Saw writers develop new Leprechaun movie

The legend of the mischievous Leprechaun is back in development, promising another descent into cinematic terror.

Lionsgate is gearing up for a fresh take on the beloved horror franchise, bringing back the mythical figure with a new movie project currently in the works. This ambitious venture is helmed by established horror veterans Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, who are taking the reins as screenwriters.

While plot details remain under wraps, the pedigree of the writers adds an intriguing layer to the project. Melton and Dunstan have a rich history within the horror genre, having collaborated on titles like The Collector, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and even several installments of the infamous Saw franchise.

Their experience with intense, twisted narratives—particularly their work on the gritty world of Saw—makes their involvement in a potential Leprechaun film particularly compelling. The original franchise has always balanced horror elements with dark comedy and outrageous kills, a formula that suits their expertise perfectly.

The production side is handled by Oren Koules and Miles Koules through their Koulest Productions banner, with Dan Heffner and Ketura Kestin stepping in as executive producers. This collaboration brings significant weight to the project, particularly given Oren Koules’ extensive background in horror filmmaking.

Lionsgate is not the first to attempt a reboot of the franchise. In a previous effort, the studio attached filmmaker Felipe Vargas to direct a new entry based on a screenplay by Mike Van Waes, though that version did not move into production.

Now, Lionsgate is swinging back at the series with this new pairing. The Leprechaun franchise itself boasts a delightfully chaotic history, beginning in 1993 with Mark Jones’ original film starring Warwick Davis as the murderous spirit seeking his pot of gold. Over the years, the series has branched out into bizarre locations, including outer space and the hood, cementing its status as a cult classic that audiences regularly revisit.

The franchise currently comprises eight movies released between 1993 and 2018. It remains a favorite for horror fans, often finding a home on Syfy network marathons around St. Patrick’s Day.

As of now, there are no official release dates, cast announcements, or details regarding the continuity of the new film. We are simply waiting to see what terrifying and hilarious path Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan will guide the mischievous Leprechaun down next.