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Image Source: Warner Bros

Gremlins 3 is finally inching closer to reality. According to a new report from TheInSneider, original writer Chris Columbus has completed the script for the long‑awaited sequel and is now set to direct, signaling a major step forward for the beloved franchise.

Gremlins 3: Chris Columbus Takes the Helm

This development marks a significant shift in the project’s trajectory. Zach Galligan, the star of the 1984 classic directed by Joe Dante, recently teased that Warner Bros. was waiting for a green light from original producer Steven Spielberg. With Columbus now attached as director, that approval may be the final hurdle before production begins.

Columbus, who penned the original Gremlins, has long stated that the new film will be a direct sequel rather than a reboot. He also promised a “twisted and dark script” that will honor the tone of the original while expanding its universe.

Much like other daily challenges, Framed offers a series of puzzles that must be completed in a set number of times – before it is game over. Unlike other puzzles, though, Framed has you choosing the correct name of the movie as your puzzle’s answer.

These puzzles can be a bit challenging at times, though. Fret not, as I will be listing the solutions for four of today’s Framed puzzles – along with a general breakdown of the whole puzzle.

Framed Classic Solution for Today Image Credits: Framed/FandomWire

Today’s Classic Framed puzzle has you guess the correct name of the movie from a total of 6 slides. These slides will be random stills from the movie in question, and you will have a total of 6 guesses before it’s over.

Today’s answer is ‘13 Going On 30,’ a 2004 romantic comedy starring Jennifer Garner, and has the following attributes:

Genre: Romantic Comedy,...

Someone call up Star Magic Jackson Jr., because a script for Gremlins 3 is reportedly on Steven Spielberg‘s desk.

While appearing at Comic-Con Manchester last week, Gremlins (1984) and Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) star Zach Galligan gave an update on the long-awaited threequel to the Joe Dante-helmed Christmas creature features.

“After 35 years, they’ve come up with a script,” said Galligan in a TikTok clip. “Warner Bros. is incredibly interested in doing it, apparently it’s waiting on Mr. Spielberg to read it and approve it.”

The actor credited “the success” of last year’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice for getting Warner Bros. onboard for another installment of Gremlins.

Although it’s currently unknown who is writing the followup, Og screenwriter Christopher Columbus told Vanity Fair “that stuff is in my DNA” while reflecting on the film. “We had a lot of things that didn’t make the final script,...

A third Gremlins movie may be coming!

The original Gremlins writer Chris Columbus wrote a brand new screenplay for another installment in the franchise, and now star Zach Galligan is providing an update.

“After 35 years, they’ve come up with a script,” he told the crowd of a new installment in the horror-comedy franchise at Comic-Con Manchester, via Bloody Disgusting.

Keep reading to find out more…

“Warner Bros. is incredibly interested in doing it. Apparently it’s waiting on Mr. Spielberg to read it and approve it. But you can thank the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”

Warner Bros. CEOs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy said previously in 2025 that they’re working with Amblin and Chris Columbus on a new installment in the Gremlins film franchise as well.

A third movie has been rumored for years, with reports of a script from Chris Columbus stretching back to 2017.

In the 1984 original film,...

It's been 35 years since the world was last exposed to the Gremlins on the big screen. And while these creatures made a return in an animated series on HBO Max, news for a third film installment remains scarce, until now. One of the film's original stars, Zach Galligan, shared an exciting update for Gremlins 3 and the steps needed for it to enter production.

During his appearance at Comic Con Manchester, the actor revealed that the script for the highly anticipated third installment is ready. Not only that, Warner Bros is interested in bringing the project to life. The only thing left to do before cameras start rolling is to get approval from Steven Spielberg, who was the executive producer for the first two films and the HBO series.

"After 35 years, they've come up with a script. Warner Bros. is incredibly interested in doing it; apparently, it's waiting on Mr.

Original Gremlins writer Chris Columbus has penned a brand new screenplay for a brand new Gremlins movie, but what’s the status on that Warner Bros. project here in the Summer of 2025? According to franchise star Zach Galligan, the ball is now in Steven Spielberg’s court.

“After 35 years, they’ve come up with a script,” Galligan told the crowd at Comic-Con Manchester. “Warner Bros. is incredibly interested in doing it. Apparently it’s waiting on Mr. Spielberg to read it and approve it. But you can thank the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”

This lines up with recent comments from the top brass over at Warner Bros., with CEOs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy stating in an interview earlier this year that they’re excited to be working with Amblin and Chris Columbus on a new installment in the Gremlins film franchise.

Talk of a third Gremlins movie has...

Actor Zach Galligan has said that a script for Gremlins 3 is ready – it just needs exec producer Steven Spielberg to read and approve it.

