14 DAY TRIAL // A “Ghostbusters” sequel has been in the works for years but it hasn't yet managed to reach the production process, so now Sony Pictures is trying to approach the problem from a whole new different angle – how about female Ghostbusters?
While we let you digest the answer to that question, the wheels have already been set in motion, because apparently there are at least some decision-making people up at Sony who have signed off on this idea and they have greenlit the project. The Hollywood Reporter claims that the new story is not going to act as a sequel to the last “Ghostbusters” movie that starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, but it's going to be a complete reboot, that is going to not only have a fresh plot, but also a new cast, all-female this time around.
The studio bosses had Ivan Reitman, the man who directed the original “Ghostbusters” movie in 1984 and its sequel “Ghostbusters II” in 1989, lined up to act as director for the new project, but he pulled out of the project after Harold Ramis passed away in February of this year.
At the moment, that role has been taken over by Paul Feig, who worked on movies such as “The Heat” and “Bridesmaids.” The speculation is that Feig is aiming to bring in Melissa McCarthy on board for one of the Ghostbusters parts, since he's worked with her on three movies already.
Also rumored to be in line for a role in the rebooted comedy is Emma Stone, since she's a favorite of the studio and has no ties with any rival franchise at the moment.
The thing is that Dan Aykroyd and Ivan Reitman are rumored to remain involved in the project, most likely as producers, so it's not known if Aykroyd is going to appear on film at all. The actor had previously suggested that filming on the new project could start by next spring, but director Feig is still busy shooting “Spy” at that time, meaning that the movie could get pushed back.
A script for the movie has already been written by Gene Stupnitsky, who previously worked on “The Office,” and Lee Eisenberg, who worked on “Bad Teacher.” However, it is believed that for the Feig movie project, they are going to start from scratch with a brand new version.
The original movie that came out in 1984 was nominated for two Oscars, as well as being named one of the 100 best comedies of all time. The rebooted sequel has a lot to live up to.