Jenna Ortega Rumored to Lead GREMLINS 3 as Franchise Gears Up for Long-Awaited Return
After years of false starts and stalled ideas, Gremlins 3 is finally moving forward, and now, according to insider reports, Jenna Ortega is being eyed for the film’s lead role, potentially putting her front and center in the next chapter of this chaotic creature franchise.
Warner Bros. officially confirmed last year that the long-gestating sequel is in development, with a planned theatrical release set for November 19, 2027.
Daniel Richtman says Ortega has been offered the role, and while details are still under wraps, it’s being speculated that Ortega could be playing the daughter of Billy and Kate, the original film’s central couple played by Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cate. I’m not sure how that would work, but maybe she’ll be their adopted daughter?
That would position the story as a generational follow-up, introducing a new protagonist while staying connected to the original story. There’s still no confirmation on whether any legacy cast members will return.
Ortega previously revealed her childhood love for Gremlins and even pitched herself for a sequel. "Ya know what I used to love as a kid? Gremlins," she said with a grin. "Would love… Gremlins 3? 4? Call me."
The creative team behind this sequel includes Steven Spielberg back as executive producer, and Chris Columbus, who wrote the original film, is stepping into the director’s chair. The script is being written by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the duo behind Final Destination: Bloodlines, working alongside Columbus.
Columbus shared his excitement about returning to the world of mischievous Mogwai, saying: “I’m filled with a tremendous surge of inspiration and passion, as I embark on this cinematic journey.
“It’s an honor to reunite with Steven Spielberg and Warner Bros., as we bring this latest chapter of Gremlins to a brand new generation of moviegoers who will experience all of the thrills of this grand adventure on the big screen”
Warner Bros. is clearly treating this revival as a major event. Jesse Ehrman, the studio’s president of development and production, 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 magic, mayhem, and heart of Gremlins on the big screen in 2027.”
For anyone who grew up with the original, this franchise holds a special place in pop culture history. Directed by Joe Dante, Gremlins hit theaters in 1984 and quickly became a massive success. The film blended horror and comedy in a way that felt fresh and unhinged, all wrapped in a Christmas setting that gave it an extra layer of dark charm.
At the center of it all was Gizmo, the adorable Mogwai whose existence comes with three very specific rules: don’t get him wet, don’t expose him to bright light, and definitely don’t feed him after midnight. Break those rules, and things spiral into pure chaos.
The original movie was made on a modest $11 million budget and went on to pull in $151 million domestically. Its sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, arrived in 1990 with a much weirder, satirical tone. While it didn’t match the box office success of its predecessor, it eventually found its audience and built a strong cult following.
Now, with Gremlins 3 finally happening and a rising star like Ortega potentially leading the charge, it feels like this franchise might actually pull off a comeback that fans stopped expecting.
If this casting rumor turns out to be true, it’s a pretty great sign that the studio is aiming to connect the old-school charm with a new generation of moviegoers.
Either way, Gizmo might be getting ready to cause trouble again, and honestly, it’s about time.