A third Gremlins film has been talked about for years, but there’s a possibility that it’s taken a step closer to being made. In an appearance at the UK’s Comic Con Manchester earlier this week, Zach Galligan – star of the first two films – told the crowd that a script has been written and is awaiting the approval of executive producer Steven Spielberg.

“After 35 years,” Galligan said in a clip shared on TikTok (via World Of Reel), “they’ve come up with a script. Warner Bros is incredibly interested in doing it. Apparently, it’s waiting upon Mr Spielberg to read it and approve it.”

Just before the clip cuts off, Gilligan appears to begin saying that the sudden movement on Gremlins 3...

Gremlins are mischievous creatures at the center of the black comedy franchise of the same name, which began in 1984. After almost three decades of absence, the franchise might be ready for a comeback, and fans have actress Jenna Ortega‘s highest-grossing movie to thank for it.

According to reports, a script for Gremlins 3 has been written and is on the desk of executive producer Steven Spielberg, waiting for approval. However, according to actor Zach Galligan, who appeared in the previous installments, the threequel is only moving forward because of the Ortega-led Beetlejuice sequel’s success. Here is what Galligan had to say about Gremlins 3.

Gremlins 3 Has a Script Because of Jenna Ortega’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Actress Jenna Ortega is best known for playing the titular role in the smash-hit Netflix series Wednesday. However, Ortega has also proven to be a solid box office draw, having starred...

Gremlins 3 has a script and is waiting on approval from Steven Spielberg.Gremlins lead actor Zach Galligan has revealed that Warner Bros is “incredibly interested” in making a follow up to 1984’s Gremlins 2 and are just waiting on executive producer Spielberg to approve the script.According to Games Radar, Galligan – who played Billy Peltzer in Gremlins and it’s sequel - said during an appearance at Comic-Con Manchester: “After 35 years, they’ve come up with a script. Warner Bros. is incredibly interested in doing it, apparently it’s waiting on Mr. Spielberg to read it and approve it. But you can thank the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”Back in April, Warner Bros. Pictures co-chief Pam Abdy, revealed new entries in the Gremlins franchise were in the works.She told Deadline: “Adding to things we’re excited about, Andy Serkis doing the Gollum film, Drew Goddard writing a new Matrix.

“Gremlins” lead actor Zach Galligan recently said during an appearance at Comic-Con Manchester (via Games Radar) that Warner Bros. is “incredibly interested” in “Gremlins 3.” Not only that, but the script is allegedly on the desk of executive producer Steven Spielberg and awaiting his sign-off. Galligan played the lead role of Billy Peltzer in 1984’s “Gremlins” and 1990’s “Gremlins 2: The New Batch.”

“After 35 years, they’ve come up with a script,” Galligan told the audience. “Warner Bros. is incredibly interested in doing it, apparently it’s waiting on Mr. Spielberg to read it and approve it. But you can thank the success of ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.'”

Variety has reached out to Warner Bros. for further comment.

Warner Bros. released “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” in theaters in September 2024 to the tune of $452 million at the worldwide box office. Like “Gremlins,” Tim Burton’s original “Beetlejuice” was a beloved movie classic from the 1980s.

A $205 million horror-comedy franchise is eyeing a long-awaited sequel, and is just waiting for script approval from Steven Spielberg.

In addition to being one of the most celebrated directors of all-time, Spielberg has made notable contributions to cinema in the role of executive producer, putting his name on projects as diverse as Back to the Future, Men in Black and Transformers.

Spielberg’s name is also prominently displayed in the opening titles of Joe Dante’s 1984 horror-comedy hit Gremlins, as well as its insane sequel Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Together, the two movies grossed $205 million worldwide.

Director Dante has expressed disinterest in revisiting Gremlins, but the original movie’s writer Chris Columbus is still on-board with making Gremlins 3, and has reportedly penned a script. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Warner Bros. is still developing Gremlins 3, though no indication was given as to when the movie might actually start production.

The last time we saw the grotesque gremlins wreak havoc on the big screen was in the 1990 sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, where the tiny monsters overtook the Big Apple. And now, it appears a third installment to the beloved Gremlins movie franchise may be on the horizon, according to the film's original star, Zach Galligan, who shared the news with fans at Comic Con Manchester.

"After 35 years, they've come up with a script. Warner Bros. is incredibly interested in doing it," he told the Manchester crowd (via Comicmoviedb). However, Galligan revealed that they're waiting for a famous director to approve the script: the one and only Steven Spielberg, who has worked on several '80s classics, such as The Goonies, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (just to name a few).

Why may they be waiting for Spielberg's approval, you may ask?...

