When Gremlins 2: The New Batch arrived in cinemas in 1990, it confounded expectations. Audiences anticipating a straightforward sequel to Joe Dante’s 1984 hit were instead handed something stranger, louder, and far more mischievous. The result was a box-office disappointment — but history, as it so often does, would be kind.
Over the decades, Gremlins 2 has undergone a full critical reappraisal, emerging as one of the most audacious studio sequels ever made. Its reputation has grown steadily through VHS, Betamax, DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming, becoming a cult favourite precisely because it refuses to behave like a “normal” sequel.
At the centre of all that chaos are the Mogwai.
From Studio Sequel to Cult Classic
Directed once again by Joe Dante, Gremlins 2 operates as both a continuation and a parody of the original film. It skewers corporate culture, media saturation, sequels, and even itself — famously breaking the fourth wall in ways that played very differently depending on whether you saw it in a cinema, on home video, or on television.
While audiences in 1990 weren’t quite sure what to make of it, home video viewers embraced its anarchic spirit. Rental culture gave the film room to breathe, and repeat viewings revealed just how meticulously constructed its chaos really was. Over time, Gremlins 2 became a cult object in its own right — quoted, analysed, and loved for its sheer audacity.
The Mogwai: Cute, Chaotic, and Endlessly Collectable
If the Gremlins represent unrestrained mayhem, the Mogwai are their irresistible starting point. Cute, expressive, and deceptively dangerous, they are among the most iconic creature designs of the 1980s and 1990s — brought to life through practical effects, puppetry, and performance rather than digital trickery.
Characters like Gizmo, Mohawk, George, and Lenny each have distinct personalities, expressions, and fan followings — making them ideal subjects for high-quality collectibles.
Trick or Treat Studios and Practical-Effects Fidelity
That’s where Trick or Treat Studios comes in.
Known for their commitment to screen accuracy and practical-effects authenticity, Trick or Treat Studios have built a reputation for producing props that feel real — tactile, weighty, and faithful to their on-screen counterparts. Their Mogwai props capture not just likeness, but personality: the wide-eyed innocence of Gizmo, the troublemaking glint of Mohawk, the softness of Lenny, and the expressive charm of George.
These aren’t mass-produced novelties; they’re display pieces designed for collectors who appreciate craftsmanship and film history.
Why Mogwai Still Matter
Part of the enduring appeal of Gremlins 2 — and the Mogwai in particular — lies in their connection to a specific era of filmmaking. This was a time when creatures were built, not rendered; when lighting, texture, and physical presence mattered; when effects teams worked hand-in-hand with performers to create something tangible.
Owning a Mogwai prop is, in many ways, owning a piece of that tradition.
In Stock — While You Can
Mogwai props from Trick or Treat Studios are currently in stock at theMovieMerch.com, while remaining sold out elsewhere in the UK. For collectors, this represents a rare opportunity to secure pieces that are increasingly difficult to find — especially as interest in cult cinema and practical-effects memorabilia continues to grow.
As with all great cult artefacts, availability won’t last forever.
Whether you came to Gremlins 2 via the cinema, the video shop, or a late-night rewatch years later, the Mogwai remain symbols of a film that dared to be different — and won.
Explore the Mogwai range now at theMovieMerch.com — and remember the rules.