Warner Bros. Delays 'Gremlins 3' to October 2028 Amid Paramount Merger

Key points

• The new release date for the 'Gremlins' sequel is October 6, 2028, replacing the previous November 19, 2027, slot.
• Chris Columbus, who wrote the 1984 original, is set to direct and produce the film alongside Steven Spielberg.
• Hannah Marks is currently rewriting the script based on an initial draft by Columbus, Zach Lipovsky, and Adam Stein.
• The delay is part of a broader schedule adjustment that also moves the animated film 'Dynamic Duo' to September 22, 2028.
• No official plot details or casting announcements have been released for the new installment.

Background

The original 1984 'Gremlins' film, directed by Joe Dante, was a major commercial success that helped establish the PG-13 rating. Its 1990 sequel, 'Gremlins 2: The New Batch,' performed poorly at the box office but remains a cult favorite. Warner Bros. first announced the third installment in 2025 during an investor call. The current delay occurs against the backdrop of the pending merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount, which is expected to close within two weeks following a settlement with state attorneys general.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and The Hollywood Reporter confirm the date shift to October 2028, noting that the new slot avoids competition with other major releases. Deadline highlights that the move is unrelated to the Paramount merger, emphasizing that Warner Bros. distribution believes the new date is optimal for the 'Dynamic Duo' animated feature. The A.V. Club expresses skepticism about the project's viability, citing a history of delayed nostalgia-driven sequels, but acknowledges that the involvement of Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg lends credibility to the production. All sources agree that the creative team remains intact, with no changes to the writing or producing staff reported.

Why it matters

The delay impacts the studio's 2027 and 2028 release slates, potentially affecting box office projections and marketing strategies. It also reflects the broader industry trend of studios adjusting schedules to maximize audience reach and avoid competition. The merger with Paramount may influence future distribution decisions, although the current changes are described as strategic rather than merger-driven.

What to watch

Warner Bros. is expected to finalize the merger with Paramount within two weeks. The studio will likely announce further release date adjustments as it integrates its distribution teams. Casting and plot details for 'Gremlins 3' may be revealed as production approaches, though no specific timeline for these announcements has been provided.