Danielle Solzman
It was reported this evening that Jason Reitman is set to direct a new Ghostbusters film set in the original universe of the 1984 classic.
During Comic Con in 2017, director Ivan Reitman said that there would be big things coming, including a new film. Nothing was given at the time with regards to the film’s specifics. This is really big news for the Ghostbusters franchise given that this summer marks the 35th anniversary of the theatrical release. Rather than set up this new film in a different universe, Reitman’s new film will be set in the same universe that his father first directed in 1984. Reitman spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the new film.
“I’ve always thought of myself as the first Ghostbusters fan, when I was a 6-year-old visiting the set. I wanted to make a movie for all the other fans,” Reitman says. “This is the next chapter in the original franchise. It is not a reboot. What happened in the ‘80s happened in the ‘80s, and this is set in the present day.”
Not only will the younger Reitman direct but he has written a screenplay for the film with Gil Kenan. According to Jason Reitman’s comments, there will be new characters.
As for original director Ivan Reitman, he’s given his blessing and will also produce this new film.
“It will be a passing of the torch both inside and out,” says Ivan, adding that he’s touched his son wanted to join this part of the family business. “It was a decision he had to come to himself. He worked really hard to be independent and developed a wonderful career on his own. So I was quite surprised when he came to me with Gil and said, ‘I know I’ve been saying for 10 years I’m the last person who should make a Ghostbusters movie, but…I have this idea.’ Literally, I was crying by the end of it, it was so emotional and funny.”
The original film starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts. The film currently ranks 28th on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years, 100 Laughs list. The film also received Oscar nominations for Best Visual Effects and Best Original Song during the 57th Academy Awards.
