The Gizmo Multiplying Rig Puppet

FX rig used to bring Gizmo’s chaotic duplication scene to life.

Introduction

From the very early days of creature effects, puppet teams were often challenged to build rigs that might only appear on film for a few fleeting seconds — a blink, a gesture, a quick reaction — and then vanish under editing. But in Gremlins 2: The New Batch, there was one sequence that demanded much more: the moment when Gizmo gets wet and begins to multiply. To bring that to life convincingly, the effects crew could not rely on off-the-shelf puppets or simple cuts — they needed an oversized puppet that could physically convey the chaos of transformation. This specialized rig allowed Gizmo’s back to pulse and bubble before firing out furry projectiles that would become the new, mischievous batch of mogwai. It was a masterclass in practical effects engineering — a blend of pneumatic control, metal keys, and careful puppeteering that turned a simple splash of water into one of the film’s most unforgettable transformations.

The Mechanics Behind Gizmo’s Multiplication

The Gizmo seen here was an oversized puppet, proportionally similar to the 2× Gizmo hero version also in our collection. Its construction was tailored for one specific, spectacular effect: the moment his back began to writhe and propel the newly forming Mogwai into existence.

Mounted through a plywood backboard, the rig featured a clever bank of metal “keys” that operated much like those on a piano. Each key, when pressed, triggered a large bulge beneath Gizmo’s fur, and when puppeteers activated them in rapid succession, the result was a mesmerizing rhythm of pulsing motion across his back — perfectly capturing the illusion of spontaneous multiplication. This highly specialized puppet exemplified the creativity and mechanical artistry of the Gremlins 2 effects team, who engineered entire systems to make fleeting moments on film feel alive and unpredictable.

Powered by Pneumatics

Also extending from the back of the Gizmo rig is a cluster of pneumatic tubing that powered the second stage of the multiplication effect. These lines connected to an external air-pressure unit, which fed through concealed openings in Gizmo’s back. As the puppet’s surface rippled with motion, small fur-covered spheres were positioned in place, hidden until the precise cue. When triggered, bursts of air pressure launched these furry projectiles outward—creating the explosive moment on film when new mogwai seem to shoot from Gizmo’s back. In post-production, these shots were intercut with more detailed puppet balls which corresponded with each mogwai character.

The Missing Head

In the film, Gizmo’s head can clearly be seen attached to the multiplying rig—but a closer look reveals it wasn’t physically integrated into the mechanism itself. Instead, it appears to have been positioned separately, almost with different textured hair which leads us to believe it possibly came from another puppet setup. The head's current whereabouts remain a mystery, and it’s unclear whether it was repurposed from the 2× Gizmo puppet or built specifically for this effect. If anyone has information on where this particular Gizmo head ended up, we’d love to hear from you!