Top 10 Ghostbusters 2016 Facts

While technically the third entry in the franchise, this 2016 film is not “Ghostbusters 3.” In fact, it’s not even a sequel. Rather, it’s a full reboot that won’t follow the continuity of the previous two movies. Another cast of characters will be crossing the streams in a different universe. When asked why the film would be a reboot and not a traditional follow-up, director Paul Feig explained that he wanted to bring this franchise “to a new generation” and allow the new team’s “origin story” to “develop.” We may not get to see Peter Venkman pass the torch – or the proton pack in this case – but Feig seems confident that the reboot route will give “Ghostbusters” a fresh start.

When it was announced that the “Ghostbusters” reboot would have four female leads, some of the funniest and most charismatic ladies in Hollywood were considered. Jennifer Lawrence and Rebel Wilson met with Paul Feig about joining the cast. The filmmakers apparently also thought out about enlisting Anne Hathaway as a doctor named Anna. Emma Stone was notably offered a role, but she turned it down. Although Stone found the script funny, she didn’t feel like committing to another franchise on the heels of “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Rick Moranis, who played Louis Tully in the first two “Ghostbusters” movies, also declined the chance to make a cameo. The Canadian comedian felt that, after nearly 30 years, returning just didn’t make much sense to revisit the franchise. 

Speaking of Emma Stone, the actress was on Bill Murray’s fan casting list for a female “Ghostbusters” crew. Murray also suggested Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, both of whom ultimately landed leading roles. Wiig reigned as a queen of comedy for several years on “Saturday Night Live.” Three other actresses in the film, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Cecily Strong, have all been official “SNL” cast members as well. McCarthy, while never an “SNL” regular, has hosted the sketch comedy series multiple times and picked up a few Emmy nominations in the process. Of course “Ghostbusters” has always had strong ties to “SNL,” seeing as how Murray and Dan Aykroyd were among the Not Ready for Prime Time Players in the ‘70s.

When people think of movies trapped in development hell, “Ghostbusters III” is a title that instantly comes to mind. Ironically, Dan Aykroyd actually wrote a script in the 1990s entitled “Ghostbusters III: Hellbent,” which would’ve taken place in a hellish alternate reality. While this film never got off the ground, it did inspire the 2009 “Ghostbusters” video game. Another premise involved Peter Venkman dying and coming back as a ghost. However, Bill Murray was never too enthusiastic about returning to the franchise. Following the death of Harold Ramis in 2014, Aykroyd seemingly abandoned the idea of a traditional “Ghostbusters 3.” But that same year, 25 years after “Ghostbusters II” hit theaters, it was announced that Paul Feig would be directing a reboot.

When it was announced that “Ghostbusters” would have an all-female cast, the Internet was flooded with complaints and sexist remarks. Even Donald Trump gave his two cents. After being relentlessly harassed on Twitter, Paul Feig retaliated against his haters, ultimately telling them to “just let this movie happen.” During a 2016 interview, the director said, “Geek culture is home to some of the biggest a-holes I’ve ever met in my life.” Feig would later clarify this statement, however, saying, “I have never met anyone from the geek world face-to-face who wasn’t a warm, kind person.”

Part hearse, part ambulance, the Ecto-1 is one of the most recognizable vehicles in all movies. And the classic car will return in the “Ghostbusters” reboot with a Slimer hood ornament. But the film will also see the debut of the Ecto-2. No, we’re not talking about the aerial vehicle of the same name from “The Real Ghostbusters” cartoon. Rather, this Ecto-2 will be a motorcycle, which has apparently been modified with a proton pack and other accessories. Set photos and previews have revealed the dirt bike being driven by Chris Hemsworth, who plays the world’s hunkiest receptionist. With a hot rod like this, Thor looks like he’s ready to answer the call.

While not a household name, Neil Casey has received praise for his work as a writer on “Inside Amy Schumer” and “Saturday Night Live.” He’s also jumped in front of the camera on several occasions, making guest spots on sitcoms like “Broad City” and starring in Paul Feig’s sci-fi comedy series, “Other Space.” In the “Ghostbusters” reboot, Casey plays a baddie known as Rowan. Feig describes Casey’s character as “a regular New Yorker whose goal is to bring some things back to this world. He wants to trap ghosts, but for a different purpose.” Let’s see if Rowan can give the likes of Gozer and Vigo a run for their money.
 

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a real Ghostbuster? If so, prepare for an epic invasion! Sony Pictures has teamed up with The Void to create a virtual reality attraction known as “Ghostbusters: Dimension.” Debuting at Madame Tussauds in Times Square on July 1st, 2016, this experience allows participants to virtually hunt ghosts in a New York apartment building. Equipped with a proton pack and specialized gun, users will additionally get to visit a haunted mansion, New York’s underground subway tracks, and the Ghostbusters’ headquarters. In addition, both Paul Feig and Ivan Reitman of the original “Ghostbusters” films have also contributed to the project. If this tie-in is as awesome as it sounds, we’re ready to suit up.

While none of the original “Ghostbusters” cast members will reprise their iconic roles, many of them will make cameos as different characters in this reboot. We won’t see Rick Moranis or the late Harold Ramis, but Sigourney Weaver, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts are all on board. Despite initially refusing to take part in a third “Ghostbusters” film, Bill Murray eventually agreed to make an appearance here as well. Little is currently known about who exactly they’re all playing, although Dan Aykroyd will reportedly pop up as a cab driver that interacts with Kristen Wiig. Oh, and Ozzy Osbourne is also in the movie… for some reason.

Before we get to our top pick, here’s an honorable mentions:
- Ecto Cooler Returns

As stated before, not everybody is happy that a “Ghostbusters” reboot is happening. If you need evidence, look no further than YouTube. After the film’s first official trailer was posted online in March 2016, the viewer response was more negative than positive. By May 2016, it became the most disliked movie trailer in the history of YouTube with 649,900 downvotes against roughly 221,400 likes. How bad is that? Well, the trailer for “Fifty Shades of Grey” currently has a little over 30,000 dislikes on YouTube. While the “Ghostbusters” trailer has been criticized for a variety of reasons, it’s not like previews always properly represent movies. So let’s just reserve judgment until July 15th when the film hits theaters.

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