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Comedy horror film

Leprechaun Returns (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Leprechaun Returns (2018) movie poster

Leprechaun Returns is a 2018 comedy horror film directed by Steven Kostanski, starring Taylor Spreitler as Lila, Leon Clingman and Mark Holton. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes and was made on a reported $1.5 million budget. Its Echo Score is 52/100.

Echo Score
52
budget
$1.5M
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Leprechaun Returns (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Director
Steven Kostanski
Genres
Horror , Comedy
Original language
English
Budget
$1.5M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Leprechaun Returns About?

The premise of Leprechaun Returns without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A group of sorority sisters inadvertently disturb a dangerous Leprechaun when they construct their new house on his ancient hunting grounds. They soon discover he's a vengeful killer with a taste for mayhem, and must find a way to stop his deadly rampage before they become his next victims.

Leprechaun Returns Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • leprechaun
  • gore
  • impalement
  • sliced in two
  • folklore
  • sorority
  • gold
  • solar panel
  • deception
  • mythical creature in title
  • bus ride
  • eighth part
+38 more
  • devil's lake north dakota
  • remote location
  • necklace
  • drinking beer from a bottle
  • retcon
  • cistern
  • reference to john cassavetes
  • reference to robert rodriguez
  • running over a person
  • smashed head
  • reference to snapchat
  • reference to david lean
  • gold coin
  • punched in the face
  • power outage
  • reference to martin scorsese
  • fuse box
  • selfie
  • reference to david blaine
  • ghost
  • basement
  • reference to werner herzog
  • decapitation
  • electrocution
  • set on fire
  • explosion
  • murder of a girl
  • two word title
  • girl in jeopardy
  • horror icon
  • horror b movie
  • sorority girl
  • sorority massacre
  • requel
  • co ed
  • supernatural serial killer
  • dark comedy
  • house on fire
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Cast & crew

Leprechaun Returns Cast & Characters

Taylor Spreitler leads the cast as Lila, with Leon Clingman as University Advisor and Mark Holton as Ozzie. Directed by Steven Kostanski; 11 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Leprechaun Returns

· 7 more
From the director

More from Steven Kostanski

More films directed by Steven Kostanski, best-rated first: PG: Psycho Goreman, Frankie Freako, The Void and ABCs of Death 2.

Full filmography
Ratings

Leprechaun Returns Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 52/100, strongest in rewatch factor (65) and weakest in character & emotion (38).

52 /100

Leprechaun Returns Echo Score Breakdown

Leprechaun Returns offers intermittent amusement through its exaggerated kills and nostalgic references, yet it is hampered by a thin script and uneven tone. The film succeeds in delivering the series' signature gore and occasional clever set‑pieces, but the absence of the original leprechaun performer and formulaic plotting weaken its impact. Consequently, the movie lands in the middle of the spectrum, appealing to genre fans while failing to attract broader acclaim.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 50

    In terms of direction and visual execution, the film presents a competent but unremarkable aesthetic. The over‑the‑top death sequences demonstrate a clear creative intent, yet the overall cinematography lacks distinctive style. Editing maintains a steady rhythm but does not elevate the material beyond standard horror‑comedy conventions. Overall, the artistic craftsmanship remains serviceable without reaching notable distinction.

  • Character & Emotion 38

    Characterization emerges as a notable weakness throughout the movie. Performances are generally flat, and the new leprechaun actor fails to capture the charisma of his predecessor, diminishing audience engagement. Supporting roles suffer from one‑dimensional writing, offering little emotional depth or memorable interaction. Consequently, the character work detracts from the film's potential, leaving the cast largely forgettable.

  • Story & Flow 45

    The narrative structure is straightforward but suffers from a lack of originality and depth. Plot points progress at a measured pace, preserving momentum, yet the story relies heavily on familiar slasher tropes and offers limited intrigue. Continuity nods to the original film provide a modest boost, but overall the script feels thin and predictable. Thus, the story delivers adequate entertainment without compelling substance.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    Sensory elements such as sound design and visual effects contribute positively to the viewing experience. The film’s vivid color palette and graphic gore create a distinct atmosphere, while the soundtrack underscores the comedic horror tone. Although the auditory mix is functional, it does not significantly enhance immersion beyond genre expectations. Overall, the sensory presentation is competent and occasionally striking.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    Rewatch potential rests on the film’s humor and nostalgic callbacks, which can entertain repeat viewers familiar with the franchise. The absurd kills and witty one‑liners provide moments that reward multiple viewings for fans. However, narrative shortcomings and limited character development inhibit broader repeat appeal. In sum, the movie offers modest replay value primarily for dedicated genre enthusiasts.

Plot

Leprechaun Returns Plot Summary

What happens in Leprechaun Returns from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Lila Taylor Spreitler Jenkins arrives at Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, to help greenify an old house owned by her sorority at Laramore University. Lila hitches a ride from Ozzie Mark Holton Jones and shares that her mother, Tory Redding Heather McDonald, died the year before from cancer. On the way, Ozzie accidentally drops his phone while unloading Lila’s luggage and heads back to retrieve it. A spray of water from the old well reanimates the Leprechaun Linden Porco, who bursts out of Ozzie’s torso after a fierce fight, seizing the gold coin Ozzie swallowed twenty-five years earlier.

Full summary

The whole story of Leprechaun Returns, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Leprechaun Returns Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Leprechaun Returns.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Leprechaun Returns?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the main protagonist who arrives at Devil's Lake to greenify the sorority house?

Cars

Cars in Leprechaun Returns

8 cars on screen, including the 1980 Ford F-150 and the 2004 Toyota Prius II.

All 8 cars
  • 1980 Ford F-150 in Leprechaun Returns 1980 Ford F-150 Important role
  • 2004 Toyota Prius II in Leprechaun Returns 2004 Toyota Prius II Important role
  • 1986 Buick LeSabre in Leprechaun Returns 1986 Buick LeSabre Minor role
  • Chevrolet Step-Van in Leprechaun Returns Chevrolet Step-Van Minor role

Seen Leprechaun Returns?

FAQ

Leprechaun Returns FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget and post-credit scenes of Leprechaun Returns, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Leprechaun Returns?

Leprechaun Returns runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).

When was Leprechaun Returns released?

Leprechaun Returns was released on December 11, 2018.

Who directed Leprechaun Returns?

Leprechaun Returns was directed by Steven Kostanski.

More films by Steven Kostanski

Who is in the cast of Leprechaun Returns?

Leprechaun Returns stars Taylor Spreitler as Lila, Leon Clingman as University Advisor and Mark Holton as Ozzie, among 11 credited actors.

What was the budget of Leprechaun Returns?

Leprechaun Returns had a reported budget of $1.5 million.

Does Leprechaun Returns have a post-credit scene?

No. Leprechaun Returns has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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