

Gremlins
15 snips Dec 9, 2024
Dive into the chaotic world of the classic holiday film 'Gremlins,' exploring its wild production challenges and creative struggles. Discover how the mishaps of puppetry almost derailed the project while hilariously questioning the use of live monkeys. Learn why parents were outraged and how the film shaped the MPAA rating system. With insights into the beloved character Gizmo and the unexpected casting choices, this journey reveals the perfect blend of humor and horror that defines this cinematic gem.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Gremlin Origins
- The term "gremlin" originated with British Royal Air Force pilots blaming mischievous creatures for technical issues.
- Roald Dahl popularized gremlins in his 1943 book, "The Gremlins."
Inspiration for Gremlins
- Chris Columbus, Gremlins' screenwriter, was inspired by gremlin folklore and mice in his New York apartment.
- This combination led him to write a horror screenplay about murderous tiny creatures.
Spielberg's Call
- Chris Columbus wrote Gremlins as a spec script with no expectation of it being made into a film.
- Steven Spielberg called him personally to buy the script, surprising Columbus.