Having a Mogwai is a responsibility. It feels like you’re set up for failure with the three rules of taking care of the cute little creature. It feels like there are many situations for gremlins to break out and wreak havoc, but Joe Dante’s tone for the Gremlins films are so specific and may even be more delicate than successfully replicating a Naked Gun film. Dante’s pair of films has weirdly been able to merge some light (but effective) horror elements with some crazily over-the-top Looney Tunes-esque hijinks.

Despite the thin rope to walk, fans have clamored for a third movie to make the series a complete trilogy. However, through various hardships, a third movie never manifested. Cbr has reported, via @comicmoviedb on TikTok, that Zach Galligan recently appeared at a panel where he gave an update for the audience in attendance. Galligan says a script has been written,...

Zach Galligan, the actor from the original Gremlins movies, just shared some hopeful news about Gremlins 3. It looks like the long-awaited sequel might finally start filming soon, but there’s still one big step left before that can happen.

In a recent TikTok video shared by @comicmoviedb, Galligan revealed that the script for Gremlins 3 is finished. He said Warner Bros. is really interested in making the movie, but it’s waiting for Steven Spielberg to read the script and give his approval. Once Spielberg signs off, the film can move forward.

“They’ve come up with a script,” Galligan said. “Warner Bros. is incredibly interested in doing it. Apparently, it’s waiting on Mr. Spielberg to read it and improve it, but, you can thank the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”

@comicmoviedb #gremlinsmovie #reboot is happening! #zachgalligan #exclusive #stevenspielberg #gremlinsontiktok #gremlins #gremlins2 #gremlins1984 ♬ original sound – Comic Movie Db

The...

Zach Galligan, who starred in the original Gremlins movies, just shared some exciting news about Gremlins 3. According to him, the script is done, and Warner Bros. is very interested in making the movie. The only thing holding it back is that Steven Spielberg still needs to read the script and give his approval before filming can start.

Galligan revealed this update in a video posted by @comicmoviedb on TikTok. He said, “They’ve come up with a script. Warner Bros. is incredibly interested in doing it. Apparently, it’s waiting on Mr. Spielberg to read it and improve it, but, you can thank the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” This sounds like a big step forward for fans who have been waiting years to see the third film.

@comicmoviedb #gremlinsmovie #reboot is happening! #zachgalligan #exclusive #stevenspielberg #gremlinsontiktok #gremlins #gremlins2 #gremlins1984 ♬ original sound – Comic Movie Db

The Gremlins franchise is famous...

Gremlins3has gotten a new update straight from Zach Galligan, the star of the previous feature films. It's a promising sign that filming could actually happen on the long-awaited threequel in the near future, though there's still one hanging chad that's standing in the way.

Galligan can be seen sharing the update in a new video shared by @comicmoviedb on TikTok. He revealed that the screenplay for Gremlins 3 has been finished, and better yet, the studio is "incredibly interested" in moving forward with the film. The problem is that Steven Spielberg still has to read the script and offer his approval, but once that happens, Gremlins 3 will finally be good to start production.

@comicmoviedb#gremlinsmovie#reboot is happening! #zachgalligan#exclusive#stevenspielberg#gremlinsontiktok#gremlins#gremlins2#gremlins1984♬ original sound - Comic Movie Db

"They've come up with a script," Galligan said. "Warner Bros. is incredibly interested in doing it. Apparently,...

While the recently departed Hulk Hogan may have had a checkered cinematic career (see No Holds Barred or Suburban Commando...or don't), one of his movies has become a beloved cult classic. Starting next month, you'll be able to watch it on its new streaming home. Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Joe Dante's satirical 1990 sequel to his hit creature feature, is coming to HBO Max starting on August 1.

In the film, which is as much a spoof of the original Gremlinsas it is a sequel to it, Hogan turns up in a clever breaking of the fourth wall. In the film, the titular creatures are rampaging through a corporate high-rise that includes a movie theater...which then causes the actual movie to stop. An usher (Eating Raoul's Paul Bartel) goes into the theater audience and finds a seated Hogan. The wrestler, once alerted to the problem, turns to address the Gremlins,...

Image Source: Warner Bros Remember the ’80s? That magical decade when practical effects ruled the big screen and a tiny, furry creature could steal your heart one moment and cause total mayhem the next. Of course, we’re talking about Gremlins, and its unforgettable sequel Gremlins 2: The New Batch! Released in 1984, the original Steven Spielberg produced, Chris Columbus written gem became an instant classic, showing audiences that even the cutest pets come with some very strict rules. Columbus, who also penned The Goonies and later directed family favorites like Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, and the first two Harry Potter films, had an undeniable gift for capturing that era’s unique magic. And with Gremlins, he created a creature feature that still holds up decades later. Gremlins 2: The New Batch – A Whole Different Animal Six years after the original, audiences got a wilder, weirder sequel: Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

Bottleneck Gallery will release a trio of Gremlins posters today, July 8, at 12pm Et.

