After a failed remake, Lionsgate and Syfy teamed on Leprechaun Returns, a new sequel that remains canon with the original 1993 film. While critically panned, the new incarnation (that replaces Warwick Davis with Linden Porco as the little green slasher) was tonally similar to the first few films and delivered a bit of fun. It’s a potential revival piece that could get more direct-to-VOD/TV sequels off the ground.
One director has been waiting in the wings for over a decade: Darren Bousman. The director of SAW II-IV, Repo!, 11-11-11, The Barrens, and St. Agatha has been campaigning to direct a new installment since 2008.
“I would do Leprechaun in a second,” Bousman laughed when asked about it by MTV news back in 2008. “If Lionsgate is listening, give me Leprechaun.
“It’s just one of those fun popcorn movies,” he added when pressed for more info. “I would love to bring back the fun popcorn movie – extreme violence, extreme absurdity – but make it fun.”
“I have always loved the Leprechaun franchise,” Bousman told EW in 2014. “So much so I pleaded desperately to anyone who would listen to let me direct a reboot some years back. There was something so ridiculously fun and silly about them. A lot of people shunned the sequels, but for my money, nothing is better than watching a franchise let its villain go to Vegas, space, the hood, and then back to the hood.”
READ ALSO: Leprechaun vs. Candyman?! Seven Planned Leprechaun Movies That Never Happened
Bousman has always been open about his concept, which would send the Leprechaun back to the old west. “You send him in a time machine and transport him to the old west. There are gold rushes. There are gunfights. It’s awesome! I have the whole thing already worked out!”
This past Sunday, Bousman celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by reminding fans (and Lionsgate) that he’s still deadly serious about tackling a Leprechaun film. In fact, Bousman’s Mother’s Day writer Scott Milam chimed in with one of their pitched ideas. What do you all think?
it’s that time of year again where I remind my good friends at @Lionsgate that I still want to reboot the Leprechaun movie (AGAIN)… Lep gets in a time machine and goes back to the Colorado Gold Rush. You guys have my number, I’ll be sitting by the phone.
— Darren_Bousman (@darren_bousman) March 17, 2019
Just saying. I am gonna will this into existence. I make a rock opera with Paris Hilton, I sure as hell can get this made, right internet?! https://t.co/Aa3bMfQhFy
— Darren_Bousman (@darren_bousman) March 18, 2019
We pitched Lionsgate, remember? I wanted to cast @WilliamShatner as the owner of the cash for gold who Leprechaun robs. Just so he can look to the sky and curse LepreCHAAAUUUNNNNN. pic.twitter.com/9sLPWO8fS3
— Scott Milam (@ScottAMilam) March 18, 2019