[GuyX]

Most of u will be against this but if we keep doin same old same old. Its done. We r done. The next movie should drop every existing character, cept maybe Dan & Bill in small cameos. No Gary, no Callie no Podcast or Phoebe. Now it kills me 2 say that bcuz Afterlife is my jam. I ride or die for that movie. I luv it!!

Maybe Ray & Pete go out west on Winston’s orders. Why? Opening up West Coast Ghostbusters.

I want these movies to succeed & so we get TOP TALENT as the next GB group. If they have comedy chops GREAT.

Then maybe they can do that once trendy stupid MCU thing of building up a universe that can combine for a stupid Avengers Ghostbusters. I hope not but whatever.

We want ppl to show up for these movies. Right? Don’t we? Do any of u care about that or no? Maybe Deadpool can be a ghostbusters now? No I’m kidding.

I saw sum1 once mention Ryan Gosling might make a good GB. That could be a funny counterpoint to the east coast GBs. All the west coast ones are like super good looking lmao.

So let’s see Ryan Gosling? Selena Gomez? Jack Black?(he’s older & shlubby but that’s the joke), Ryan Reynolds? Awkwafina? Terry Crews? Michael B Jordan? Taylor Swift?(she can do the new theme! LOL)

We need sumthing NEW. New HQ. New city. New car. New gear. It doesn’t mean Pheobe & crew arent still alive & doing their thing. Just not on screen.

sum1 made a thread a couple weeks ago about Beetlejuice Vs Ghostbusters & that really drove home how behind the ball we are. Basically the 1st 4 days of that movie out grossed the entire Frozen Empire USA run.

I see ppl say “oh Ghosrbusters is niche” or “Ghostbusters isn’t popular” & i kinda think thats ridiculous. Let’s go through some movies. Batman & Robin grossed like 100 million dollars. Is Batman niche? The last X-Men movie dark phoenix didn’t even gross 100 million. Is that niche? No. 2015 fantastic Four movie. Didn’t hit 100 million is that niche? They released a Justice League movie with huge stars, some of the biggest characters on the planet. It bombed.

Ghostbusters isn’t niche. we know this from the great #s it did on NETFLIX. The issue is getting ppl into the theater . New cast & a good movie will help. We gotta try.

[SpaceBallz]

I don't see why the Spenglers have to be the focus of every movie from here on out. I want to know more about Winston and his family. Why didn't Ray have a family? What's up with Venkman, Dana, and dare I say, Oscar?

Oscar changed his name when he became an adult to Frank after being known as "the ghost baby", been divorced three times and currently works at a steel mill in Canada. He also has a dog named Duke to keep him company because one of his ex-wives have full custody of their kids due to his drinking problem. He's had ZERO desire to become a Ghostbuster as he wants to stay as far away from that environment as possible due to being a child celebrity (which also caused his drinking problem).

Boom. Done.

[Kingpin]

Most of u will be against this but if we keep doin same old same old...

I'm not opposing the inclusion of some new stuff to keep things fresh and interesting, I just can't abide by ditching all of the newer established characters and the franchise's historic setting because you think that's what's holding the franchise back.

We need sumthing NEW.

We got the something new, new characters, new equipment, new ghosts in Afterlife and Frozen Empire, yet that evidently isn't good/new enough...

We gotta try.

Which is why I feel we should work with what we've got, not keep rebooting it in the hope we might find something new that might work. The franchise has had one hard reboot and one soft reboot... Sony's own habit with rebooting its franchises aside, I don't feel the public would stomach Ghostbusters going through another reboot so soon after the last two.

[timeware]

We got the something new, new characters, new equipment, new ghosts in Afterlife and Frozen Empire, yet that evidently isn't good/new enough...

Would it surprise anyone if Netflix decides to pull a Camp Cretaceous and throw in a whole new team? Giant Freaking Robot just reported the art style is going to be in 3D and something close to what were used to. I'm doubting they actually know anything but...I would like to see the animation be something similar to Dan Schoening's art style or even Spirits Unleashed.

Yeah, I would like the new series not to be a reboot but a continuation of Empire or Real Ghostbusters.