MonkeyMouth‘s Gremlins artwork uses the iconic 3D glasses Gremlin as the focal point. 18×24 fine art giclee prints are limited to 100 for $40. A Uv archival giclee on rainbow foil paper, limited to 100, is $50.

Hans Woody‘s painterly Gremlins piece shows Gizmo in the clutches of his evil brethren. 24×36 fine art giclee prints are limited to 100 for $50. An art print variant, sans text, is limited to 40 for $50.

Casey Booth‘s comic book-inspired Gremlins 2: The New Batch poster features Gizmo in full Rambo mode. 24×36 fine art giclee prints, limited to 100, cost $50.

Released in 1984, Gremlins concerns a young man who inadvertently unleashes a horde of destructive creatures on a small town.

Joe Dante directs from a script by Chris Columbus. Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Polly Holliday, Frances Lee McCain, and Judge Reinhold star.

In the 1990 sequel,...

Who knew that movies about cute little creatures that transform into uncontrollable monsters could leave a lasting legacy? It’s been decades since audiences first met Gremlins, and fans’ love for the characters only grows with time to the extent that the characters now live in an animated format, entertaining a completely new generation. However, the love for original Gremlin movies never ceases, and fans can now watch the movies for free.

Tubi has added Gremlins and Gremlins 2: The New Batchto its roster for fans to enjoy at their own ease. The movies have been topping Max streaming charts previously, but as they come on a free platform, they are sure to get more eyeballs, as fans delve into nostalgia and a new generation gets introduced to little monsters.

‘Gremlins’ Have Come a Long Way

Directed by Joe Dante, the 1984 Gremlins is basically a Christmas movie, as we follow Billy,...

With Dancing With the Stars set to come back for a 34th season this fall, there’s a long list of celebrities who deserve to compete on the dance floor. Three of our past suggestions came true: Frankie Muniz, Kel Mitchell, and Jamie Lynn Spears. Robert Irwin and Alix Earle have already been confirmed for next season. Below is a list of other celebs we think the show should consider inviting to the ballroom to vie for the next Mirror Ball Trophy. Do you agree with our picks? Vote in our poll at the bottom of this post to let us know which you'd most like to see on DWTS. And feel free to let us know in the reality TV forum what other stars you'd love to see when the show comes back in September.

Christie Brinkley

This model, actress, illustrator, photographer, writer, designer, and activist was previously set...

The ’90s have always been a tricky decade to define for horror, offering everything from cable and physical home releases to big budget horror. On the latter front, horror experimented with grand period pieces like Interview with the Vampire and Bram Stoker’s Dracula as much as it did with spectacle driven, action-heavy creature features.

The decade delivered no shortage of memorable monster movies that emphasized creature FX and entertainment, from theatrical releases to home video offerings.

This week’s streaming picks are dedicated to ’90s monster movies that delivered high-energy, fun, and inventive monster designs. Because it’s Monday, we can use more horror fun.

Here’s where to stream this week’s streaming picks.

For more Stay Home, Watch Horror picks, click here.

From Dusk Till Dawn – Hoopla, Pluto TV

With Sinners arriving in theaters this week, now is a great time to revisit this vampire classic by...

Two iconic movie franchises from the 1980s are officially being rebooted. Warner Bros. has finally verified that both Gremlins and The Goonieswill be revived.

Per Deadline, Pam Abdy, Chair/CEO of Warner Bros. Pictures confirmed that the movies are in development. In an interview that also updated fans on The Lord of the Rings’ new live-action film The Hunt For Gollum,Abdy also indicated that Gremlins and The Goonies will be back with new films. In February, it was reported that Warner Bros. was developing sequels to both Gremlins and The Goonies, but no other details were shared at that time.

“We’re super excited about Amblin developing with Chris Columbus, new entries in the Gremlins and Goonies franchises,” Abdy said.

Gremlins 3 Was Being Developed in 2010

The horror/holiday/fantasy film Gremlins was released in 1984 and was written by Chris Columbus and directed by Joe Dante. It starred Zach Galligan...

Modern scream queen Jenna Ortega has been a part of several iconic franchises, given her roles in Scream, Wednesday, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. If she had her pick to join any franchise she wanted to next, she pointed to the one born from the 1984 horror comedy classic Gremlins.

Per IMDb, Ortega was recently at the South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) to promote her new film, Death of a Unicorn. Reflecting on the movies she loved as a child, Ortega mentioned Gremlins, the film that garnered a sequel along with an animated prequel series. She also made it clear she wants to join a potential third Gremlins film if one ever gets made.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by IMDb (@imdb)

"You know what I used to love as a kid? Gremlins," Ortega said. "Gremlins, would love... Gremlins 3? 4? I don't know. Call me!"

