As one of the original Ghostbusters, Dan Aykroyd offers a nostalgic and insightful glimpse into the beloved franchise's past, present, and future as the saga continues with younger cast.
- November 18, 2024
AceShowbiz - Fans of the iconic "Ghostbusters" series may find themselves a little disappointed as Dan Aykroyd recently hinted at a future where he and fellow original cast member Bill Murray might not reprise their renowned roles.
Speaking to the New York Post, Aykroyd shared his thoughts on the franchise that launched in 1984. "I don't see that coming," Aykroyd said, emphasizing his belief that the new cast and creative direction are set to take the series forward.
Aykroyd's comments come in light of recent installments such as 2021's "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" and the upcoming 2024 film "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire". The new movies, featuring stars like Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and Paul Rudd, mark a fresh chapter for the franchise.
"They've got a whole new cast, and they've got whole new ideas," Aykroyd remarked. "I think probably they're going to move on to advancing it beyond the originals, which they should."
The original "Ghostbusters", directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Aykroyd alongside Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, and the late Harold Ramis, became a critical and commercial success. This led to sequels, reboots, and a longstanding presence in pop culture.
However, the newest films have not universally achieved the same level of acclaim, with "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" receiving mixed reviews and underwhelming box office results despite the return of original cast like Aykroyd and Murray.
Notably, Aykroyd defended the controversial 2016 all-female reboot, stating his pride in the project and its cast, which included Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. "I'm so proud to have been able to license that movie and have a hand and have a part in it," Aykroyd said. "I think it works really great amongst all the ones that have been made."
Outside of the "Ghostbusters" realm, Aykroyd's latest venture is his History Channel series "The Unbelievable With Dan Aykroyd", which recently launched its second season. The series delves into fascinating true stories from history, combining dynamic reconstructions with archival footage.
As the franchise moves forward with new talent and stories, Aykroyd's reflections underscore a respectful passing of the baton. While fans may miss seeing the original ghost-hunting team in action, the essence of "Ghostbusters" continues to evolve, ensuring that new generations can enjoy its unique mix of comedy and the supernatural.
