Here’s the ‘Ghostbusters 3’ Title and Cast That Could Have Happened
Let’s go back. Back in time before Paul Feig swooped in to direct an all-female ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot which we’re actually excited about. Back in time to when the long-gestating ‘Ghostbusters 3’ was still a possibility, a sequel that most people didn’t really want. Back here in the land that time forgot, original ‘Ghostbusters’ director and producer Ivan Reitman was planning to helm the long-delayed third installment in the franchise, and according to some recently uncovered e-mails from Sony, we now know what that sequel would have been called—and who might have starred in it.
Comic Book Movie has picked up some interesting details about the ‘Ghostbusters 3’ project, which was canceled this year before Sony handed the reigns off to Paul Feig to reboot the franchise with an all-female cast. Director and producer Ivan Reitman was set to return, but ultimately abandoned the project following the death of original franchise star Harold Ramis and a lack of interest from the wise Bill Murray.
According to e-mails between Reitman and Sony exec Amy Pascal, the third ‘Ghostbusters’ film would have been called ‘Ghostbusters: Alive Again,’ which doesn’t sound like the best title, but that could have changed during production, if the film ever officially went into production—and it didn’t.
The e-mails confirm previously reported character breakdowns that were picked up earlier this year by The Wrap, and they also include the actors Reitman was considering for the sequel, which would have seen the Ghostbusters passing the torch to a new, younger generation:
- Chris, the son of Bill Murray’s Peter Venkman. Reitman was considering ‘The Mindy Project’ star Adam Pally, Charlie Day from ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ or ‘Social Network’ and ‘Batman vs. Superman’ star Jesse Eisenberg. Reitman revealed that he had met with all three actors, but that this was the one role he was the most uncertain about.
- Jeremy, “the leader of the younger generation of Ghostbusters.” Reitman had Jonah Hill in mind for the role, and said that he planned to meet with Hill soon to deliver the script.
- Anna, a doctor and the female lead. Reitman met with both Brie Larson and Anne Hathaway, who both “expressed a strong desire to do it.”
- Dean, an older male character and comic relief. Reitman was considering Zach Galifianakis and planned to meet with him.
- Ashley, a minor role with no available details. The director met with ‘Pitch Perfect’ star Rebel Wilson, who was interested in the part. Wilson recently revealed that she had met with her ‘Bridesmaids’ director Paul Feig about possibly starring in the new reboot.
- Joni and Jon were two more supporting characters with no descriptions, and Reitman thought ‘Parks and Recreation’ stars Aubrey Plaza and Aziz Ansari would be a good fit.
- And finally, the villain role, which Reitman refers to as “Gniewko” in his correspondence, but The Wrap reported the character’s name as “Eniewko.” Reitman really wanted Sacha Baron Cohen for the part, but Pascal suggested Will Ferrell. The director disagreed, and thought that Ferrell wouldn’t be “effective” in the role.
Various writers had taken a crack at the ‘Ghostbusters 3' script over the course of its long development process, with ‘Men in Black 3' writer Etan Cohen being the most recent scribe to turn in a draft. Reitman was apparently pleased with this version of the film, which would see Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson all reprise their roles.
While many names on the list above are fantastic, ‘Ghostbusters 3' seemed destined to fall apart, especially with Bill Murray’s repeated lack of interest. But for those of you who were curious about the ‘Ghostbusters’ sequel that might have been, there you have it.