In its 40th year of captivating audiences, Gremlins continues to intrigue with its blend of horror, humor, and holiday spirit. But few know the behind-the-scenes decisions that shaped it into the classic it is today. 
The Scene That Almost Didn’t Make It
Director Joe Dante was adamant about including a darkly comedic monologue by Phoebe Cates’ character, Kate, explaining her disdain for Christmas. In the speech, she reveals how her father died trying to surprise his family as Santa Claus, only to be stuck in the chimney. The controversy over this scene was significant. Dante later shared, I think it encapsulates the whole ethos of what’s funny and what’s not funny.
The Evolution of Gizmo
A key transformation during production involved making Gizmo the film’s central hero. Initially planned to turn evil early on, Gizmo’s role was expanded at Steven Spielberg‘s insistence. Spielberg believed Gizmo should remain a loyal companion throughout the movie. This significant change had profound implications on both the storyline and production process. As Chris Walas, who designed Gremlin puppets, noted, This added way more puppets and character stuff all the way through the film now.
Spielberg’s Touch
Steven Spielberg, always a pivotal figure in Hollywood productions, played an essential role in shaping Gremlins. Despite initial skepticism from Warner Bros., who dubbed it “Spielberg’s Folly,” Spielberg’s vision prevailed. Particularly, his idea to turn Gizmo into a hero—a decision that radically altered the film’s dynamics—proved crucial. Joe Dante elaborated on Spielberg’s intuition when he stated,I think it was a mistake to have him turn into the bad Gremlin.
The Making of a Classic
The process of bringing Gremlins to life involved meticulous puppet work led by Chris Walas. Ingenious solutions like building large versions of Gizmo for close-ups were among many creative adjustments made to enhance believability.
A Melancholic Comfort Zone
An underlying charm of Gremlins is perhaps best captured by Howie Mandel, who voiced Gizmo. Mandel mentioned that watching an early cut left him perplexed yet captivated: I kept thinking—is this really a kid’s movie? It’s dark, funny, scary, and Christmas-y.
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