[James]

A new sequel to the 80s films rather than the recent one.

Ghostbusters: Original director's son Jason Reitman to direct new film


Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray starred in the original Ghostbusters

Jason Reitman, son of director Ivan, is to make a new film in the Ghostbusters series his father began in 1984.

"Finally got the keys to the car," said Reitman Jr in a Twitter post linking to a news article confirming the project.

The Juno director said the film would be set in the present and be "the next chapter in the original franchise".

The new film - which follows the 1984 original, 1989's Ghostbusters II and 2016's female-led reboot - is scheduled for release in summer 2020.

Reitman, who will also co-write the film with Gil Kenan, said it would not be another reboot, but would "follow the trajectory of the original film".

There will be "a lot of wonderful surprises and new characters for the audience to meet", he promised.


"I've always thought of myself as the first Ghostbusters fan, when I was a six-year-old visiting the set," the 41-year-old told Entertainment Weekly.

"I wanted to make a movie for all the other fans."

Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and the late Harold Ramis starred in the original film, which told of paranormal investigators who become freelance ghost catchers.

The 2016 film, directed by Paul Feig and starring Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig, got a lukewarm reception and made $229m (£178m) worldwide.

"I have so much respect for what Paul created with those brilliant actresses, and would love to see more stories from them," Reitman continued.


Ivan Reitman, whose other comedies include Stripes, Twins and Kindergarten Cop, said the new film represented "a passing of the torch both inside and out".

The 72-year-old told Entertainment Weekly he was "quite surprised" to learn his son wanted to continue the series, but said his ideas had left him "literally crying".

Jason Reitman's latest film, political drama The Front Runner, is currently in cinemas.

Reitman, whose other films include Up in the Air and Tully, is not the only directorial scion to be taking on his famous father's mantle.

Max Landis, son of film-maker John, is currently working on a remake of his father's 1981 horror hit An American Werewolf in London.
Why film franchises go back to the source

BBC News entertainment reporter Neil Smith

After the underwhelming response to the last Ghostbusters film, it's no surprise to see Sony Pictures going back to the original franchise for inspiration.

Such course corrections are a standard response when film series are perceived to have lost their way, yet are still seen to have enough value to be worth continuing.

The recent Star Wars films are a case in point. Unashamedly nostalgic and filled with familiar faces, they managed to win back fans whose love for the series was tested by George Lucas's lacklustre prequels.

Jason Bourne pulled off a similar trick, restoring Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass to a series that floundered (in 2012's The Bourne Legacy) when it attempted to carry on without them.

Witness too the upcoming Terminator film, which will pick up the action where Terminator 2 left off and ignore the more recent additions to the franchise.

And then there's the James Bond films, which have a habit of recalibrating towards Ian Fleming's original conception whenever the series becomes too outlandish or preposterous.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-46889992

[Niamh.]

Ugh just leave it alone I'd say

[Nancy.]

As long as the self entitled Melissa McCarthy isn't starring in this one, it's all good. Really cannot stand that woman.

[Tony Montana]

Won't be the same without Harold

[ethanjames]

the original is great on its own leave ha alone

[daniel-lewis-1985]

So do they just gloss over the turd that was 2016 Ghostbusters?

I was a fan of the original and tbh it didnt need a sequel or a 3rd film though 2 was better than 1 imo.

Looking back at it though it wasn't really a great film to begin with its just become a cult phenomenon like Gremlins.

[arista]

Yes ignore the 3 Women crap film
Forget it,

[Marsh.]

Originally Posted by Nancy.

As long as the self entitled Melissa McCarthy isn't starring in this one, it's all good. Really cannot stand that woman.

How is she self entitled?

[Calderyon]

Will only work, if they can get the whole gang together, but they can't because Harold Ramis is dead and Bill Murray is being a d**k.

[Niamh.]

I don't know why they don't go back and remake (I know this is a sequel but it applies anyway) a movie from the past that was a decent idea but was made badly, something they could improve on. taking any much loved classic is always going to end badly or not measure up

[Calderyon]

Adding to my post getting Sigourney would be a must and I don't think she's interested at this point.

[user104658]

Originally Posted by daniel-lewis-1985

So do they just gloss over the turd that was 2016 Ghostbusters?

Well if Terminator can pretend that three entire films didn't happen and make a direct sequel to T2...

[quote]Looking back at it though it wasn't really a great film to begin with its just become a cult phenomenon like Gremlins.

EXCUSE ME both Gremlins and Gremlins 2 are amazing films .

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Well if Terminator can pretend that three entire films didn't happen and make a direct sequel to T2...

Looking back at it though it wasn't really a great film to begin with its just become a cult phenomenon like Gremlins.

EXCUSE ME both Gremlins and Gremlins 2 are amazing films .

I never knew this was happening

[Oliver_W]

I always thought that within a couple of years, "Ghostbusters" would only refer the the old movies, in the eyes of the public consensus. May as well fully void the turd that came out in 2016! In fact, I'd love it if it was another all female cast, but with a screenwriter and director who can actually keep the film on the right track, so that it turns out to be watchable and funny.

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

I never knew this was happening

Yes they've dusted off Arnie and Linda Hamilton . No Ed Furlong though, I don't think he's doing so well .

[Shaun]

-liked the 2016 one-

[James]

Apparently this is a teaser trailer they've released.

Youtube video

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Yes they've dusted off Arnie and Linda Hamilton . No Ed Furlong though, I don't think he's doing so well .

I really fancied Edward Furlong when T2 came out

[Barry.]

I liked the Ghostbusters reboot though.

[Glenn.]

Did anyone ask for this?

[Tom4784]

Honestly, the hate for the last Ghostbusters film was mostly motivated by sexism, I think they could have made that same film with a male cast and it would have been better received.

Was is a great film? No but neither was Ghostbusters 2 but that's still beloved. Ghostbusters (2016) is a solid 6/10 in my eyes and I'd give the same rating to Ghostbusters 2.

As for this one, let the series be fondly remembered as it is. This just smacks of the studio courting the sexist attitude that sunk the last film.

[Calderyon]

Originally Posted by Shaun

-liked the 2016 one-

Will never watch it because it has Melissa McCarthy.

[arista]

[Alf]

Love Bill Murray, is he gonna be in it?

[Calderyon]

Might actually watch this.

Sad that Egon cannot be in it though...