Leprechaun Returns (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot
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
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 33m (93 min)
- Director
- Steven Kostanski
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Lionsgate
- Budget
- $1.5M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- 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
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.
- Director Steven Kostanski
- Taylor Spreitler as Lila
- Leon Clingman as University Advisor
- Mark Holton as Ozzie
- Heather McDonald as Tory Reding
Also Starring in Leprechaun Returns
· 7 more- Linden Porco The Leprechaun
- Sai Bennett Rose
- Pepi Sonuga Katie
- Emily Reid Meredith
- Ben McGregor Andy
- Oliver Llewellyn Jenkins Matt
- Pete Spiros Mailman
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.
Leprechaun Returns Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 52/100, strongest in rewatch factor (65) and weakest in character & emotion (38).
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.
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
Leprechaun Returns Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Leprechaun Returns.
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the main protagonist who arrives at Devil's Lake to greenify the sorority house?
Cars in Leprechaun Returns
8 cars on screen, including the 1980 Ford F-150 and the 2004 Toyota Prius II.
-
1980 Ford F-150 Important role -
2004 Toyota Prius II Important role -
1986 Buick LeSabre Minor role -
Chevrolet Step-Van Minor role
Seen Leprechaun Returns?
Movies Like Leprechaun Returns
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Leprechaun, Leprechaun Revenge and The Leprechaun’s Curse.
-
Leprechaun 1993 -
Leprechaun Revenge 2025 -
The Leprechaun’s Curse 2021 -
The Leprechaun’s Game 2020 -
Leprechaun in the Hood 2000 -
Return to Horror High 1987 -
Class Reunion 1982 -
Return to Horror High 1987 -
The Return of the Living Dead 1985 -
Return of the Dead 1979 -
Legion of the Dead 2001 -
Revenge of the Dead 1959
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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