‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Story “Feeds Into The Possibility” Of More Sequels, According To Dan Aykroyd
When theGhostbusterscast and filmmakers reunited on Josh Gad’s web seriesReunited Apart, there was a little confusion about somethingGhostbusters: AfterlifedirectorJason Reitmansaid during their chat. Many thought the filmmaker was revealing another sequel was already in development, but it was just anout of context quotethat got misconstrued. However,Ghostbustersis still a franchise, and obviously Sony Pictures would like to seeAfterlifereinvigorate the brand. That’s why we’re not surprised to hear franchise star and co-creatorDan Aykroydsay the new movie “feeds into the possibility” of more sequels.
Entertainment Weeklyrecently spoke with Dan Aykroyd in support of hisnew Travel Channel seriesHotel Paranormalpremiering on July 11. The series gives Aykroyd the chance to tap into the real beliefs he has about paranormal activity by focusing on terrifying true stories of those who have come face-to-face with otherworldly hotel guests. But Aykroyd is still very much focused on fictional stories of the paranormal withGhostbusters: Afterlifeslated to arrive in March 2021. However, it wasn’t easy returning toGhostbusterswithout co-star and co-writerHarold Ramis. Aykroyd recalled:
We’re not sure if that meansGhostbusters: Afterlifehas some kind of tribute to the character of Egon Spengler, or if Aykroyd is just speaking generally about the story. Though this hasn’t been officially confirmed,based on the trailer,Afterlifeappears to focus on the estranged daughter and grandchildren of Egon as they stumble upon all of his Ghostbusters gear and encounter a new paranormal threat in a small Oklahoma town.
Though Aykroyd didn’t write the upcoming sequel that picks up decades afterGhostbusters II, he still has a vested interest in the franchise’s future. In the hands of director Jason Reitman, son of original franchise director Ivan Reitman,Ghostbusters: Afterlifetruly brings us the next generation of Ghostbusters. Aykroyd said:
“[Jason Reitman is] passing the DNA of the first two movies directly to the new generation. It’s just a lot of fun to see these terrific young actors slinging the old Cadillac around and having the equipment in their hands. The story that develops from that is scary and funny and heartfelt and also funny. And it feeds into the possibility of more follow-ups with this group and with others who want to join.”
Again, it should be noted that this doesn’t mean that aGhostbusters: Afterlifesequel is in active development. But the fact that this movie paves the way for a new franchise with the young cast at the center of the story isn’t unexpected. His note about “others who want to join” is interesting too, making it seem like there’s an open invitation to anyone who believes in spooks, spectres, or ghosts to become part of the Ghostbusters team.
One of Dan Aykroyd’s earliest ideas forGhostbusterswas that it wouldn’t just be a small business, but rather a massive corporation that took care of paranormal activity all over the world, even venturing into space. PerhapsGhostbusters: Afterlifewill finally make that idea a reality and we’ll see the next generation ofGhostbustersexpand into something massive. After all, Dr. Peter Venkman once said, “The franchise rights alone will make us rich beyond our wildest dreams.”