You know what I used to love as a kid?...

Jenna Ortega, star of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Wednesday, and 2022's Scream and its sequel, Scream VI, has revealed the next iconic franchise she would love to join, and it's a beloved '80s horror classic. Speaking to IMDb on the SXSW red carpet for the premiere of her new movie, A24's Death of a Unicorn, Ortega shared her hopes of one day sharing the screen with the monstrous Mogwais from the Gremlinsmovies for a feature film revival, which, at this point, is 35 years on from the chaotic creatures last cinematic outing.

The revelation came in a video (below) when Ortega was asked about which mythical creature from her childhood she would like to see have a moment in the spotlight again. Perhaps not the best to be exposed to bright lights, but the actress landed on the scene-stealing furballs from the Gremlins franchise. "You know what I used to love as a kid?...

Among Hollywood directors, few have the career highs and lows as Joe Dante. Dante, a lover of schlock cinema, Looney Tunes and Chuck Jones, has achieved iconic success with some of his films, while others hold the record as some of the biggest bombs in Hollywood history. This bipolar success rate likely derives from Dante’s aesthetic: for better or worse, his movies always combine horror with humor, slapstick with the macabre. For proof, look no further than Dante’s greatest success, Gremlins.

Gremlins opened in 1984 and became an immediate smash, elevating Dante as a director among the Hollywood pantheon. It also made an icon out of its star, Gizmo the mogwai. More than 40 years later, the film still commands a following, thanks to the way it slithers over the razor’s edge between horror and comedy. That mix of goofiness, satire, sincerity and excellent special effects make the movie feel as fresh as ever,...

The most upsetting death in Gremlins has been recreated in the form of an action figure. Released in 1984, Gremlins is a Christmastime cult classic film about a young man who mishandles a cute-looking creature, accidentally unleashing monsters on his small town. The movie was directed by Joe Dante and featured a leading cast including Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, John Louie, and Keye Luke. The movie was a box office success and has since been considered a classic '80s movie.

Now, @fortheloveofoldtoys has recreated one of the Gremlins' death scenes in a new action figure.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by for the love of old toys (@fortheloveofoldtoys)

The figurine is labeled "Kate's Dad" and shows a man in a Santa outfit. However, this man has seen better days, as he has a snapped neck and is covered in soot. @fortheloveofoldtoys captioned the photo with "It's Kate's Dad!

Hollywood has demonstrated time and again that studios will stop at nothing to construct a franchise around a successful film. If an idea works, it's frivolous to waste time and effort trying to make something novel. It's much easier to explore new avenues within a pre-existing story than to create a new one altogether. Thus, the industry typically pours its resources into these projects. Unsurprisingly, many movie sequels coming in 2025 boast the highest budgets of any other titles.

Even the large majority of the highest-grossing movies of all time are sequels. The bottom line is that these films make money, but they still need to maintain a degree of innovation. Typically, there is already a set path for the story. A franchise like the Infinity Saga particularly benefited from this quality. Other times, all that's necessary is a new character or conflict. On the rarest of occasions, a sequel will...

Horror fans and critics can usually predict when a movie is going to bomb at the box office. Even with a star-studded cast, like Scream 4, some horror movies are doomed from the beginning. Most of the time, movies that tank at the box office are unwanted sequels or movies that are only loved by niche horror audiences.

Horror sequels and remakes already tend to be risky movies at the box office because not all audiences resonate with their originals or only enjoyed the movie subsequently. Some box office bombs later became fan favorites in the eyes of horror fans. House of Wax grossed over $32 million domestically with a $40 million budget but is considered a campy, classic horror movie. It can take some time for horror movies to resonate with audiences, but some horror movies were doomed from the beginning.

Gremlins 2 (1990) Directed by Joe Dante

Gremlins 2: The New...

It sounds like we might get to hang out with the Gremlins again soon in a new movie. You remember the rules, right?

Deadline reports that Warner Bros. is interested in creating a new movie in the Gremlins universe with Christopher Columbus, who penned the screenplay for the original 1984 film directed by Joe Dante. A beloved cult classic franchise, it has always been a little surprising that Warner Bros. didn't produce more Gremlins movies after the 1990 sequel The New Batch.

But the production company has shown interest in more Gremlins content, see the animated series on Max that has two seasons, the more recent of which started streaming in October.

Conversations regarding a third live-action Gremlins film started as early as 2013, but they never came to fruition. However, rumors have been swirling for a while now that Warner Bros. wanted to bring back the franchise, likely due to the animated series being relatively well-received.

