Coming to HBO Max on May 23
The teaser trailer to Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai is here, and what it sets up looks terrific! Not only will we look at Gizmo’s life prior to the films, but also we’ll get an origin story that looks at where they come from. Here, the ancient world of China comes alive through Sam Wing and this furry creature’s eyes. As for whether the fuzzball’s name remains the same in this prequel, I suspect not. The version we recall him as wasn’t given until the future.
The story is set in Shanghai in the 20s, and after discovering the “talking squirrel,” taking care of him won’t be easy. After a wealthy industrialist discovers the darker side of the rodent, the boy’s father says it’s best to take him home. The series will no doubt follow the youth’s journey into the countryside and as for whom he’ll meet, it’ll be a who’s who from Chinese folklore.
According to online sources, Mogwai (Mandarin: 魔怪, mó guài; Cantonese: 魔鬼) are more demonic in nature. Since this series is canon, I like to see how this prequel will pay respect to local folklore than stick to the Americanizations. Based on the trailer alone, it looks to be borrowing a lot of concepts from many DreamWorks’ titles, and that may be okay.
Because not everyone will remember Sam Wing as the elderly gentleman that Randall Peltzer met in the movie. This version’s relationship with Gizmo was very close, and he didn’t want to sell his beloved companion to a stranger. Unfortunately, his grandson wasn’t kind and what he did resulted in the film we all know.
Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai will no doubt add to the tale, and it’ll be great to see a story that can expand the lore. The trailer doesn’t reveal too much concerning Gizmo’s past (even though I’m suspecting he’s of Tibetan origin). Aand as for why a few returning names from the movie are credited, there’s no revealing answers yet.
Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai First Trailer
