The Gremlins franchise, masterminded by Chris Columbus and directed by Joe Dante, has etched its name in the annals of cinematic history since its first appearance in 1984.
These movies perfectly blend elements of fantasy, horror, and comedy, creating a unique narrative around the mischievous and chaos-inducing creatures known as Gremlins.
While the male Gremlins largely dominated the original film, the sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, introduced a refreshing twist with the inclusion of female Gremlins. These female Gremlins brought with them a new layer of depth, intrigue, and humor, contributing significantly to the diversity and overall appeal of the franchise.
Each female Gremlin was endowed with distinct characteristics, serving to further enrich the Gremlins universe.
Let’s take a detailed look at these fascinating female Gremlins.
Greta Gremlin
Greta Gremlin is an iconic character that has been etched into our memories since her appearance in Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990). The transformation of this seemingly regular Gremlin into the female Greta is a result of a potion consumed in a genetics lab.
Greta’s persona is accentuated by her striking physical features: vibrant green skin that contrasts her fiery red hair, bold red lips, and a chic leopard print dress. These elements collectively make her one of the most recognizable characters in the movie.
The character development of Greta also adds a layer of humor to the film. Her obsession with the character Forster, played by Robert Picardo, creates several hilarious scenes of her chasing him down, ultimately leading to a surprising and comical conclusion where she plants a kiss on an utterly terrified Forster.
Greta’s role encapsulates the characteristics of a femme fatale, all within the framework of grotesque comedy, making her character a unique element in the Gremlins’ universe.
Deagle Gremlin
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” they say, and this phrase perfectly encapsulates the character of Deagle, the Gremlin. Named after and fashioned in the likeness of Mrs. Ruby Deagle, the rich and mean-spirited woman from the original Gremlins movie, this Gremlin adds an extra layer of absurdity and comedy to the narrative.
Deagle, the Gremlin, not only adopts Mrs. Deagle’s name but also mimics her distinctive mannerisms and appearance, causing confusion and spreading chaos. Her character serves as a caricature of the human Deagle, and the interactions involving this Gremlin showcase the franchise’s ability to blend horror, comedy, and satire effectively.
Nurse Gremlin
The Nurse Gremlin is a memorable character who brings a unique brand of comedy to Gremlins 2: The New Batch. This Gremlin, dressed in a traditional nurse’s uniform, doesn’t receive a personalized name in the movie, but her presence isn’t any less impactful.
Known for her chaotic and rather unsavory involvement in medical practices, the Nurse Gremlin adds a humorous touch to the usual Gremlin-induced chaos. The scenes involving her are a playful nod to the clichéd horror trope of sinister medical practitioners, effectively flipping it into a source of laughter and amusement.
Christine Gremlin
Among the cast of female Gremlins in Gremlins 2: The New Batch, one lesser-known yet significant character stands out: Christine. Modeled after Christine from The Phantom of the Opera, she adds an intriguing touch to the film.
Recognized as the Princess Gremlin, Christine holds a unique place in the movie’s narrative. While Greta was involved in her pursuit of Forster, Christine was engaged in her task of spawning, contributing to the chaos by increasing the Gremlin population. However, just like her fellow Gremlins, she met her demise at the hands of the Electric Gremlin at the movie’s end.
Incorporating an homage to a classic narrative, Christine’s character enriches the Gremlins universe, offering an intriguing blend of classic and contemporary storytelling elements.
Grace & Valerie – Female Mogwai
The animated series Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai introduces us to two female Mogwai, Grace and Valerie. As the innocent, fluffy, and adorable creatures that can transform into the notorious Gremlins under certain conditions, these characters add a new dimension to the universe.
Grace is distinguished by her fluffy white fur and blue eyes, serving as a mature and motherly figure among the Mogwai. Her calming demeanor contrasts with the overall chaotic energy of the Gremlins. On the other hand, Valerie, with her light brown fur, is a charming and energetic Mogwai, adding a touch of vivaciousness to the Mogwai group.