Spirits were raised at this year’s Ecto-Fest, where a slew of new Ghostbusters movies and TV shows were confirmed to be in the works. Done in recognition of Ghostbusters Day, it was a celebration of the franchise’s past, a promising future, and all the fans who love the series. Although comics, video games, and just about every other media imaginable took center stage during the celebration, the movies and TV shows on the horizon are the most exciting.
Released in 1984, Ghostbusters launched one of the most recognizable brands in the world. With two sequels and a reboot under the franchise’s belt, almost four decades since Harold Ramis’ and Dan Ackroyd’s original movie, the series is still going strong. The most recent sequel, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, found critical success and more than a few teary eyes. However, despite it feeling like an emotional and heartfelt end to the series, director Jason Reitman hinted there was more on the horizon for Ghostbusters.
After Jason Reitman’s father, the late Ivan Reitman, passed away in 2022, many wondered what the future held for the Ghostbusters franchise. Considered to be just one of many beloved figures responsible for the movie’s long-lasting legacy, the loss of Ivan Reitman had audiences unsure if the series would be the same or even continue without him. However, with his son announcing some of the most exciting projects since Ghostbusters: Afterlife, it feels as if Jason is carrying on his father’s spirit and that there’s plenty to look forward to coming to theaters and television.
Ghostbusters 5/Ghostbusters: Afterlife 2
Although considered a success, it was unsure that Ghostbusters: Afterlife would get a sequel. However, at the end of Jason Reitman’s previous film, a curious post-credit scene hinted that another movie was in the works. Although Reitman had been teasing and even discussing the ideas for another Ghostbusters sequel, a cryptic video filmed in front of the iconic Ecto-1 with Reitman brandishing a Ghostbusters II t-shirt said it all.
At the end of Ghostbusters day, Jason Reitman announced he was working with writer Gil Kenan to create “the next chapter in the Spengler family story.” Codenamed “Firehouse,” the working title is in reference to the after-credits scene of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, in which it’s shown members of the original team driving up to their former HQ, with an ominous shot of the containment unit hinting the world still needs the Ghostbusters. Details are scarce about the plot of Firehouse; however, in an interview, Reitman gave (via Happy Sad Confused) and the tease of his Ghostbusters II t-shirt, it’s hinted that it may be a return of villain Vigo the Carpathian.
Netflix’s Animated Ghostbusters Movie
While Ghostbusters is no stranger to cartoons, in a first for the series, Sony announced an animated film is in the works. Announced during the events of Ecto-Fest, it’s one of Sony’s few Ghostbusters animated projects since Extreme Ghostbusters ended in 1997. Additionally, it appears to be one of Ghost Corps’ most mysterious and ambitious projects.
The second of two Ghostbusters films announced for Ecto-Fest, Jason Reitman acknowledged that the animated adaptation was one of his late father’s passion projects. “The world of the unknown can only be properly explored through the limitless reach of animation,” Reitman explained about the animated horror movie. Behind the production are Chris Prynoski, the executive producer of Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe, and Jennifer Kluska of Hotel Transylvania fame. Additionally, although the film evokes the Ghostbusters name, it was described as an “all-new take,” not unlike the 2016 reboot.
Netflix’s Animated Ghostbusters TV Show
With The Real Ghostbusters a former staple of Saturday mornings and Extreme Ghostbusters acting as the series finale, it was unsure if Ghost Corps would return with another animated series. However, an announcement (via Variety) confirmed another Ghostbusters-inspired cartoon was in production and coming to Netflix. With The Real Ghostbusters considered one of the franchise’s most beloved cornerstones, just short of the previously mentioned sequel, this is the biggest news for Ghostbusters day.
What is known about the series is sparse, but Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan are to produce the new series. However, considering the high standards set by The Real Ghostbusters show over its 140-episode run and the mystery of 2016’s Ghostbusters: Ecto Force’s failure to air for its 2018 debut, there’s a level of anticipation and curiosity to see what Netflix has in store. The medium of animation has been a great way to explore the paranormal, and the possibilities of what they can do with another Ghostbusters cartoon are almost limitless.
It seems the spirit of the Ghostbusters franchise is alive, well, and causing more excitement than a class-5 free-roaming vapor. There is life after Ghostbusters: Afterlife, with plenty of stories to tell and experiences to be had as Jason Reitman carries on his father’s legacy. With so many projects in the works, there’s a reason to keep the proton packs ready as more details about the reboots, spinoffs, and sequels are revealed.