Original ‘Ghostbusters’ stars hint at possible return in newly-confirmed sequel

There's long been talk of a return to the universe last explored in the series' last instalment, which came out back in 1989

A Ghostbusters sequel set in the same universe as the two original films has been confirmed, with Jason Reitman hired to direct and co-write the new movie.

Talk of a direct follow-up to 1984’s Ghostbusters – which starred Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson and the late Harold Ramis as the titular ghost-catchers – and 1989’s Ghostbusters II has persisted for some time, with Aykroyd giving fans a hopeful update as recently as November.

Entertainment Weekly have now reported that the sequel is finally in the works, with Reitman – the son of Ghostbusters director Ivan, who will act as a producer on the new film – taking the directorial reins. It’ll be set in the same “world that was saved decades previously by the proton pack-wearing working stiffs in the original 1984 movie,” according to the publication. A teaser trailer has now emerged, which you can check out below.

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“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 told EW. “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.

“This is very early, and I want the film to unwrap like a present. We have a lot of wonderful surprises and new characters for the audience to meet,” he continued. “I’ve thought about this franchise and it has occupied a piece of my heart for basically as long as I can remember.”

Original Ghostbusters stars Aykroyd and Hudson have since responded to the news of the sequel on Twitter – although neither actor clearly indicated that they would be reprising their original roles in the new movie, instead teasing that they could, somehow, be involved in the new project.

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Back in November, Aykroyd gave the first confirmation that a so-called ‘secret’ sequel was in the works.

“I think we have a story that’s going to work and it’s being written right now by really good filmmakers. I can’t say their names,” Aykroyd told host Dan Rather (watch the interview below).

“They’re a good team and they are making an effort to bring back all the emotion and spirit of the first two movies and then take it into the 21st century with a vernacular that’s needed today to get it across.”

Bill Murray is the only surviving original Ghostbuster to not publicly comment on the news of the sequel so far.

Sony have confirmed that the new Ghostbusters movie will be released in time for summer 2020. No casting details have been announced as yet.

Asked about the female-led reboot of the Ghostbusters franchise which came out in 2016 and starred Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones, Reitman confirmed that his film wouldn’t have many ties to Paul Feig’s.

“I have so much respect for what Paul created with those brilliant actresses, and would love to see more stories from them,” Reitman said. “However, this new movie will follow the trajectory of the original film.”

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