An Original Gremlins Movie Prop

screen used in dorry's tavern & movie theater SCENES

Introduction

The puppets from the 1984 film Gremlins are among the most iconic movie creatures ever created. These hand-operated figures were engineered to appear as lifelike as possible, featuring intricate facial expressions and detailed movements. Developed by a team of top-tier puppeteers and special effects artists led by Chris Walas, the Gremlins were brought to life using a blend of traditional techniques—like sculpting and foam fabrication—and cutting-edge animatronics for the time.

In September 2020, we had the rare opportunity to acquire an original Gremlins movie puppet. Like many surviving props from the era, it arrived in rough condition—completely beheaded, with deteriorating foam and visible structural damage. Fortunately, today’s skilled foam-latex restoration artists make it possible to reattach, repair, and revive classic puppets like this, giving new life to these cinematic relics.

Beginning the Restoration

We entrusted the restoration of this one-of-a-kind historical piece to Tom Spina Designs. Their team has an extensive track record restoring props from both Gremlins and Gremlins 2, and their expertise in this specialized field is truly unmatched. At the time of acquisition, the condition of the puppet was concerning— extremely brittle, fragile, and vulnerable to further deterioration.

Upon receiving the piece, the team meticulously cataloged each section of the body. They noted several issues, including the hands being fused together, the left shoulder beginning to detach, and the left ear curling inward. The head was already separated from the body—a common occurrence with these puppets, as the solid weight of the head often places too much strain on the lighter, hollow torso.

Reassembling the Gremlin

Led by artist Ricky Vitus, Tom Spina’s team successfully reattached the head to the body using carefully designed internal supports within the neck. Additional reinforcements were added to the ears to help them maintain a more natural, upright shape over time. To counterbalance the weight of the solid head, the puppet’s hollow torso was also filled, ensuring long-term structural integrity and proper display posture.

Given the advanced age and delicate nature of the poly foam and foam latex materials, it was especially impressive that the team was able to restore the facial features with such precision. Their careful work recaptured the original expression of the Gremlin, preserving both its personality and screen-used charm.

Finalizing the Restoration

After reinforcing the damaged foam latex, the team at Tom Spina Designs carefully matched the original textures using archival materials. Recreating extensive missing areas, particularly around the neck, was both challenging and essential to achieving a seamless restoration. Once the structural work was complete, they repaired one of the eyes and meticulously color-matched and painted the damaged sections to blend flawlessly with the original finish.

How was it used?

This particular Gremlins puppet is an example of what the crew affectionately referred to as a “butt puppet.” The name comes from its ¾-scale size and, well—where the puppeteer’s arm was inserted to operate it. These puppets were more limited in function, typically capable of simple biting motions. Occasionally, rods were attached to the elbows to allow for basic hand articulation. “Butt puppets” were most commonly featured in the Dorry’s Tavern and movie theater scenes. If you look closely during the bar sequence, you can even spot a few puppeteers’ arms holding them up behind the bar—an unintentional but charming glimpse into the film’s practical effects magic.