[mrmichaelt]

Ghost Corps likely have seen the reviews and probably seen the 'too many characters' critique a lot so hopefully they'll dial it back for the next movie and for each new movie there is a need to put in new characters but to do it more economically. FE still left me feeling the same thought as the past 3 canon movies, we need more Janine and Winston.

Would it surprise anyone if Netflix decides to pull a Camp Cretaceous and throw in a whole new team? Giant Freaking Robot just reported the art style is going to be in 3D and something close to what were used to. I'm doubting they actually know anything but...I would like to see the animation be something similar to Dan Schoening's art style or even Spirits Unleashed.

Yeah, I would like the new series not to be a reboot but a continuation of Empire or Real Ghostbusters.

GFR is just regurgitating the same news items from the August 12 article from Variety for clicks.

[timeware]

We should have more information on this Netflix Ghostbusters series in the coming months.

Thought as much. Basically that's code for, "Just pulling shit out of our butts."

[WCat2000]

Everyone thinks they have the “perfect” cast picks for a new GB team. I even had some personal choices way before the reboot happened but the cast we got is great. They fit well together. Especially Phoebe, Grooberson, and Podcast. Nadeem too if they want to make him a GB. There’s plenty of new characters.

I’d like to see other teams in other places but let’s hold off on that. Phoebe will finally be an adult and I want see them as a complete team going on jobs. The next movie should just try something a little different. Like others have said it does not have to be end-of-the-world.

[GuyX]

I'm not opposing the inclusion of some new stuff to keep things fresh and interesting, I just can't abide by ditching all of the newer established characters and the franchise's historic setting because you think that's what's holding the franchise back.

The franchise has had one hard reboot and one soft reboot... Sony's own habit with rebooting its franchises aside, I don't feel the public would stomach Ghostbusters going through another reboot so soon after the last two.

I love Phoebe. I ADORE podcast.

But It’s seems like it’s not working financially. What they’re doing isn’t working. Ppl arent caring enough about what Jason & Gil are doing. Critics aren’t liking it, audiences aren’t really jazzed. Seeing sum of the movies that have outgrossed the last 2 Ghostbusters needs to be a wake up call. We have to hit the sweet spot.

Don’t think it’s the IP bcuz ppl are still watching it on Netflix. But there’s a “I’ll wait for this” attitude & so long they keep up this “Spengler” family story going no 1 but hardcore fans care about, critics will shit on it & ppl won’t come.

Maybe we need a clean slate? The audience needs a clean slate. No New York. No firehouse. No Ecto 1. No Slimer or old villain coming back. I know that’s not what fans want to hear. From where I am the facts look like, for sum reason, Ghostbusters has been singled out by critics as sumthing that shouldn’t have that sort of dedication to a canon & iconography. I duno know why. It bothers me.

It doesn’t mean we won’t or can’t ever see those things again but FRANCHISE is built into the story. Maybe it’s time we take Venkman up on his idea? “Franchise rights” Trying sumthing like this can’t hurt.

We’ve gotta get ppl excited about ghostbusters again. That starts with casting. What was the original? Comedy stars & Icons. & some good reviews didn’t hurt.

I don’t think cinemas goers care about “soft reboot”. If u put the RIGHT FACES in a jumpsuit, ppl will show up. That’s how the OG film became big. It had major stars of the era as GBs.

This isn’t sumthing I really WANT. But I think it’s sumthing we NEED. Or maybe I’m dead wrong. But the news of the last month or so has me thinking this cast isn’t clicking where it should be & new cast might be it. Those Netflix numbers were interesting.

We’ve told 2 stories with the new cast. Beyond us, it left little cultural impact. How Logan Kim didnt become an overnight star is sumthing I will always question. That kid has— as they say—the rizz.

Moving on to a new franchise on the west coast? If I’m Sony, there’s nothing to lose. Cast some comedy icons of 2024 & let’s see what’s what.

[timeware]

So...Looking at Rotten Tomatoes critics seem to be enjoying Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice and the audience score is about the same between both Beetlejuice and Frozen Empire. Beetlejuice plays on the same usage of nostalgia but uses the original cast a bit more heavily. Their family focused plots are kind of similar. Either Tim did the necessary research to make the film work, or most critics have an agenda when it comes to Ghostbusters.

