[dropcap size=small]D[/dropcap]an Akroyd has big ideas for the Ghostbusters.
Discussion about a long-awaited Ghostbusters III flared up once again surrounding the 30th anniversary of the original film. Akroyd, the co-writer and star of the universally beloved Ghostbusters and its follow-up, Ghostbusters II, was speaking in London when he revealed his hopes for the future of the property:
[dropcap size=small]“[/dropcap]It’s beyond just another sequel, a prequel, another TV show. I’m thinking what does the whole brand mean to Sony? What does Pixar and Star Wars mean to Disney? What does Marvel mean to Fox?”
Hoping Ghostbusters III is much more than a nostalgia-driven one-off, Akroyd stated that the entire Ghostbusters executive and creative teams are now looking ahead at the next 10 years. Akroyd went on to add that the focus of Ghostbusters must be…
[dropcap size=small]“[/dropcap]not just another movie or another TV show, but what’s the totality of it? The whole mythology from the beginning of their lives, the end of their lives. Ghostbusters at nine years old, Ghostbusters in high school.”
Turning Ghosbusters into the next Marvel-like franchise may sound a bit ambitious, but the property is no stranger to creative expansion. Since the premier of the original film in 1984 and its sequel in 1989, Ghostbusters has seen the release of a number of cartoon shows, comic books, toys, and video games.
With the passing of Harold Ramis in February, and with Bill Murray reportedly being the only hold-out of the remaining original cast for a return in Ghostbusters III, it appears that the series will need some substantial restructuring.
Rumors of a new, younger Ghostbusters team– and the possibility of an all-female team, have been the latest rumors to buck. But this begs the question: Can you catch lightning in a bottle twice? Without the original four Ghostbusters as the pillars of the series’ future, success with the franchise might be tougher to capture than Slimer in a Ghost Trap.