Gremlins 3 has received a reassuring update despite being in development for eight years, when the original writer was attached to the sequel. In 2017, it was announced a potential Gremlins 3 script had been written by Chris Columbus, who penned the screenplay for the 1984 original. Since then, the movie hasn't gotten any concrete updates, aside from confirmation by Colombus in 2020 that creature puppets would be used instead of CGI. The latest release from the franchise is Max's animated Gremlins series, aimed at a younger audience and serving as a prequel to the original.

Now, in a report from Deadline about Warner Bros.' plans for future movie prospects, it was confirmed Gremlins 3 is still in development, with Columbus serving as the writer. This is confirmation that, despite the project not getting any concrete news for five years - and being in development for eight - the sequel is still being worked on.

Image Source: Warner Bros Imagine being a young actor, just 19 years old, working on a Steven Spielberg-produced film. Not just any film, but one that would become a beloved 80s classic: Gremlins! That was the reality for Zach Galligan, who landed the lead role of Billy Peltzer. But the experience gets even better. Galligan recently shared a fantastic story from his time on set, involving Spielberg’s office, some downtime, and a legendary arcade showdown. Remember, this was the 80s, when arcade games were all the rage. Having them at home or in your office was a real luxury. At GalaxyCon Columbus 2024, Galligan recounted this unforgettable experience, an encounter he still remembers vividly over 40 years later. (Click on the media bar below to hear Zach Galligan.) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Zach_Galligan_Spielberg_Gremlins_Playing_Video_Games_.mp3 Gremlins is available on DVD/Blu-ray and on digital platforms

The post Game On!

The 1980s were a strange time for American cinema. The bleakness of 1970s cinema was falling out of vogue, and several members of the "film school generation" of filmmakers — the ones that broke out in the '70s — began turning to more complex, effects-based pictures that received giant studio budgets. Fantasy and sci-fi were big business in the '80s (largely thanks to the success of "Star Wars" in 1977), and the decade's most popular movies tended to be kid-friendly adventure films. The fantasy films of the 1980s left a deep mark on the Gen-x kids that saw them and, to this day, lists of the Best Films of the '80s tend to boast genre films like "Back to the Future," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "The Terminator," "Die Hard," "The Thing," et al.

Coming hand-in-hand with the rising tide of commercial fantasy, however, was a powerful, punk-rock, anti-conservative streak.

The holiday season is here, which tends to be a useful time for streaming. More people have time off work and school, which helps stimulate the box office and brings people together in their homes to watch new titles on streaming. This year, this has meant success for some of the major streamer's newer holiday hits. Netflix's animated family holiday film That Christmas debuted on the platform to positive reception and viewership, staying in the streamer's top 10 day after day and week after week for a while. Festive rom-coms like Our Little Secret and Hot Frosty also shined.

At the same time, this is the time of year when some streaming subscribers look for alternative options to the more typical festive fare. The Christmas horror movie Krampus, for example, surged on streaming during December, showing that fans had an appetite for the darker side of the holidays. Netflix's Carry-On...

Gremlins is as impressive today as it was when it was released in 1984, but the film could have been very different if producer Steven Spielberg had not stepped in and changed the movie. Writer Chris Columbus’ original script featured many more deaths than those seen in the festive favorite about a group of mischievous creatures that take over a small town over Christmas. While Spielberg was responsible for having many of them removed, both the producer and director Joe Dante fought Warner Bros. to ensure that one of the movie’s most tragic moments was not cut.

When watching Gremlins, it is sometimes hard to believe the film was made with the use of practical puppets in a time when CGI was just a pipe dream for the future. The impressive display of monstrous mayhem blows away many modern movies, and that is all down to the vision of both Dante and Spielberg.

While certainly not without its horror elements, Gremlins has been a beloved Christmas movie for the past four decades. It's just dark enough that it's often recommended as a "gateway horror film" for newcomers to the genre to watch before taking on more mature content, but the original plan was for Gremlins to be much more brutal.

Nosferatu producer Chris Columbus, the screenwriter of the Joe Dante-directed film, addressed what didn't make the final cut from his original script in a new interview with Vanity Fair. He shared how the body count was pretty high, noting how Lynn Peltzer (Frances Lee McCain), Billy's (Zach Galligan) mother, was scripted to be decapitated before later getting her life spared by rewrites. Another planned death was for the dog to actually be viciously killed by the Gremlins rather than harmlessly hung up in Christmas lights.

Related "I'm Still That Nerdy Girl" -...

After 40 years, Gremlins remains one of the darkest Christmas movies, but it would have been much darker if writer Chris Columbus had his way.

While reflecting on his 1984 Joe Dante-helmed holiday horror, Columbus recently said the final cut was “plenty dark” but recalled who died in the original script, whether or not Gizmo turns into a Gremlin and other plot details.

