Director and release date for Gremlins 3

The Gremlins are back! 37 years after "Gremlins 2", the franchise is going into the next round – and now the start date and director for "Gremlins 3" have been announced.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the cuddly creatures are set to return to the big screen on November 19, 2027. Chris Columbus, who celebrated international success with films such as "Home Alone" and the first two "Harry Potter" films, will not only co-write the screenplay for "Gremlins 3", but also direct it. He will be supported by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, who were responsible for "Final Destination: Bloodlines" this year.

The film is being produced by Steven Spielberg, who was already involved in the original as an executive producer. What exactly will happen in "Gremlins 3" is still a well-kept secret. It is also unclear whether the new story will follow on directly from the first two films or whether it will be a kind of reboot.

Chris Columbus: The man behind the classics of our childhood

Hardly any other director has had such a strong influence on family and adventure cinema in recent decades as Chris Columbus. Whether turbulent Christmas comedies, magical boarding school adventures or warm-hearted coming-of-age stories – his films are characterized by humour, heart and a large dose of nostalgia. Columbus knows how to tell stories that connect generations. Here is a look at his best-known works, which have made him one of Hollywood's most successful and influential filmmakers.

Home Alone (1990) & Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

If there's one movie that no household should be without at Christmas, it's "Home Alone". This turbulent comedy about a boy defending his house against two clumsy burglars was Columbus' final breakthrough as a director. The screenplay was written by John Hughes, who recognized Columbus' talent early on.

The mixture of childlike inventiveness, slapstick humor and genuine family warmth struck a chord with the times. Lead actor Macaulay Culkin became an overnight star, and Columbus proved that he had a flair for timing, emotion and universal humor. The success was so overwhelming that it was followed two years later by a sequel, "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York", which many fans love even more today. Both films are among the most-watched Christmas films of all time and made Columbus the master of family cinema.

Mrs. Doubtfire: The Prickly Nanny (1993)

With "Mrs. Doubtfire", Columbus showed that he not only stood for children's films, but also for emotional family stories with depth. Robin Williams shines in the leading role as a divorced father who disguises himself as an eccentric Scottish housekeeper in order to spend time with his children.

The film skillfully balances comedy and tragedy, portraying themes such as divorce, loss and parental love without ever losing its lightness. Williams' art of transformation and Columbus' sensitive direction made the film a worldwide success. "Mrs. Doubtfire" won the Oscar for Best Make-up and became a symbol of humor with heart – a trademark of the director.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) & Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

When Columbus took over the direction of the first two "Harry Potter" films in the early 2000s, he was faced with a mammoth task: transforming J.K. Rowling's beloved books into magical cinematic worlds – and satisfying millions of fans in the process. Columbus accepted the challenge and created the foundation for one of the biggest film franchises of all time with "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (2001) and "Chamber of Secrets" (2002).

His approach: to capture the magic of the books as faithfully as possible, to create a believable world and to guide the young cast – including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint – safely through their first major roles. Columbus' warm, fairytale-like production lent the films an innocence and security that many fans still associate with the early "Harry Potter" era.

Rent (2005) & Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

After his success in family cinema, Columbus ventured into other genres. With the musical drama "Rent" (2005), he adapted the Broadway play of the same name about love, illness and fear of life in New York in the 1990s. The film was appreciated by the musical's fan community, but also showed that Columbus has the courage to tackle serious subjects.

Five years later, he returned to adventure cinema with "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief", based on Rick Riordan's young adult novel. Although the film received mixed reviews, it showed Columbus' ability to lead young actors and bring complex fantasy worlds to life – much like Harry Potter once did.

Conclusion: stories that stay with you

Chris Columbus' films are characterized by warmth, humanity and universal themes. He knows how to add a touch of magic to everyday life without losing sight of the emotional core. Whether it's a boy at home alone, a father in disguise or a wizard student at Hogwarts – his characters always represent family, friendship and growing up.