The long-gestating plans for another Leprechaun reboot have been dealt a fresh blow two years after plans for a new movie were first announced. Based on the 1993 hit horror-comedy starring Warwick Davis as the franchise’s тιтular fae, the Leprechaun franchise would go on to spawn five direct sequels, a previous reboot with WWE star Dylan Postl, and a 2018 revival with Linden Porco. In 2023, it was officially announced that Lionsgate intended to reboot the series for the second time, with Felipe Vargas set to direct the project.

Per a new report published by Bloody Disgusting, the site’s sources have implied that Vargas is no longer directing the new Leprechaun movie. There is no update on who may be selected to replace Vargas, whose feature-length horror debut, Rosario, is set to arrive in theaters on May 2. The new movie, which will serve as the franchise’s ninth installment, is also set to use a script penned by Lilo & Sтιтch screenwriter Mike Can Waes and will be produced by Companion’s Roy Lee.

What Felipe Vargas’ Departure Means For The Leprechaun Reboot

The Director’s Approach Seemed Promising Following The Franchise’s Previous Disappointments

At this stage, little is known about Vargas’ reported departure from the new Leprechaun movie, and Lionsgate has yet to confirm the validity of the claims. If substantiated, however, this move could prove a significant blow for audiences hoping to see the cult horror property return to its roots. While the franchise has never really struck a chord with critics, Davis’ over-the-top portrayal as the series’ homicidal folk creature would earn the property a rarefied place in the pantheon of B-grade horror favorites.

The original movies’ unique blend of horror and comedy and its penchant for placing Davis’ character into increasingly bizarre and outlandish scenarios undoubtedly became the source of its cult popularity. However, 2014’s Leprechaun Origins would change this approach, and set out to become a darker, more serious take on the original concept, only to be lambasted by both critics and the established fanbase.

It was a failure that Vargas seemed all too aware of, and as recently as last year, he had been explaining his intention to reintroduce the same comedic elements that made the first movies so beloved. Suggesting that the Leprechaun films do not need to be grounded, and can embrace the craziness of the earlier movies, the director seemed to have an excellent grasp of the property’s enduring appeal. Given his promise of a new, “elevated” reinvention of the property that still paid homage to its trademark bizarreness, his reported departure from the project is a somewhat disappointing development.

Our Take On The New Leprechaun Movie’s Future

It Would Be A Shame To See The Project Shelved

Hopefully, this latest setback will not spell doom for Lionsgate’s plans to reintroduce modern audiences to Leprechaun’s fantastical slasher villain. While Vargas’ approach to the property appeared promising, there are likely a great number of horror directors who would be keen to put their own stamp on the property. With any luck, news of Vargas’ departure will soon be followed up with the announcement of an incoming replacement, as Lionsgate seeks to breathe fresh life back into a B-grade horror favorite.

Source: Bloody Disgusting