The long-awaited Gremlins 3 trailer has finally arrived, bringing back the mischievous Mogwai and chaotic creatures that defined one of the most beloved cult classics of the 1980s. Warner Bros. officially unveiled the trailer on November 5, 2025, giving fans their first glimpse at the franchise’s long-awaited return after more than three decades.
The new trailer instantly sparked excitement across social media, amassing millions of views within hours of its release on YouTube and Warner Bros.’ official platforms. Fans of the original films — Gremlins (1984) and Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) — are calling this the comeback they’ve been waiting for.
Here’s a breakdown of everything we know about Gremlins 3, including trailer details, confirmed cast, storyline hints, and the official release schedule.
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Gremlins 3 Trailer: A Nostalgic and Dark Return
The Gremlins 3 trailer opens with familiar imagery: the soft glow of Christmas lights, faint holiday music, and a shadowy Mogwai silhouette that fans instantly recognize as Gizmo. But the tone quickly turns eerie.
The trailer transitions into scenes showing new and old characters facing the return of the gremlins — small, reptilian-like creatures known for their destructive mischief when exposed to water or fed after midnight.
Director Chris Columbus, who wrote the original Gremlins, returns as both writer and producer for the third film. In a recent interview, he described Gremlins 3 as a “true sequel to the original films, maintaining their dark comedy and practical effects.”
The trailer showcases a blend of animatronic puppetry and minimal CGI, emphasizing the classic look that made the franchise so iconic.
Release Date and Production Updates
Warner Bros. has confirmed that Gremlins 3 will hit theaters on December 12, 2025, strategically timed for the holiday season — a nod to the original film’s 1984 Christmas release.
Filming took place primarily in Vancouver, Canada, and wrapped in early September 2025. Post-production focused on blending practical puppetry with digital enhancements, handled by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).
The studio has confirmed both theatrical and streaming releases, with the movie also set to premiere on Max (formerly HBO Max) roughly 45 days after its cinema debut.
Returning Characters and Cast Members
The Gremlins 3 trailer reveals several returning faces that longtime fans will recognize.
Confirmed cast includes:
- Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer – reprising his role as the original protagonist who first discovered Gizmo.
- Phoebe Cates as Kate Beringer-Peltzer – Billy’s wife, also returning for the first time since Gremlins 2.
- Howie Mandel – once again providing the voice of Gizmo, the lovable Mogwai.
- Keegan-Michael Key as Dr. Harper, a scientist investigating Mogwai DNA.
- Millie Bobby Brown as Chloe Peltzer, Billy’s daughter, who takes a leading role in the new story.
- Ken Jeong as Mr. Li, a mysterious antique dealer with ties to the Mogwai legend.
The trailer also hints at the return of the original “Gremlin Leader”, teased through a menacing close-up of a scarred creature’s glowing red eyes.
Plot Details: What the Trailer Reveals
While Warner Bros. has kept much of the plot under wraps, the Gremlins 3 trailer provides several hints.
The story is set roughly 35 years after the events of the second film. Billy and Kate now live in a small New England town with their teenage daughter, Chloe. Gizmo has grown older but remains hidden — until a biotech company accidentally triggers a new outbreak of gremlins while experimenting on Mogwai DNA.
The trailer features chilling lines like, “They were meant to evolve… but evolution has consequences.” Viewers see glimpses of gremlins running loose in laboratories, snow-covered streets, and a massive department store — reminiscent of the chaos from the original movie.
It’s clear the tone will blend comedy, horror, and nostalgia, striking a balance between the playful humor of Gremlins 2 and the darker suspense of the original.
Visual Style and Special Effects
One standout element from the Gremlins 3 trailer is its return to practical puppetry. Director Chris Columbus confirmed in multiple interviews that the production avoided excessive CGI, opting instead for handcrafted animatronics to recapture the realism of the 1980s films.
The trailer showcases Gizmo’s expressive face, the gremlins’ chaotic antics, and several large-scale set pieces built with practical effects. The film’s cinematography — handled by Michael Seresin (of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) — gives it a moody, vintage feel while incorporating modern lighting and detail.
Music and Tone
Composer Jerry Goldsmith’s original score themes have been reimagined by Michael Giacchino, who previously scored Jurassic World and The Batman.
The trailer’s soundtrack cleverly mixes haunting Christmas carols with eerie orchestral tones, giving the film its trademark mix of festive cheer and supernatural chaos. Fans quickly noticed a familiar tune — “Do You Hear What I Hear” — used during a suspenseful gremlin attack scene, echoing the dark humor of the 1984 classic.
Fan Reactions to the Trailer
Social media exploded with excitement following the release of the Gremlins 3 trailer. Within 24 hours, the trailer accumulated more than 12 million views on YouTube and trended across X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram.
Fans praised the film’s return to practical effects and nostalgic tone. Many noted that it “feels like Gremlins again” — a comment that has become one of the most common sentiments online.
Popular entertainment channels and reviewers have called the trailer one of Warner Bros.’ best reveals of 2025, predicting that Gremlins 3 could become a surprise holiday box office hit.
Connections to Other Gremlins Projects
The release of Gremlins 3 also ties into the success of Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, the animated prequel series that premiered on Max in 2023.
While Secrets of the Mogwai explored the origin of Gizmo and the Mogwai species in 1920s China, the new live-action film serves as a continuation of the main storyline. Producer Steven Spielberg, who remains an executive producer on the film, confirmed that subtle nods to the animated series will appear in the movie for dedicated fans.
Marketing and Merchandising
Warner Bros. has launched a full-scale marketing campaign alongside the trailer, including tie-in merchandise that will hit stores ahead of the film’s release.
Upcoming products include:
- New Gizmo plush toys with motion-activated sounds.
- LEGO “Gremlins Invasion” playset, featuring the snowy town from the film.
- Gremlins Funko Pop! line, with glow-in-the-dark variants of the gremlins.
Early partnerships with major retailers like Target and Walmart have already been announced, further fueling anticipation for the film’s December debut.
The Bottom Line
The release of the Gremlins 3 trailer has officially reignited excitement for one of cinema’s most iconic franchises. With its nostalgic atmosphere, returning cast, and balance of humor and horror, the movie promises to deliver the perfect blend of classic charm and modern thrills.
Fans can mark their calendars for December 12, 2025, when the mischievous gremlins make their big-screen return — just in time for the holidays.
Are you excited about the return of Gizmo and the gremlins? Share your reactions to the trailer in the comments below and let us know your favorite Gremlins moment!