I don't believe we need a new slate, but depending on what we get from the Netflix series may or may not play a role in how the Spengler trilogy concludes. If we get a third film Sony can't just rely on us to get the word out, they need to advertise and not announce a release date until they know the project won't get delayed.

You can have a large cast of A-list actors and still have a movie bomb. Devito was in Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, and his acting was more soulless than William DaFo's. If you saw Beetlejuice, you'll get that pun. Lol.

[Kingpin]

Cast some comedy icons of 2024 & let’s see what’s what.

Unfortunately, I suspect that with Sony's current approach to how the franchise is budgeted, they will probably rule out getting the "comedy icons of 2024" to play the core cast of Ghostbusters (Paul Rudd being an interesting exception), and instead get some competent, but relatively unknown (and thus cheap to pay) new comedy talent. It wouldn't surprise me if the examples presented by both Murray, and the 2016 cast, nudge Sony into this line of thinking.

And not going for the crème de la crème might be beneficial in the long run, to avoid potential problems of some of those actors becoming too big/too high-in-demand to be willing to reprise that hypothetical Ghostbusters role in the next potential sequel.

not announce a release date until they know the project won't get delayed.

The pandemic and its lockdowns were unpredictable, and even knowing the chance the strikes could happen, there were still a lot of unpredictability to that (both if and when they could start, and how long they could last for)... Sometimes you can't avoid delays, no matter how much you prepare for the unknown.

[BatDan]

Lol. Ive been sayin all this.

Spengler family was great for the story told in Afterlife. Because Egons legacy was the main theme of the story, so it made sense, it was heartfelt and genuine.

Then came Frozen Empire..and there wasnt much else to tell with Pheobe. So much so that they had to add an extra character in the mix and wrote themselves in a corner. (Her arc was complete in AL, Imo)

For FE; they should have changed things up and made Gary main character and told “his” story: a GB fan all grown up finally becoming a Ghostbuster; and juggling being a dad/husband. Theres a whole movie with that arc and we never saw it.

Or told it from perspective of the OGs and how they handle managing their “new wave” of the business.

Or combine both plots for one movie.

In all honesty..thats the movie i thought we were getting going from the trailers and the official synopsis.

Thats why im like “maybe try that for the next one?”

But we got what we got. Who knows if well have another chance.

Beetlejuice is getting the resurgence that GB SHOULD have gotten. Because they werent “coy” about the return of its title character. They put MK in the suit and said “here he is” ; thats the mistake Afterlife took in getting general audience attention (FE was more “heavy” with og promotion; but by that point is way too little too late. People were like “ANOTHER One??” )

Beetlejuice balanced new and old characters well and above all they put the comedy first (i was surprised how much Catherine O Hara was featured).

[mrmichaelt]

Spengler family was great for the story told in Afterlife. Because Egons legacy was the main theme of the story, so it made sense, it was heartfelt and genuine.

Then came Frozen Empire..and there wasnt much else to tell with Pheobe. So much so that they had to add an extra character in the mix and wrote themselves in a corner. (Her arc was complete in AL, Imo)

I do think the theme of growing up and legacy continued into FE but it got a little lost towards the end. Like in AL, pre-teen Phoebe discovered she part of a legacy of Ghostbusters. In FE, teen Phoebe discovered the Ghostbusters were part of a legacy of paranormal warriors. A third will probably be adult Phoebe creating her own legacy.

For FE; they should have changed things up and made Gary main character and told “his” story: a GB fan all grown up finally becoming a Ghostbuster; and juggling being a dad/husband. Theres a whole movie with that arc and we never saw it.

Or told it from perspective of the OGs and how they handle managing their “new wave” of the business.

I do like both of those ideas. I liked how Ray got such a big feature in FE. But Winston not so much, he popped in and out. I would like to see Winston get a big feature in the next one.

Beetlejuice is getting the resurgence that GB SHOULD have gotten. Because they werent “coy” about the return of its title character. They put MK in the suit and said “here he is” ; thats the mistake Afterlife took in getting general audience attention (FE was more “heavy” with og promotion; but by that point is way too little too late. People were like “ANOTHER One??” )

Well, the Beetlejuice sequel didn't have to deal with the pandemic like Afterlife did but yeah, wonder how different the box office would be if they had the "Did you miss us?" shot of the 3 in the first trailer. And let's see how audiences would react to a third Beetlejuice movie, would it be the same vigor as with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice or similar to FE. And sidebar, I recall Jenna Ortega was rumored to be one of the actresses auditioning for Phoebe.

