K.T Simpson
We’re one step closer to the long-looking “Gremlins 3”.
Gizmo fever seems to have hit WB again, with WarnerMedia reportedly developing an animated “Gremlins” series, according to a new report from Variety.
The potential series is said to be a period piece that would follow Mr. Wing, the Chinese grandfather played in the films by Keye Luke, as a young man as he goes on adventures with the friendly Mogwai Gizmo. The series will be produced by Warner Bros. Television and Amblin Television. Both Warner Bros. and Amblin produced the films on which the show will be based. Tze Chun is attached to write and executive produce.
The original “Gremlins” film was released in 1984, and a sequel “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” in 1990. Joe Dante directed both films.
That third “Gremlins” movie, which has a script but little else, has been in development for quite a few years now. Original scribe Chris Columbus is back on scripting duties, and promises a much “grittier” “Gremlins” than the 1990 sequel.
“I’m really proud of the script,” Columbus said. “It is as twisted and dark as anything, so we’ll see. It’s always a budgetary conversation when we’re going to shoot it. I wanted to go back to the really twisted sensibility of the first movie. I found that was a very easy place for me to fall back into and start writing again so hopefully we’ll see that movie soon.”
Joe Dante doesn’t expect to be asked to direct – but if he was, he wouldn’t do a direct sequel to the 1984 film.
The filmmaker told Moviehole a few years ago that, “First of all, I won’t be asked. Second of all, I wouldn’t bring back the original cast because it’s been too long – the kids now would be familiar with the title, and familiar with Gizmo and Stripe, but as far as the actual [live-action] characters and story, they don’t know them.. it.”
With fellow ’80s fan-busters “Ghostbusters”, “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Karate Kid” have all made comebacks or about to, we’re bound to see more movement on the new live-action “Gremlins” soon.
Meantime, WarnerMedia are currently organising a yet-to-be-named streaming service, where the animated “Gremlins” will feature.