“I think the dad stayed behind and fought the Gremlins, I don’t quite remember if he survived,” he told Vanity Fair. “The mom certainly didn’t. Billy [played by Zach Galligan] ran into the foyer of his house, and his mom’s head came rolling down the stairs. So there were some deaths. And Barney the dog was not so lucky to just be hung up in the Christmas lights. He was actually hung up by his neck and died. We killed the dog!”

Columbus, who serves as a producer on Nosferatu,...

‘Tis the season to watch holiday-themed horror, so we here at Arrow in the Head have decided to compile a list of the Best Christmas Horror Movies! All of the films below are, at the very least, set around Christmastime, and some of them take the connection to the holidays further than that. Here are the top 12 horror movies that we recommend checking out over the next week:

I Come In Peace (1990)

It’s easy to forget that I Come in Peace (a.k.a. Dark Angel) is set around the Christmas holiday, because Christmas is mostly just represented by some set decorations – and you’re distracted from those decorations by all the awesome stuff going on around them. Dolph Lundgren stars as Jack Caine, a Houston detective who doesn’t play by the rules. He’s stuck working with stuffy, suit-wearing FBI agent Larry Smith (Brian Benben), and these...

Last Updated on December 26, 2024

A Christmas film that’s about as ingrained into our pop culture as much as It’s a Wonderful Life is the Chris Columbus classic Home Alone. But he was previously involved in another huge holiday film before his 1990 smash hit. He was the writer of the 1984 Joe Dante Christmas horror comedy Gremlins. And with the trifecta of creative minds like Columbus, Dante and executive producer Steven Spielberg at the helm, audiences were treated to an incredibly original, wacky and sometimes scary family film. It’s time to remember the three rules cause it’s Gremlins on this episode of Revisited.

Gremlins is one of those movies where it’s a simple straightforward story that gives the impression that there’s a ton of lore behind it but it isn’t truly necessary to explore, like Terminator or Alien, and it would be hard to explain...

Before Chris Columbus was known for some of the turn of the millennium’s warmest family adventures, he was a twentysomething with an idea for a movie about mysterious pets that turn to monsters if you get them wet or feed them after midnight. That movie, of course, is Gremlins,...

Novelization fans know the majority of literary tie-ins stick closely to their source materials rather than stray from them, but whenever one does make notable changes, they take notice. Gremlins is one such case. Indeed, the late George Gipe stayed true to the spirit of that Christmas spectacle we have all come to love and celebrate each winter, however, the author also took artistic license — primarily with the adorable face of the Gremlins franchise, to whom he gave an origin that is truly out of this world.

Everyone knows the gist of Gremlins by now: A small American town is overrun by monsters around Christmas, and only one young man — along with his strange new pet named “Gizmo” — can put an end to the holiday horror. Gipe, who also penned the novelizations for Back to the Future and Explorers, didn’t think to change the basic story of Joe Dante...

It's the holiday season, which can mean only one thing: it's time to watch Christmas horror movies! Christmas horror is nothing new. In the Victorian era, folks would gather by the fireside around Christmas time to tell each other ghost stories (this is how we got "A Christmas Carol"). Over the years, the horror genre has embraced this idea by unleashing horror films set on or around Christmas. Some of these films are quite bad and seem to recycle the same boring idea ("What if a guy dressed as Santa Claus killed people?!") over and over again. But there are others that make the yuletide bright. Hell, even some of the killer Santa stories work. As the weird year that was 2024 comes to a close, and the horrifying uncertainty of 2025 lurks right around the corner, let's chug some mulled wine, deck the halls, and watch the following Christmas-centric horror movies.

While viewers come to light comedy movies to escape the horrors of the world and enjoy a good laugh, some films cannot help but unexpectedly go to dark places. Whether it’s a kids’ comedy that suddenly introduces a shockingly bleak piece of information or laugh-out-loud movies that turn increasingly sinister as the runtime progresses, comedy movies can sometimes be surprisingly disarming. While a certain amount of darkness has its place in every genre, the results can be unnerving when audiences don’t see it coming.

Some of the best light comedy movies ever have sinister subtexts that make the movie unexpectedly dark. While wacky characters may seem to be laugh-a-minute personalities at first, the existential nightmare that often makes up comedy movie premises can’t help but feel dark as the story builds toward its grand conclusion. Although the point of a good comedy is to make viewers laugh,...

Horror movies with a good hook and humor can be rare, but a few manage to capture both. Some of the best horror movies from the 1980s present far-fetched humor and a good story, while many of those from the 1990s are all about suspense and satirical humor.

Even decades later, horror movies surprise audiences with intriguing premises that integrate comedic moments. Some horror movies have strong cult followings for their humor, and that wouldn't be possible without a strong starting point. These movies show that audiences will always enjoy an absurd moment or two, adding a nice contrast to the suspense and making the film even more enjoyable.