Most of u will be against this but if we keep doin same old same old. Its done. We r done. The next movie should drop every existing character, cept maybe Dan & Bill in small cameos. No Gary, no Callie no Podcast or Phoebe. Now it kills me 2 say that bcuz Afterlife is my jam. I ride or die for that movie. I luv it!!

Maybe Ray & Pete go out west on Winston’s orders. Why? Opening up West Coast Ghostbusters.

It's not a totally foreign idea. Even before the Chicago franchise in the IDW comic, that's where Ghostbusters: The Video Game was going had it gotten sequels. They had ironically a Rookie setting up shop in Chicago idea with Ray helping with lore and Winston as their business contact. But they also had an idea of there being various franchise teams, including one from Los Angeles, came to New York to save the original team. Dan Aykroyd even made a list of new characters, descriptions, and actors he wanted to play them circa late 2000s/early 2010s. Los Angeles was even one of the three choices given to Rookie at the end of TVG.

I saw sum1 once mention Ryan Gosling might make a good GB. That could be a funny counterpoint to the east coast GBs. All the west coast ones are like super good looking lmao.

So let’s see Ryan Gosling? Selena Gomez? Jack Black?(he’s older & shlubby but that’s the joke), Ryan Reynolds? Awkwafina? Terry Crews? Michael B Jordan? Taylor Swift?(she can do the new theme! LOL)

We need sumthing NEW. New HQ. New city. New car. New gear. It doesn’t mean Pheobe & crew arent still alive & doing their thing. Just not on screen.

It's certainly something they can/should delve into with franchises. And a different mix of personalities/agendas. Like again with the Chicago franchise - Ron was a jerk but could upkeep the tech, Dani and Lou were a budding athlete with good aim and budding model. And they don't listen much to the pure heart and leader, Rookie.

And not going for the crème de la crème might be beneficial in the long run, to avoid potential problems of some of those actors becoming too big/too high-in-demand to be willing to reprise that hypothetical Ghostbusters role in the next potential sequel.

I think a multi-film contract is a bit more binding. But Guy is saying that's the joke casting A-listers for a hypothetical LA franchise, using these Hollywood A-listers as the 'hotties' as publicity hounds, always on social media etc.

The pandemic and its lockdowns were unpredictable, and even knowing the chance the strikes could happen, there were still a lot of unpredictability to that (both if and when they could start, and how long they could last for)... Sometimes you can't avoid delays, no matter how much you prepare for the unknown.

Well, 3rd time's the charm. knock wood.

[Kingpin]

Or told it from perspective of the OGs and how they handle managing their “new wave” of the business.

That might work as a one-off episode of a live-action, or even animated television series, but a 1 and a half hour/two-hour movie? The management/employment/marketing promotion aspects of Ghostbusters Inc. occupy such a tiny fraction of the first two movies (if the aspects weren't cut out of them entirely) probably because they have a tendency to slow down the story, and aren't as interesting as the scenes where the team are busting ghosts.

If the next film were like a Ghostbusters version of The Office, I'd probably wait for it to come out on DVD rather than see it at the cinema.

The idea of expanding on Gary being a grown up fanboy, and juggling that with being a Ghostbuster and step-dad is very appealing in contrast, and can have the emotional heart and the "finding one's place" aspect that Afterlife used so well.

Well, 3rd time's the charm. knock wood.

Here's hoping.

[mrmichaelt]

That might work as a one-off episode of a live-action, or even animated television series, but a 1 and a half hour/two-hour movie? The management/employment/marketing promotion aspects of Ghostbusters Inc. occupy such a tiny fraction of the first two movies (if the aspects weren't cut out of them entirely) probably because they have a tendency to slow down the story, and aren't as interesting as the scenes where the team are busting ghosts.

If the next film were like a Ghostbusters version of The Office, I'd probably wait for it to come out on DVD rather than see it at the cinema.

I'd watch that live action limited series on Netflix.

