The last we heard of the film was back in March of 2012 when we spoke to Warwick Davis who believed a sequel rather than a remake was a much better idea (of course he does, it would potentially mean more work for him).
Lionsgate and WWE Films have other plans for the project, however, casting the WWE’s Hornswaggle as the titular, malevolent imp. But at what stage is the film at now?
Our brothers at Crave spoke with WWE president Michael Luisi and got the lowdown. Head inside for his update.
How did the Leprechaun franchise end up with WWE?
Well, its controlled by Lionsgate and all of the movies that were doing now we do with co-producing, co-financing partners. I come out of 12 years at Miramax so I have a lot of relationships from the Miramax days and when I went out and pitched our new business model to the people I knew at Lionsgate, they said, Hey, you know what would be kind of fun? Finding something to do with your guys with one of your superstars that revolves around one of our existing franchises. And I said, Ive got the project for you: Leprechaun, Hornswaggle. Our talent Hornswaggle who will play the Leprechaun in the reboot of the franchise.
Will you have a role for Warwick Davis?
I think thats still an open question. Maybe a cameo. I dont know at this point. The script is still in development.
Would it take elements from any of the existing Leprechauns?
No, it is a true reboot of the franchise.
Will the tone be less cheesy and campy than the originals?
The tone is going to be a little darker, a little more traditional horror than the Warwick Davis ones that people remember, trying to find a way to please fans of that genre but at the same time this is really being played for scares.
How long before your Leprechaun will go into space or visit the hood?
[Laughs] You know, I guess it depends on how enthusiastic the fan reaction is to the first one that we do.
For the full interview, in which Luisi also discusses a Scooby-Doo/WWE animated film, head here.
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