Anecdotes

Leonard Maltin appears as himself repeating his criticisms of Gremlins (1984) while he holds a video version of the movie. However, his rant is cut short when gremlins pounce on him as a result. In his annual Movie Guide, he gave this movie three stars (out of a possible four) and refers to this scene as a "gratuitous cameo," though he doesn't say he's actually in the movie.

In a deleted scene, the Gremlins release all of the animals in the "Splice o' Life" lab. During the filming of this scene, the monkeys in the lab set were genuinely so terrified of the Gremlin puppets, that they refused to leave their cages when their trainers called for them.

The opening aerial shot of New York City was stock footage from Superman IV (1987).

The uplifting end of the world video scene was included by the filmmakers when they found out that one of the news networks actually had such a video prepared to run in case of the end of the world. CNN has a video for this purpose in its archive, and its staff are instructed to "hold the video for release until the end of the world is confirmed."

The filmmakers chose John Rambo as the character that Gizmo was going to imitate in this movie. Sylvester Stallone gave his permission.

Hulk Hogan: As himself (in the original theatrical release).

John Astin: As the janitor, who tries to repair the water fountain.

Bubba Smith: As himself, trying to save Dick Butkus, who is attacked at the salad bar.

Henry Gibson: As the employee fired by Forster, for taking an unauthorized break.

Jerry Goldsmith: Alongside his wife Carol Heather Goldsmith, as customers at the frozen yogurt counter.

Joe Dante: As the director of Grandpa Fred's show. Also the voice of Microwave Marge's director.