The idea of expanding on Gary being a grown up fanboy, and juggling that with being a Ghostbuster and step-dad is very appealing in contrast, and can have the emotional heart and the "finding one's place" aspect that Afterlife used so well.

Yes, agree wholeheartedly.

[Jack_axMG]

Here is McKenna grace and Gil Kenan on the friendship between phoebe and melody I think that there is, at the core of it, a friendship, relationship, that Phoebe has never experienced before.-McKenna Grace

“The idea was for Phoebe to form this unexpected friendship with a ghost, which, you know, totally goes against her entire profession. It's something that felt really fresh to explore. We wanted to show this friendship grow into a real kinship between the two, almost like a sisterly bond.” -Gil Kenan

[Davideverona]

Looks like the SNL movie by Jason & Gil is going really well.

What it could mean for the GB franchise?
Sony let them have another shot at it? Or the studio convince itself that the two filmmakers are better suited for little, art films and let them oversee the franchise but with other screenwriters/directors at the helm?

As for future movies storylines.... What about an adult Phoebe running the shop, but her parents are no longer in the business like her brother. Only Podcast remained at her side, with the OGB being no longer active Ghostbusters but are still along as mentors.

She's struggling to keep the boat afloat not because the job is dwindling but because she needs more GBs.

She starts recruiting: bang, new faces, training sessions, routine busting on the screen. You keep the lore but add something fresh.

[timeware]

If they're going to do a time jump where Phoebe's an adult it would make more sense that Podcast is running Ray's Occult.

It wouldn't be much of a stretch for Podcast to skip college and run the book store. He could be earning his doctorates' by attending an online university and running the book shop at the same time.

Winston is backing someone, or running a pro Ghostbuster candidacy for Mayor

Phoebe is attending NYU putting together a live action version of Extreme Ghostbusters.

Ray could be taking Egon's place by teaching classes, or we could see Bill play that part. With his brief appearances I don't think Bill would do a larger role or is really needed at this point.

[mrmichaelt]

If they're going to do a time jump where Phoebe's an adult it would make more sense that Podcast is running Ray's Occult.

Not to me. Why does Podcast have to be running Ray's Occult in 3-5 years?

It wouldn't be much of a stretch for Podcast to skip college and run the book store. He could be earning his doctorates' by attending an online university and running the book shop at the same time.

Assuming he even cares about getting a degree. He seems focused on podcasting, making video content, social media etc. than running a brick and mortar business.

Winston is backing someone, or running a pro Ghostbuster candidacy for Mayor

I wouldn't mind a break from politics like Afterlife.

Phoebe is attending NYU putting together a live action version of Extreme Ghostbusters.

That's a great idea.

Ray could be taking Egon's place by teaching classes, or we could see Bill play that part. With his brief appearances I don't think Bill would do a larger role or is really needed at this point.

Yeah, that was pretty vague in FE. Was Peter still teaching upstate and moonlighting at the PRC or did Winston get him full time at the PRC. It an interesting note that of the three, only Ray never went back into academia. Hmm.

[timeware]

Not to me. Why does Podcast have to be running Ray's Occult in 3-5 years?

If Phoebe is concentrating on college, and Ray is MIA possibly passed on, it would make sense Podcast would take his place. He steps up to be the info guy.

Assuming he even cares about getting a degree. He seems focused on podcasting, making video content, social media etc. than running a brick and mortar business

.

He’s spent a lot of time with Ray at this point. Any kid want’s to be like their role model. Up until Callie, and Grooberson most of the GB’s have doctorate’s. Winston didn’t get his until later. Podcast could be smart enough to earn a degree along the lines of Rays field of expertise, having a bit of a leg up in that knowledge.

Yeah, that was pretty vague in FE. Was Peter still teaching upstate and moonlighting at the PRC or did Winston get him full time at the PRC. It an interesting note that of the three, only Ray never went back into academia. Hmm.

Couldn’t tell you, but a University could end up inviting Ray back for speaking engagements, and with the positive vibes from FE's ending a university could gain fame by making him an honorary Professor.

[mrmichaelt]

If Phoebe is concentrating on college, and Ray is MIA possibly passed on, it would make sense Podcast would take his place. He steps up to be the info guy.

