The decades-spanning wait for Ghostbusters 3 is almost over! However, it is becoming clear that the new and expanded universe of Ghostbusters cannot be contained in just one film. An all-male reboot of the 1980’s hit comedy, starring Chris Pratt and Channing Tatum is reportedly in the works too.
This follows an earlier announcement of an all-female Ghostbusters reboot that will be starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids), Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live). It is now clear that the male-dominated version and the female-dominated version will be two separate movies, although they will almost certainly be crossovers of some sort. Director Paul Feig will be at the helm of the feminine version.
Sony Picture’s vision for an expanded Ghostbusters was likened to what Disney is applying in its Marvel superhero films, sources explained. That is to say that the “Ghostbusters” name will encompass several interconnected spin-offs. So, it is entirely possible that fans will also be seeing a mix and match of male, female and ectoplasmic cast members as the franchise branches out further.
What is not certain at this juncture is whether or not Tatum (Magic Mike, 21 Jump Street) and Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy) will be reprising the beloved old characters (two of them, at least) of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. It is entirely possible Peter Venkman, Egon Spangler and Ray Stantz is being reincarnated in younger, more buffed and less-scholastic bodies. What is certain, however, is that the male version will be directed by Joe and Anthony Russo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) and written by Drew Pearce (Iron Man 3).
Aykroyd, who played Dr. Ray Stantz in the original movies and also its co-creator, reportedly expressed delight at the resurrection of the Ghostbusters franchise. He is apparently glad to pass on the torch even though his name has been almost synonymous with the Ghostbusters brand for 30 years. His brother, Peter Aykroyd, recently revealed in a book that their great grandfather Sam Aykroyd was a real-life paranormal investigator back in his day!
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