Gremlins and Movie Magic
A screen-used George Mogwai puppet joins iconic Hollywood props, costumes and memorabilia in Heritage Auctions’ blockbuster entertainment sale.
Before computer-generated creatures dominated movie screens, filmmakers relied on artists, engineers, and puppeteers to bring fantastical characters to life. One surviving example of that craftsmanship, a screen-used George Mogwai puppet from Gremlins 2: The New Batch, is headed to auction this July at Heritage Auctions' Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction.
Created for Warner Bros.' 1990 sequel, George is among the surviving production puppets that expanded the Gremlins universe beyond Gizmo and Stripe. Once a working movie prop, he has become a sought-after collectible, representing both Hollywood craftsmanship and the growing market for screen-used artifacts.
Released in 1990, Gremlins 2: The New Batch expanded the world introduced in the original film with an assortment of new Mogwai and Gremlin characters. George was one of those new Mogwai before eventually transforming into one of the film's mischievous Gremlins, brought to life through practical puppetry and animatronic effects rather than digital animation.
Unlike replicas or licensed merchandise, surviving screen-used puppets offer collectors a direct connection to the filmmaking process. Built to perform under studio lights rather than sit in display cases, they feature the craftsmanship and often the signs of production use that reflect the artistry behind the finished film. As interest in screen-used movie props continues to grow, practical-effects creations have become one of the most distinctive categories in the entertainment memorabilia market.
George is part of Heritage Auctions' five-day Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction, an event featuring props, costumes, and memorabilia spanning nearly a century of film and television history. While George represents the artistry of practical creature effects, the sale also includes Mark Hamill's screen-used Luke Skywalker lightsaber from Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Margaret Hamilton's Wicked Witch hat from The Wizard of Oz, Johnny Depp’s "Captain Jack Sparrow" flintlock pistol from Pirates of the Caribbean, screen-matched hero "Otto" the Autopilot from Airplane!, among an eclectic and comprehensive lineup of Hollywood icons.
Taken together, these artifacts reflect the changing tastes of collectors. While costumes, scripts, and celebrity-owned memorabilia remain highly sought after, increasing attention is being paid to the craftsmanship behind filmmaking itself. Animatronic puppets, miniature models, practical effects, and other behind-the-scenes creations are no longer viewed simply as production tools but as enduring pieces of cinematic history.
More than three decades after Gremlins 2 reached theaters, George represents more than a memorable movie character. As collectors continue to embrace screen-used entertainment memorabilia, pieces like George preserve a chapter of Hollywood history while offering collectors a connection to the characters and stories that have captivated audiences for generations.
All images courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
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