Oh, you were thinking along the lines of something happening to Ray. I know there's some pushback on new characters from a segment of fans, but man I can't help but think Ray bringing someone a tad older like Kylie Griffin (or a similar new character) to manage the shop like in the comics... I think some have fancasted Jenna Ortega as Kylie in the past.

Couldn’t tell you, but a University could end up inviting Ray back for speaking engagements, and with the positive vibes from FE's ending a university could gain fame by making him an honorary Professor.

Yeah, ok, sort of like in Extreme Ghostbusters.

[timeware]

I know there's some pushback on new characters from a segment of fans, but man I can't help but think Ray bringing someone a tad older like Kylie Griffin (or a similar new character) to manage the shop like in the comics... I think some have fancasted Jenna Ortega as Kylie in the past.

That's a fan casting that's been making the rounds which would be a good role for her to play. (She can always wear a cartoon styled wig if necessary.)

I don't think the problem is new characters per se it's overloading a film with too many characters and not enough run time to tell their story. I think a good fan casting for Extreme would be Jenna Ortega as Kylie, Xolo Maridueña as Eddie, Caleb McLaughlin as Roland, and maybe Owen Morgan as Garret Miller. That's my two cents.

[Chicken, He Clucked]

I don’t think the way forward is a new team or the old team.

Phoebe, Podcast, Lucky & Trevor ARE the team now.

They’re not going to throw those characters out in favour of rebooting the cast again. I think a third film dials back on the OG cast. I also don’t think we’re seeing extreme ghostbusters cast in the movie universe.

A Grooberson wedding might feature to close out that story arc. But they may skip right past that and reduce their involvement in the next movie.

May have posted this already but Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice wasn’t as good as Afterlife or Frozen Empire for me - again, surprised by the critical reaction.

[mrmichaelt]

Nah, I wouldn't need a whole new team either. I only meant 1 more for Ray's Occult and you basically have those that dispense the lore. Keep Ray and Podcast + one more. i.e. after FE, business finally turned around for Ray's Occult and he needed to hire an employee to keep up once Podcast went back home. But x years later, perhaps made the permanent move to NYC for college, being an influencer, etc. You got Peter, Lars and Lucky at the PRC as the R&D. You got the Spengler family of Phoebe, Callie, Trevor, Gary as the day-to-day ops. Winston and Janine, of course, is the business end and overseer. Bigger and equal focus on all 4 in the Spengler family. We've gotten 2 stories of their team dysfunction (FE and BIT) so let's move past that and give Callie, Trevor, and Gary more to do and say. Everyone else is more a supporting role function and won't be in every scene and not even the final battle but when they're in a scene make it worth it. And sure a new character or two, that are connected to the threat i.e. Dana and Louis in GB1, Dana and Oscar in GB2, Nadeem in FE. Ha ha, yeah, I wonder if Gary and Callie are the marrying types. Co-habitation might be enough for them.

[mrmichaelt]

At FanX, 36:50-37:27, McKenna Grace mentioned filming the opening car chase, "You know what, I always have a really good time with Finn but the first week of shooting the last--Frozen Empire was so difficult and it wasn't because of either of us or any of the cast but it was literally for a week straight just us on a green screen in the car shooting the same scene every day for like 15 hours for 7 days so it was we were all going insane by the end of it. It was the car chase at the beginning of Frozen Empire was what we started with and we all went a little stir crazy but it was also really nice to all be together again." (and fun fact I guess, Jason Reitman and Logan Kim went to McKenna's 13th birthday party. Logan did the worm on the dance floor)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EY9zcSMbzI

[GuyX]

So is anyone else seeing how Frozen Empire is being changed!? If u go on Amazon Prime there is now a red banner on the bottom third of the poster art that says “The Spenglers”. The title is changed as well to “Ghostbusters Frozen Empire-The Spenglers”.

Is this a new thing? I’ve never seen it.

[zeta otaku]

That's DEFINITELY new.

[GuyX]

That's DEFINITELY new.

Is it like that where you are?

[GuyX]

For anyone wondering this is it.

[GuyX]

This is the title, how it appears. The subtitle “The Spenglers” has been added. Weird

[zeta otaku]

That's DEFINITELY new.

Is it like that where you are?

East Coast, USA and yeah, that's how it shows up and ABSOLUTELY did not look like when I watched it last.