GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE Sequel Will Be Directed by Gil Kenan and the Original Cast Will Return
Ghostbusters: Afterlife co-writer and executive producer Gil Kenan is set to direct the sequel, the working title of which is Firehouse, which he’s been developing with the original director and co-writer Jason Reitman. Reitman will be credited as a writer on the sequel and will also serve as an executive producer.
It was also announced that the original cast will return for the sequel, and that will include Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon along with Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace. As for the original Ghostbusters cast, all we know is that Ernie Hudson, will be involved, but Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray are up in the air.
Kenan said in a statement: “It’s an absolute honor to pick up the proton pack and step behind the camera for the next chapter of the Spengler family saga. I just wish I could go back to 1984 and tell the kid in the sixth row of the Mann Valley West that one day he was going to get to direct a Ghostbusters film.”
Reitman added: “A few years ago, my father handed me the keys to Ecto-1 and together we made Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Words will never express how grateful I am to have made a film with my father by my side. It’s now time to hand those keys to my creative partner and fellow Ghostbuster Gil Kenan, a brilliant director who will keep the Spengler spirit alive. I can only hope to provide him the same producorial care and support that my father showed me.”
Kenan is a great choice to direct the movie! He previously made Monster House, Poltergeist, and City of Ember. I’m confident that he’ll deliver another great Ghostbusters movie!
Hudson will have a decent-sized role to play in the sequel. Reitman previously shared: “The character of Winston Zeddemore and Zeddemore Industries figures strongly into the future of Ghostbusters.”
The film has been previously described as “the next chapter in the Spengler family story.” It will officially be heading back to New York City and it’s also expected to take place in the Firehouse headquarters that has been featured in the first two Ghostbusters films.
Hudson previously talked about the script, saying: "I did read a version. I'm pretty sure they committed to doing another one. I'm very happy with it, but I also know this is early on. Jason has been incredible, and I really just love and appreciate him. I'm so thankful to be able to work with him. So, I'm excited about but... I haven't and I never assume anything. I am happy, though, to have Ghostbusters in my filmography. And I'm just really delighted when I see little kids, two and three years old, singing the song and being happy about it."
The Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel is currently slated to arrive in theaters on December 20th, 2023.
Source: Deadline