Gremlins (1984) Creatures Terrorize A Town During The Holidays

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Gremlins 8/10

When a father gives his son Billy a magical creature known as a Mogwai as a gift, the boy...

The end of Thanksgiving marks the unofficial start to the holiday season, and with that come many traditions beloved by people all over. Christmas is right around the corner, and there's a lot that needs to be done to get in the festive mood. Decorating the tree, shopping for friends and family, and snuggling up on the couch to watch Christmas classics are all in order.

There are dozens and dozens of iconic Christmas movies from over the years, and with those movies come characters whom audiences can't help but welcome back into their homes when it gets cold outside. These Christmas movie characters make it feel like the holiday season just as much as any other tradition.

Updated by Christopher Raley on December 5, 2024: Christmas is coming up faster than ever, which means that it's time to pull out the Christmas classics and have a couple of watching parties.

Image Source: Warner Bros Gremlins is one of the most beloved movies of the 1980s. The 1984 box office hit masterfully combined fantasy, comedy, and horror. Who could resist Gizmo and the mischievous Gremlins? Produced by Steven Spielberg, written by Chris Columbus, and directed by Joe Dante, the film was in excellent hands. The movie captivated audiences with its perfect mix of humor and scares, making it an instant classic. Gizmo, the adorable Mogwai, quickly became a fan favorite, while the mischievous Gremlins brought both chaos and laughs. Six years later, the sequel Gremlins 2 The New Batch was released. While it was a fun movie, it featured over-the-top comedy and musical numbers that set it apart from the original. The sequel took a more humorous and satirical approach, with memorable scenes that delighted fans. At Comic-Con Liverpool, Gremlins and Gremlins 2 star Zach Galligan shared his thoughts on which Gremlins film he prefers.

Let's face it: the best Christmas movies aren't complete without a good villain. In fact, for as many beloved Christmas characters as there are, more than half of them are the villains of the story. I suppose nothing gets us in the Christmas spirit more than watching it be defended from the Grinches and Scrooges of the world. So, to definitively rank them all is quite a task. Cinema's greatest Christmas villains range from the deliciously malicious to the just straight up terrifying. However, we here at /Film are up to the task.

There's an easy way to qualify for this list — be in a Christmas film — but we wanted to ask ourselves some deeper questions. When we think of the holiday season, do we think of these villains? Are the characters themselves strong or memorable? Are they embedded in the iconography of Christmas? Better yet, do they threaten the...

Sharing a meal with family and friends is all well and good as far as Christmas celebrations go, but for the film lovers among us, it's the perfect time to hibernate in front of the television with a cozy blanket and mug of hot chocolate with a watch-list of some of the greatest Christmas films ready to go. While not every cinephile finds satisfaction out of the genre, it's a time so magical that everything from horror films, '80s action, and even German Impressionism can all find a place in Christmas films.

Ranging from the corny and ridiculous to generational classics, Christmas films have introduced to us some of cinema's most memorable characters. The traditional George Baileys and multiple Santa Clauses hit us in the feels and remind us of the season's merriment, while the Christmas-adjacent Gizmos and John McClanes grant us the space to clench, laugh, and gasp with festive cheer.

As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to settle in with some of the best spooky films ever made. From eerie silent classics to modern horror hits, spooky cinema has evolved across decades, yet each era has its own spine-tingling gems. Whether you love atmospheric terror or heart-pounding scares, here’s a journey through the best films from the 1920s to today that will give you chills. Things to do: Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here. Limited Time Offer – Free Subscription to The Hollywood Insider Click here to read more on The Hollywood Insider’s vision, values and mission statement here – Media has the responsibility to better our world – The Hollywood Insider fully focuses on substance and meaningful entertainment, against gossip and scandal, by combining entertainment, education, and philanthropy. 1920s - 1980s ‘The Haunting’ (1963) Cast: Julie Harris,...

Jordan Peele was first known for the sketch comedy show on Comedy Central called Key and Peele. Surprising everyone, he dropped a social commentary horror thriller called Get Out and demonstrated his talent (and love) for horror. He is now known as one of the most popular modern directors in the world of horror. Jordan Peele's films almost always invoke deep thought from his beautifully crafted scary stories.

Through his great directorial success, Peele quickly became an authoritative figure in the horror world. The following horror films inspired him to add to the genre.

Gremlins Is a Great Horror Comedy That Pushed Its MPAA Rating 1984

Gremlins Reception

IMdB Score

7.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score

86%

Gremlins is a Joe Dante film that gives audiences cute chaos with the "mogwai" creature by the name of Gizmo. Gizmo unintentionally creates evil versions of himself when he molts due to his owner ignoring explicit instructions for his care.