When Gremlins was released in 1984, it quickly became an iconic film that seamlessly blended comedy and horror, leaving a lasting imprint on pop culture. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, the movie was a critical and commercial success, spawning a sequel six years later. However, in a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Chris Columbus, the screenwriter behind the first film, revealed that the original script for Gremlins was far darker and more gruesome than the final version we know today.

The Original Dark Vision for Gremlins

The premise of Gremlins centers around Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan), a young man who receives a strange creature called Gizmo as a gift. Soon, he discovers that the creature, a Mogwai, is part of a dangerous species that transforms into monstrous gremlins when exposed to water. Chaos erupts on Christmas Eve, and the once peaceful town becomes a battleground for survival.

Despite the film’s blend of horror and humor, Chris Columbus’ original vision for Gremlins was much darker. Columbus recently shared insights into the early draft of the script, discussing how many of the scenes we see today were initially much more intense. He mentioned that the original story featured more graphic and violent elements, including a chilling sequence where Billy’s mother, played by Frances Lee McCain, has her head roll down the stairs after being killed by the gremlins.

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The Gruesome Fate of the Dog and Other Unsettling Scenes

One of the more shocking revelations was the fate of Billy’s dog, Barney. In the original draft, Barney wasn’t just trapped in Christmas lights as we see in the final cut. Instead, he was hung by the neck and killed by the gremlins, a brutal death that never made it to the final film. According to Columbus, the script originally included these types of dark and violent scenes that were ultimately toned down.

Additionally, the gremlins’ rampage was originally even more chaotic. One of the deleted sequences had the gremlins entering a McDonald’s and attacking the customers, but curiously, they left the food untouched, only preying on the people inside. These chilling scenes were eventually discarded to make the film more accessible and less shocking for a broader audience.

Spielberg’s Influence: Softening the Tone for a Wider Audience

Chris Columbus reflected on how Steven Spielberg’s influence played a crucial role in changing the tone of the film. At the time, Columbus, who was relatively new to the industry, didn’t have the confidence to push back against Spielberg’s vision. He admitted that Spielberg was right to steer the film in a less violent direction. Spielberg recognized that the film needed a central, relatable character for audiences to connect with amid the chaos. This insight led to the decision to keep Gizmo, the cuddly Mogwai, by Billy’s side throughout the movie.

In the original script, Gizmo was intended to turn into a gremlin much earlier in the story, but Spielberg wisely chose to keep him as a constant companion to Billy, ensuring that the audience had someone to empathize with throughout the terrifying events. This choice helped solidify Gizmo as a beloved character and a key part of the film’s appeal.

The Enduring Legacy of Gremlins

Despite its darker origins, Gremlins remains a classic, praised for its unique blend of horror, comedy, and heart. The film’s success can be attributed to its perfect balance of thrills and humor, as well as the unforgettable character of Gizmo, who continues to charm fans to this day. The creative decisions, including Spielberg’s influence on keeping Gizmo a soft, lovable figure, helped elevate the film to its status as a holiday favorite.

The darker original script might have presented Gremlins as a more disturbing horror movie, but it’s the final version, with its blend of lighthearted moments and scares, that has endured for decades. Today, Gremlins is remembered not just as a horror film, but as a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with audiences both new and old.

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In conclusion, while Gremlins may have started with a much darker vision, the final film, shaped by Steven Spielberg’s creative input, became the beloved holiday classic we know today. With its unique mix of terror, humor, and heart, Gremlins remains an unforgettable part of 80s cinema and a testament to the power of storytelling and collaboration in the filmmaking process.