This summer saw the release of Ghostbusters, a film that was "controversial" right out the gate because it was opposed by an intense group of online fans. The reboot wasn't the hit that Sony was betting on and the mixed critical response have left plans for a sequel incredibly unclear. Ivan Reitman, director of the original 1984 film and a producer on the reboot, recently weighed in on Sony's game plan for the franchise, but those hoping for a direct sequel might be disappointed.
In an interview with the Mr. Wavvy podcast (via ComicBook), Ivan Reitman was asked about the fate of the planned Ghostbusters sequel that was teased in the films after credits scene. Sony has kept any news and updates regarding a return to the Melissa McCarthy-led team locked tight and Reitman wasn't much different. Reitman only spoke in the general statement in regards to Sony's plans for Ghostbusters, which is that they do have plans for Ghostbusters.
There's going to be many other Ghostbusters movies, they're just in development right now.
We need to be clear that Ivan Reitman doesn't explicitly hint at a sequel for the current franchise -- only that there will be more Ghostbusters films. He doesn't seem to be referring to the Paul Feig-helmed film, but to the Ghostbusters brand in general. That could mean anything from an entirely new Ghostbusters film with a new cast to a new television series. Sony is hoping to branch out the Ghostbusters name in a big way and they already have a new animated series in the works. They also set up Ghost Corps, a subsidiary production company whose sole responsibility is to develop new Ghostbusters themed content. So yes, the brand is strong, and the future is bright.
Whether that means Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones will be along for the ride is up to debate. The recent reboot was a topic of controversy for almost its entire production. Some fans cited issues with the idea of rebooting a "perfect" movie like Ghostbusters in general, while others didn't like that it was done with an all-female cast. The film didn't get a strong critical response, and while it's opening weekend numbers weren't bad, it wasn't busting down any doors either. The film also reportedly lost $70 million, though Sony has said that number was wildly exaggerated.
The after credits scene of Ghostbusters teased that the team would fight the agents of Gozer in a sequel, but Sony has yet to officially announce plans. Director Paul Feig -- who fought a gauntlet of criticism and downright hate -- has stated that he would like to return to the world and characters but "hasn't gotten any calls." It's clear that we're not done with Ghostbusters just yet, but only time will tell how Sony plans to move going forward.
