THE APEX TIMES
Lionsgate developing new Leprechaun horror film with writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan
The studio says a new installment in the Leprechaun horror franchise is in development, with production set to come from Koulest Productions and scripting by horror veterans Melton and Dunstan.
Lionsgate is developing a new Leprechaun horror movie, according to an exclusive report published Wednesday, with horror writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan attached to pen the script. The project is described as a new entry in the franchise, though the specific plot and character details are being kept under wraps at this stage of development.
The report says production will be handled by Oren Koules and Miles Koules through their Koulest Productions banner. As outlined in the announcement, the duo are set to oversee the new film’s development, with Lionsgate serving as the studio partner for the project.
Melton and Dunstan are both identified in the report as horror veterans and the writing team behind the screenplay. Beyond confirming their involvement, the report does not provide additional information on the film’s story direction, casting, or any production timetable.
The studio and producers have not publicly released details about where the film may fit within the franchise’s existing continuity, or whether it will be a direct continuation or a standalone story. The report likewise does not state whether the new installment is intended to draw on past franchise elements, including the premise associated with finding a pot of gold.
Lionsgate’s development plan suggests the studio is continuing to invest in genre IP at a time when horror remains a consistent category for mainstream audiences and home entertainment. However, no marketing schedule or release date was provided in the report, limiting what can be confirmed about when audiences might see the next chapter.
The new film is positioned as an expansion of the Leprechaun brand rather than a reboot with disclosed creative parameters. With the plot being kept under wraps, the next steps would typically include formalizing the script, setting a production schedule, and, later on, announcing casting and distribution details.
If additional information is made public in subsequent announcements, the most immediate items to watch would be the film’s release window, filming start, and whether any franchise-adjacent creative staff or performers are attached as the project moves from script development toward production.
Why It Matters
- New development indicates continued studio investment in established horror franchise IP, which can affect how studios plan future releases across theatrical and home entertainment.
- Because the plot is undisclosed, the project’s impact on franchise continuity and audience expectations will depend on later creative announcements.
- The involvement of Koulest Productions suggests the producers are seeking to extend their relationship with the brand through an additional installment.
- Without a release window yet, audiences and industry observers will have limited ability to plan around the film’s timing until Lionsgate schedules production or distribution milestones.
Key Facts
- Lionsgate is developing a new Leprechaun horror movie.
- Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan are attached to write the film.
- Oren Koules and Miles Koules will produce through Koulest Productions.
- The film’s plot is being kept under wraps.
- The report describes the project as a new entry in the Leprechaun franchise.
- No release date or casting details were included in the announcement.