Back before filmmaker Chris Columbus was the go-to director of family films, which included “Home Alone” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” he was a writer that had a couple huge hits on his hands. In 1984 and 1985, respectively, two Columbus-written films hit the big screen, “Gremlins” and “The Goonies.” These two films went on to be classics and are still viewed today as some of the best films of the ‘80s.
In a recent interview with Metro, Columbus was asked about those two films and the possibilities of sequels. For years, fans have been clamoring for a sequel to “The Goonies,” but according to the filmmaker, it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.
“There has been talk of it. That’s a difficult one. Only because all of the actors have gotten older and chosen different careers. So that’s a little more difficult,” says the director.
However, one film he does have answers for is “Gremlins.” Columbus is asked if there’s a future for the film franchise about those pesky little monsters. “’Gremlins’ we are actively talking about that. So that’s what I am working on with my production company 1492 Pictures,” continues Columbus. “It will almost definitely be a reboot.”
From there, the director is asked about what makes his films so timeless.
Columbus said, “There was definitely an intention to make them timeless. Even when we were making ‘Home Alone’ I was saying to the crew, ‘I hope when people are watching this on TV in 30 years that this still feels fresh.’ You are a product of the time you shoot the movie, so there are a few things that give away what year it was. But there is a timeless quality, which starts with the story, which you know has an emotional connection to the audience that you know will continue through generations.”
Not only is Chris Columbus the director of “Home Alone” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” but he also directed the first two installments of the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. His IMDB is littered with fun, family films. So many quality films, that we’re willing to forgive him for “Pixels.” Barely.
No word on when we might see a “Gremlins” reboot. When we do, let’s hope the studio doesn’t utilize CGI too much. Please just give us the puppet Gizmo!