Gremlins came out over 30 years ago but remains a classic. Zach Galligan’s Billy Peltzer was the perfect fit for the franchise. Galligan is currently in pre-production on 3 movies, Preacher Six, Slay Utterly, and To Avenge. We’re also excited for Zach’s role in Jason Mewe‘s upcoming Madness in the Method. Even with his busy filming schedule Zach Galligan was kind enough to speak with us before his next gig at The Frida in Santa Ana, CA. The Frida is making a name for itself by not only screening cult classics, but also with doing amazing events. December 7th and 8th they’ll be screening Gremlins followed by a Q&A with the fans and Zach Galligan.
TOG: Gremlins came out in 1984 and is still loved, how are fans reactions to the movies now as opposed to back then?
Zach: I would say that the movie plays just as well (and is equally as effective) now as it was when it was first released.
You were cast in Gremlins at a young age, how did that come about and did you realize what you going to be in such an iconic film?
It was a pretty basic, straight forward audition that was surprisingly easy to book. I thought it would be a big hit because of the Spielberg involvement, but quite frankly, I am pretty stunned that, 35 years later, it still elicits the same amount of affection and reverence that it does from the audience.
Did you ever get tired of Gremlins and being associated with the movie?
I had a small period of Gremlin fatigue in the late 90s/ early 2000s until I realized one critical thing: it is better to be known for achieving something then to be known for achieving nothing.
It’s been over 30 years but do you keep in contact with any of the cast from the franchise?
I occasionally speak to various cast members, including Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Corey Feldman, and Frances Lee McCain. I see director Joe Dante now and then as well.
Part of the beauty of Gremlins is the use of practical effects… let’s just say hypothetically they were to make a Gremlins 3. Do you feel CGI might take away some of the magic? What would be lost?
CGI is improving, but it still feels cartoonish to me. I’m a real believer in practical effects, although I realize that they are extremely expensive.
Did you keep any cool memorabilia from the movie?
I did, but I gave it all away to physically disabled fans over the years.
You were also up for Michael J. Fox’s role in Back to the Future, how would your portrayal of Marty McFly differed from his?
My comic skills were not as highly developed as Fox’s. I probably would have turned up the sincerity and/or the earnestness. It’s pretty difficult to imagine the movie without him now, he pretty much owned that character. It’s like imagining the Wizard of Oz without Judy Garland.
Gremlins 2 had a much different tone than Gremlins, at the time what were your feelings on those changes?
I have said on multiple occasions that I always considered Gremlins 2 to be excessively cartoonish for my particular sensibility. I will always opt for a darker, scarier Gremlins film over a lighter, funnier one.
Your cat is named Duncan Lexington Galligan… was there ever thought to naming him Gizmo?
No. There is only one Gizmo for me.
Not sure if you can answer this, but I have to ask… any Gremlins 3 updates?
The only thing I know about Gremlins 3 is what I read about it on the internet, just like you guys. I know most people don’t believe it, but it’s true. Sadly.
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