The long-gestating plans for anotherLeprechaunreboot have been dealt a fresh blow two years after plans for a new movie were first announced. Based on the 1993 hit horror-comedy starring Warwick Davis as the franchise’s titular fae,theLeprechaunfranchisewould go on to spawn five direct sequels, a previous reboot with WWE star Dylan Postl, and a 2018 revival with Linden Porco. In 2023, it was officially announced that Lionsgate intended to reboot the series for the second time, with Felipe Vargas set to direct the project.
Per a new report published byBloody Disgusting, the site’ssources have implied that Vargas is no longer directing the newLeprechaunmovie. There is no update on who may be selected to replace Vargas, whose feature-length horror debut,Rosario,is set to arrive in theaters on May 2. The new movie, which will serve as the franchise’s ninth installment, is also set to use a script penned byLilo & Stitchscreenwriter Mike Can Waes and will be produced byCompanion’sRoy Lee.
What Felipe Vargas’ Departure Means For The Leprechaun Reboot
The Director’s Approach Seemed Promising Following The Franchise’s Previous Disappointments
At this stage, little is known about Vargas’ reported departure from thenewLeprechaunmovie, and Lionsgate has yet to confirm the validity of the claims. If substantiated, however, this move could provea significant blow for audiences hoping to see the cult horror property return to its roots. While the franchise has never really struck a chord with critics, Davis’ over-the-top portrayal as the series’ homicidal folk creature would earn the property a rarefied place in the pantheon of B-grade horror favorites.
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 original movies' unique blend of horror and comedy and itspenchant for placing Davis’ character into increasingly bizarre and outlandish scenariosundoubtedly became the source of its cult popularity. However,2014’sLeprechaun Originswould change this approach, and set out to become a darker, more serious take on the original concept, only to be lambasted by both critics and the established fanbase.
Suggesting that theLeprechaunfilms do not need to be grounded, and can embrace the craziness of the earlier movies, the director seemed to have an excellent grasp of the property’s enduring appeal.
It was a failure that Vargas seemed all too aware of, and as recently as last year, he had been explaining hisintention to reintroduce the same comedic elements that made the first movies so beloved. Suggesting that theLeprechaunfilms do not need to be grounded, and can embrace the craziness of the earlier movies, the director seemed to have an excellent grasp of the property’s enduring appeal. Given his promise of a new, “elevated” reinvention of the property that still paid homage to its trademark bizarreness, his reported departure from the project is a somewhat disappointing development.
Our Take On The New Leprechaun Movie’s Future
It Would Be A Shame To See The Project Shelved
Hopefully, this latest setback will not spell doom for Lionsgate’s plans to reintroduce modern audiences toLeprechaun’sfantastical slasher villain. While Vargas’ approach to the property appeared promising, there are likely a great number of horror directors who would be keen to put their own stamp on the property. With any luck, news of Vargas’ departure will soon be followed up with the announcement of an incoming replacement, as Lionsgate seeks to breathe fresh life back into a B-grade horror favorite.
Leprechaun
Cast
A comedic horror film released in 1993, Leprechaun stars Warwick Davis and Jennifer Aniston in this first installment of the long-running franchise. A decade ago, a man stole a pot of gold from a leprechaun but invites tragedy when the leprechaun seeks vengeance and the return of his gold. Fast forward to the present day, a new family takes up residence in the old house for a summer vacation until a friend accidentally frees the creature, inviting disaster into their lives.
