Lionsgate Reviving Leprechaun Franchise With New ‘Reimagining’

The Leprechaun is making a return, with Lionsgate developing a new film in the franchise. THR reports that the studio has tapped director Felipe Vargas to direct the new film, which is written by Mike Van Waes. Vaes previously worked on the upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch movie.

Roy Lee (Barbarian, It) will produce the film through Vertigo Entertainment alongside Miri Yoon.

The film franchise kicked off in 1993 with Warwick Davis playing the titular character and Jennifer Aniston making her film debut. The low-budget horror comedy franchise has become a cult series that includes six films starring Davis, including 1997’s Leprechaun 4: In Space and 2000’s Leprechaun in the Hood. 2014’s Leprechaun: Origins saw Dylan Postl (WWE’s Hornswoggle) play the role, while Linden Porco played the leprechaun in 2018’s comedy slasher Leprechaun Returns. Davis is not expected to return for the new movie.

“Thirty years after its debut, this franchise still casts a spell, and we’re thrilled to be bringing it back with a new vision,” Erin Westerman, president of production for Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. “Roy and Miri are two of our most trusted producers, especially with this genre, and we’re excited by Felipe’s vision for the film as a director. In his hands, this movie should be very scary and a ton of fun.”