Gremlins: this is how Steven Spielberg fell in love with Gizmo

Joe Dante's cult film returns this evening on TF1 Séries Films.

At 9 p.m., the Gremlins return to television. The opportunity to (re)discover a cute anecdote revealed in 2015.

My cult scene from Gremlins, by Joe Dante

Gremlinsit's a cult film but also the collaboration of three brilliant directors: Joe Dante, Chris Columbus (to the scenario) and Steven Spielberg (to production). No wonder, then, that the film is full of good ideas and that Gizmo's face has touched several generations of spectators. However, this adorable ball of fur could have become a much more sinister elf, if we are to believe the words of Joe Dantein an interview “Ask Me Anything” granted to Internet users of Reddit and relayed by Rockyrama :

“[Gizmo] was originally supposed to morph into Stripe [le méchant Gremlin au look punk], before Steven Spielberg only falls in love with him and decrees that he would be the hero's companion for the entire film. This decision upset the special effects team, as Gizmo had only been designed for the opening shots. And in the end, he became the star of the show.”

Baby Yoda is pumped on Gizmo, annoys Joe Dante, the creator of the Gremlins

This new anecdote reminds us to what extent Steven Spielberg had great intuitions for creating mascots and cult pop culture characters (ET, Gizmo and Indiana Jones are very good examples). In addition, the survival of Gizmo in the form of Mogwai opened the doors to a very satirical sequel in which the Gremlins mutate, take on new eccentric appearances and imitate the failings of humans with a corrosive sense of humor.

Did you know? ET is hiding on the Gremlins poster