Jason Reitman to direct secret Ghostbusters sequel with his father, Ivan Reitman serving as Producer for a 2020 release
Fantastic news has hit the wires today. Jason Reitman, son of the famous writer/director Ivan Reitman has confirmed that in 2020, the world will finally get to see the long-gestating Ghostbusters III. Freed from development hell after what seems like an eternity, the world of the Proton pack wearing scientists will again grace our screens worldwide.
Jason Reitman will be taking over the directorial reins from his father and will co-write the upcoming film. Reitman has stated that the film will be the next chapter of the original 1980s franchise and will have nothing to do with the derided 2016 all female attempted reboot. The film will be set in the present day. Reitman has stated his respect for the 2016 version, saying that director Paul Feig and actresses Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon created a wonderful version and he would love to see more stories set in their franchise. However, he feels that he is more tied to the original franchise (Having made a cameo in the second film as the kid who says the Ghostbusters are full of crap) and will follow the trajectory of the original film.
It’s too soon to know the plotline of the new film or if any of the original cast will return in their respective roles (Harold Ramis sadly died in 2014) in any capacity, whether they will pass the torch to a new generation or if they pop up in crowd-pleasing cameos as they did in the 2016 reboot. Also, no news yet on who the new characters will be or who will be playing them. News on that will follow soon hopefully.
I enjoyed the 2016 version for what it was. I’m not one of those people who derided the film for having a female cast as it was a fresh take on the theme in my opinion (and Kate Mckinnon is one of the finest comedic actresses around today), it’s just a shame it wasn’t a bit more. It had the potential but was slightly lacking. However, it was a pretty good film in its own right. But then again, I’m one of the people who grew up in the 80s watching the original films so I may be slightly biased on any reboot or remake.
In my opinion, this is a great piece of news. And it would be fantastic to have what remains of the original cast front and centre of this third instalment, even if it’s only to pass the torch to a younger generation. I’d love to see Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Annie Potts and Rick Moranis return for another go around. Sadly though, those dreams may be dashed. Rick Moranis has retired from acting after a tragic family bereavement and it’s been well documented about Bill Murray’s reluctance to return as Peter Venkman. It was a coup for the 2016 version to get him to make a cameo appearance in the film, however, I fear he will decline an invitation to return and the filmmakers will have to work around that.
All I can ask and hope for is a return to the original comedic, fun tone the original films had. CGI will inevitably play a huge part in the special effects needed for the film but hopefully will not rely on them too much. Go back to using purpose-built creatures like the cab driver from the original film. It would also be to the advantage of the film if they asked Dan Aykroyd to contribute to the screenplay, either with new material or use any of his material he has written for his own take on a third film. To have one of the original writers involved will enrich the script and help nail the tone and content of the new film. And get actors and actresses that will nail the roles and believe in the work who can carry the franchise forward to greater heights. In addition (and this could be considered controversial), attempt to bring in the female cast of the 2016 version as their respective characters. Have the two franchises combine forces, even if it’s just for a brief scene or a crowd-pleasing final showdown with the main villain may even elevate the film higher. And this is a must-have, get the films score composer to use Elmer Bernstein’s score from the 1984 original film as the main basis for the music. Obviously, they add their own music to it but Bernstein’s score SHOULD be the heart of the new film.
More details will become available as and when they are released to the media and to the world. But this is the news we have long hoped for. Finally, the Ghostbusters will return where they belong, on the big screen and all we can hope for is that the film is done right, brings back the charm and sheer enjoyment of the original and is the film the franchise and we, the audience deserve.
Until next time…We’re ready to believe you!
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Carl Roberts is the News Editor of The Future of the Force. Aside from being our horror genre aficionado, he is also passionate about Star Wars, Marvel, DC, and the Indiana Jones movies. Follow him on Twitter where he uses the force frequently!
