Jason Reitman’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife was a big hit at the box office and well-liked amongst critics and moviegoers. Generally, these legacy sequels are used as cash grabs from studios with success from varying degrees—I’m looking at you Jurassic World: Dominion and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. However, it seems like the success of Ghostbusters: Afterlife has warranted a sequel – but with a different director.
Reitman’s installment in the Ghostbusters franchise garnered $200 million worldwide against its $75 million budget. The director hit the right notes when bringing in an all-new and kid-friendly roster of Ghostbusters that resonated with the audience. It was expected that Reitman would return to the franchise that he revitalized – but it turns out the director is handing the reigns to someone else.
Deadline reports that Gil Kenan is set to direct the follow-up to Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Kenan has been Reitman’s creative partner working with him on the script for the 2021 movie. Kenan’s works also include Monster House, City of Ember, and 2015’s Poltergeist (the last one might not be the best example). However, Reitman is confident that Kenan is the right person for the job.
Reitman states:
“A few years ago, my father handed me the keys to Ecto-1, and together we made Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Words will never express how grateful I am to have made a film with my father by my side. It’s now time to hand those keys to my creative partner and fellow Ghostbuster Gil Kenan, a brilliant director who will keep the Spengler spirit alive. I can only hope to provide him the same producorial care and support that my father showed me.”
Kenan was able to chime in on the recent news of his involvement with the recently announced sequel, saying:
“It’s an absolute honor to pick up the proton pack and step behind the camera for the next chapter of the Spengler family saga. I just wish I could go back to 1984 and tell the kid in the sixth row of the Mann Valley West that one day he was going to get to direct a Ghostbusters film.”
Jason Reitman isn’t entirely leaving the franchise just yet. However, the director will stay on board to co-write and produce the sequel. Actors Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon will be returning to the unnamed sequel as well.
Not much else is known about the upcoming sequel yet, but here’s hoping it’ll be another big hit for the beloved franchise. And here’s also hoping that it won’t take the route of Ghostbusters 2.