details, and casting have not yet been announced.
Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros Pictures' president of development and production, said in a statement: "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." He added: "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 Gremlins film followed a teenager named Billy (Zach Galligan), who receives a mysterious new pet that comes with two rules - never get it wet, and never feed it after midnight.
