The GREMLINS franchise, a staple of 1980s genre cinema, has endured as a campy horror classic that fans still celebrate. With nostalgia fueling new productions across Hollywood, there has been movement toward a remake. Warner Bros. and producer Jerry Katzenberg confirmed plans to remake the popular film and, likely, its sequels, though official details have not yet been released.
Original GREMLINS star Zach Galligan has spoken about the desire to return for the reboot, even if only in a cameo. He explained that fans enjoy seeing the people who started it all back on screen, a sentiment that resonates with many viewers. Galligan also suggested that the hero Billy could be given a tougher edge in the remake, and he named Dane DeHaan, known for CHRONICLE and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, as a potential Billy.
Dane DeHaan’s name has become a focal point in early casting chatter for the approach to Billy, with fans weighing how a fresher face could reshape the character while still honoring the franchise’s roots. Discussions in entertainment media have highlighted how a modern actor could bring new energy to the role while aligning with the film’s blend of humor and menace.
As this project moves forward, audiences in Canada and the United States are weighing expectations: should the remake lean toward nostalgia or push for a bolder, more modern horror tone? Industry voices stress the importance of balancing reverence for the original with the needs of today’s audience, from pacing and effects to the balance between scares and campy charm.
Who do you think would be a good fit for an edgy Billy in the GREMLINS remake?