What do Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon and Melissa McCarthy all have in common? They are the newest ghost hunters in the new “Ghostbusters” remake.
The first “Ghostbusters” was released in 1984 when audiences fell in love with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson, the team of New York City ghost hunters who brought children’s fears and fantasies to life. Hudson, Ramis and Aykroyd agreed to return, but Murray remained uninterested. With new director, Paul Feig on board, he rounded up the new- all female cast for the 2016 release.
None of the new actresses are shy from earning their spotlight in previous ‘comedic gold’ roles. Both Wiig and McCarthy appeared together in the 2011 “Bridesmaids,” which was also directed by Feig. As far as McKinnon and Jones, they have been making fans laugh during their current roles on Saturday Night Live. Although Feig plans for the third “Ghostbusters” film to be scarier than the others, there is bound to be humor attached to each of the characters rolls.
In a statement for Entertainment Weekly about Feig’s new cast decision, he said “[his] favorite thing to do is work with funny women.” He mentioned how the concept of the film will stay the same, but since this is the 21st century, a lot will be different. “I wanted to come into our world where there’s talk of ghosts but they’re not really credible, and so what would happen in our world if this happened today?”
Part of the reason for a fresh start to “Ghostbusters” is Feig wants the film to look like something that could happen in the world today making audiences question what is happening. Along with making the film scarier, Feig plans on using current but ‘cooler’ technology for the ghost hunters.
Aykroyd told The Hollywood Reporter how he is delighted with the new cast of the most magnificent women in comedy. His great grandfather was the original Ghostbuster and empowered women during his time. Despite the negative comments from fans on the all- female cast, Aykroyd sees this as a “beautiful development in the legacy of [his] family business.”
Sony currently has Ghostbusters scheduled for a July 22nd, 2016 release.