Has enough time passed to where we can all finally just admit Paul Feig’s gender bending GHOSTBUSTERS: ANSWER THE CALL was a misguided failure? I never really cared about the gender swap thing, it just wasn’t a very good comedy (save for Kate McKinnon), and I think it’s safe to say most folks would have preferred a more “true” sequel. Well, we may finally get just that. Sony Pictures has evidently green lit a sequel that will be directed by Jason Reitman (who helmed JUNO, UP IN THE AIR, THE FRONT RUNNER, etc.) who is the very successful filmmaking son of original GHOSTBUSTERS director Ivan Reitman… fitting, right? Variety broke the story, saying Jason co-wrote a screenplay already with Gil Kenan (MONSTER HOUSE) and they’re planning on beginning production over the summer with an intended release in the summer of 2020. This is said to be a sequel to the second film GHOSTBUSTERS II, which had Peter Venkman’s love interest Dana (Sigourney Weaver) raising a baby who was targeted by a vengeful spirit. We’re guessing that little boy (who would be like 30 now) will play a big part in the new movie, maybe even become a new Ghostbuster… so… Chris Pratt? It’s also said this will have no connection to Feig’s film, which is probably for the best.
The obvious elephant in the room though is the unfortunate passing of Harold Ramis, who played Egon Spengler, and how that will be dealt with in the story. In GHOSTBUSTERS II, Louis Tully (Rick Moranis) actually wore a proton pack briefly and even used Spengler’s suit, so it’s possible he could step up to Egon’s vacated position, though Moranis has been “retired” from acting for decades due to family issues, so who knows if he’s even willing to participate. This could be a heck of a comeback film for him. The Variety sources also note that Reitman is supposedly screen testing teenagers for four undefined roles… does that mean teenage Ghostbusters? Ugh, hope not. Also no word right now on whether or not Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, or Sigourney Weaver will return, though Aykroyd has always been big on pushing the brand, so safe to say at least HE will be back.
Ivan Reitman’s Montecito Pictures will produce the film, and some are saying it will be a passing of the torch, so expect the movie to end with a new team of Ghostbusters, regardless of whether or not the original cast members come back. What do you think? Could a legit GHOSTBUSTERS sequel be welcomed by audiences today? Would you be excited to see it? Tell us in the comments.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
