A new Ghostbusters film is due for release in 2020 and is set to be directed by Jason Reitman, son of Ivan Reitman – who directed the first two movies.
While the casting for the fourth outing is still unclear, fans and critics of the earlier three movies have not shied away from sharing their opinions online.
Some people saw the news as a reaction to the backlash the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot received for featuring female comedians in the lead roles.
“I’m totally fine with there being a new Ghostbusters movie set in the original universe – I just hate that the worst people will take credit for ‘winning’ because they were so against the idea of female Ghostbusters. Sigh.,” wrote Twitter user Eric Goldman.
I’m totally fine with there being a new Ghostbusters movie set in the original universe – I just hate that the worst people will take credit for “winning” because they were so against the idea of female Ghostbusters. Sigh.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) January 16, 2019
Another user, Eric Goldmark, wrote: “Boy, I can’t wait for all the ‘I’m not sexist, I just hate unnecessary reboots!’ people to get frothing-at-the-mouth angry at THIS unnecessary reboot too.”
Boy, I can't wait for all the "I'm not sexist, I just hate unnecessary reboots!" people to get frothing-at-the-mouth angry at THIS unnecessary Ghostbusters reboot too.
Any second now.
Hello? https://t.co/TBQhuFfbYO
— Tony Goldmark (@tonygoldmark) January 16, 2019
Others agreed that a fourth Ghostbusters film felt like a step too far.
“I say this as someone who grew up loving Ghostbusters, watching the cartoon, seeing the movie over and over and over again to a degree which is probably unhealthy but whatever: stop trying to make Ghostbusters happen,” tweeted writer Zack Handlen.
I say this as someone who grew up loving Ghostbusters, watching the cartoon, seeing the movie over and over and over again to a degree which is probably unhealthy but whatever: stop trying to make Ghostbusters happen.
— Zack Handlen (@zhandlen) January 16, 2019
What if, and hold on, stay with me here because I know this is a hot take.
… What if we don't need another "Ghostbusters" film?
— B.J. Mendelson (@BJMendelson) January 16, 2019
Some thought it would be impossible to recreate the magic of the original films, described as “lightning in a bottle” by Liz Finnegan.
She tweeted: “I said it last time they tried this, I’ll say it again – I don’t see how they can make that magic happen again.
“Almost none of the scenes were filmed as scripted. Most of Bill Murray’s lines were ad-libs. You can’t write the magic that happened on that screen, and I really wish people would stop trying to. Let it go.”
Almost none of the scenes were filmed as scripted. Most of Bill Murray's lines were ad-libs. You can't write the magic that happened on that screen, and I really wish people would stop trying to. Let it go.
— Liz Finnegan (@TheGingerarchy) January 16, 2019
While others noted the creeping trend of sons remaking films their famous fathers had directed.
Max Landis is remaking AMERICAN WEREWOLF. Jason Reitman is making Ghostbuster 3. Fingers crossed for Jake Kasdan's DREAMCATCHER 2!
— C. Robert Cargill (@Massawyrm) January 16, 2019
Jason Reitman directing Ghostbusters. Max Landis directing American Werewolf. Pretty sure the time is right to pitch my ACCIDENTAL TOURIST reboot/sequel (which most definitely takes place in the original AT universe). #shamelessmoneygrab
— Jon Kasdan (@JonKasdan) January 16, 2019
Jason Reitman confirmed the news on Twitter, writing simply: “Finally got the keys to the car. #GB20”
Finally got the keys to the car. #GB20 https://t.co/T1Np2lRQl1
— Jason Reitman (@JasonReitman) January 16, 2019