ICYMI: Lionsgate Reviving The 'LEPRECHAUN' Franchise With New Film In The Works

Well top oh the mornin to yee. We have some news that concerns our little green wearing, boot havin, gold stealin, buddy, The Leprechaun that might get your knickers in a twist this day but Lionsgate is bringing a new Leprechaun tale to theaters it seems.

THR reports that Lionsgate has now hired director Felipe Vargas (Milk Teeth, below) to “reimagine” the Leprechaun franchise.

Mike Van Waes wrote the screenplay.

Roy Lee is producing through Vertigo Entertainment.

THR notes, “[Warwick] Davis is not expected to reprise the role.”

“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.”

The Leprechaun franchise began in 1993, and is a series of horror-comedy movies centered around a malevolent, pint-sized Leprechaun who goes on a murderous rampage to retrieve his stolen gold. The films are known for their over-the-top violence, cheesy special effects, and a delightfully campy performance by actor Warwick Davis as the titular character. While the franchise has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, it has achieved a cult following and continues to be a beloved guilty pleasure for horror fans.

We’ll bring you more news as we get it.

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