Confirmation & Everything We Know

Once again resurrecting the horror franchise from the 1990s, Lionsgate is bringing Leprechaun back to life for a new generation. Debuting in 1993, the cult-classic horror-comedy series chronicles various people as they get on the bad side of the mythical Irish terror after taking his pot of gold. Though the series was always tinged with a bit of silliness, the subsequent Leprechaun sequels pushed the envelope until the verdant menace found his way into space and “tha hood” as the films continued into the early 2000s. Despite that, Lionsgate has seen the recognizable intellectual property’s potential and developed a reboot.

The upcoming reimagining isn’t the first time that Lionsgate hit the reset button on the franchise that it acquired from Trimark in the early 2000s, and a Leprechaun reboot eventually materialized in the form of 2014’s Leprechaun: Origins. While that reboot failed to launch, and its 2018 sequel Leprechaun Returns didn’t move the needle, Lionsgate wasn’t deterred from trying to get the series back off the ground. Every Leprechaun movie follows a similar structure, and it is that familiar formula that will likely propel the “classic” 1990s supernatural villain back into the popular consciousness of 21st-century horror.

Leprechaun’s Origin & Powers Explained

The Leprechaun franchise had a surprisingly long run, since 1993. Its titular villain strongly deviates from the traditional mythological creature.

The Leprechaun Reboot Latest News

The Reboot Reportedly Loses Its Director

Though little about the reboot is actually known, the latest news suggests that the new Leprechaun movie has lost its director. Felipe Vargas was attached to the project since it was announced in 2023, but Bloody Disgusting reports that Vargas has departed the supernatural horror flick. No reason has been given for Vargas’ departure, but the director has kept busy with the upcoming movie Rosario. Furthermore, no replacement has been found for Vargas yet, but it shouldn’t be difficult for Lionsgate to fill the role.

The Leprechaun Reboot Is Confirmed

More Leprechaun Mayhem Is On The Way

Warwick Davis as Leprechaun smiling at someone in Leprechaun

The Leprechaun reboot is confirmed, though only a few notable names have been attached to the project. 30 years after the release of the original, the campy horror film is to be modernized by It producer Roy Lee. Along with co-producer Miri Yoon (Don’t Worry Darling), the much-anticipated Leprechaun reboot was set to be directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Felipe Vargas. However, Vargas has since departed the project and no replacement has been found. Additionally, it has been revealed that the script will be penned by Mike Van Waes, who recently wrote the screenplay for Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake.

Will The Leprechaun Reboot Be Released In Theaters?

Lionsgate Could Bring The Leprechaun Back To The Theater

Leprechaun forces open a door in Leprechaun in Space

Leprechaun Movie	Release Year	Rotten Tomatoes Score
Leprechaun	1993	35%
Leprechaun 2	1994	6%
Leprechaun 3	1995	0%
Leprechaun 4: In Space	1996	44%
Leprechaun In the Hood	2000	33%
Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood	2003	20%
Leprechaun: Origins	2014	0%
Leprechaun Returns	2018	45%

Horror as a genre is best enjoyed in a group setting, and campy films like Leprechaun certainly benefit from the theatrical experience. However, after the dismal failure of Leprechaun 2, every subsequent sequel has only been released straight-to-video, on VOD, or as a TV movie. While Lionsgate has not specified whether the new Leprechaun reboot will be another VOD outing or a theatrical release, it seems more likely that it will be the latter.

With big-named producers like Lee and Yoon attached, the newest Leprechaun film will probably be a much larger affair than its predecessors. Lionsgate has dabbled in both worlds and distributes lower-budget VOD content as well as major motion pictures like The Hunger Games, which grossed nearly $700 million in 2012 (via Box Office Mojo). While Leprechaun most likely isn’t going to be the next box office record breaker, it could continue the classic horror trend of cheaper movies earning large returns.

Leprechaun Returns premiered on VOD on December 11, 2018.

The Leprechaun Reboot Cast

Famous Stars Could Return

Jennifer Aniston holds paper bags and looks disgusted in Leprechaun

Davis’ charisma was what truly made the movies sing, even as they got more and more ridiculous.

Like the rest of the details regarding the Leprechaun reboot, no names have been attached to the film’s cast yet. However, it is possible to speculate regarding who could appear in the film, including the franchise’s former star, Warwick Davis. The Harry Potter and Willow actor played the role of the titular Leprechaun in the first six films, but it eventually went to WWE wrestler Dylan Postl in Leprechaun: Origins and Linden Porco in Leprechaun Returns.

Davis explained why he left the Leprechaun series, and chalked it up to becoming a father and changing his outlook. However, Davis also explained that he would be open to jumping right back into making scary movies once his son had turned 18. In the years since that interview, Davis’ son has reached adulthood and the likelihood of his Leprechaun return grows even stronger. Davis’ charisma was what truly made the movies sing, even as they got more and more ridiculous.

split image of pocketwarwick and weekend escapes

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A much more far-fetched possible return for the Leprechaun reboot is Jennifer Aniston, the actress who headed up the cast of the original cult classic. Just a year before the premiere of her iconic sitcom Friends, Aniston nabbed one of her first big roles as Tory Redding in Leprechaun. She has since become a bona fide Hollywood star, and her lone horror outing exists as an interesting footnote on her resume. Aniston’s return is not likely because, as reported by Bloody Disgusting, she found herself “cringing” while re-watching the movie.

The Leprechaun Reboot Movie Story Details

What Will Happen In The Leprechaun Reboot?

The Leprechaun looks concerned in Back 2 Tha Hood

Horror films aren’t known for their original storylines, and it is safe to say that the Leprechaun reboot will see some new group of people draw the ire of the murderous monster after they take his gold. It will likely move away from the comedy that typified the sequels and portray the devious folk character in a much more menacing way. Regardless of what happens in the movie, the Leprechaun reboot can be expected to deliver a bit of the charm, lucky or otherwise, that made the absurd horror villain so memorable.