How They Should Make Ghostbusters 3

They should not make another Ghostbusters sequel.  There are constant rumors of this, and some people are eager at a chance to relive their fond Ghostbusters memories, but those people need to just go break out their old VHS of the classic films and stop trying to make a trilogy at the expense of the two films that so many people hold dear.

Let’s be honest, the only reason that the Ghostbusters sequel would be successful is Bill Murray, who has maintained relevancy by being an awesome guy (by using his fame to steal food and play kick ball).  But he seems to have bailed on the project, leaving the other 3 busters.  And do we really want a film with them?

Dan Aykroyd is really only known for SNL and a handful of films from the 70s and 80s, unless you have fond memories of him in such recent classics as “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”, “Yogi Bear”, or “Christmas with the Kranks”.  He is a bit actor now, filling in minor roles that are forgettable and could have gone to anyone.  Plus, how many people under 25 know who he is?

Harold Ramis may have directed Groundhogs Day, which is one of my favorite films of all time, but the only recent thing I can remember him in is a small (but solid) role as Seth Rogan’s father in Knocked Up.  Unfortunately, most young people will have to ask their parents who he is if they were to see him in a commercial.

Ernie Hudson (the black Ghostbuster, who I realize now was included in the script to attract a more diverse audience) is not only an often forgotten member of the film, but seems to have become a character actor on television that people can barely remember.  He may have been great in the original two films, but he isn’t going to draw any audiences.

So, what we have without Bill Murray is a trio of irrelevant actors who may all have fairly accomplished careers but aren’t going to draw major crowds, especially any under 40.  Yes, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis could make appearances, but is that really going to change much?  The result of all this is that people will go see the movie not for the original actors but simply because it has Ghostbusters in the title.  I have a solution that may sound crazy, but would result in a film that is not only a financial success, but which has the potential to be a resounding hit that brings as much life into the Ghost Busters franchise as there was in 1984.

They should make Ghostbusters 3, but not as a sequel.  Instead, they should reboot the series.  I know reboot is a dirty word, especially with the reboots of once-enjoyed films such as Red Dawn and Total Recall breaking peoples’ hearts, but with the right people a reboot could be incredible.

So, who should play the Ghostbusters?  We need 4 popular actors, and let’s keep the ratio of 3 white people and 1 black person.  For the 3 white people, let’s get the team behind Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, meaning Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Edgar Wright.  After their film Paul, we already know they’re huge sci-fi nerds, and could actually make a great film that still pays tribute to the original.  I should also include that Edgar Wright is a great director/writer (I think Pegg did some writing as well), so the whole thing could stay in house.  This trio is hilarious, has made great films, has pretty strong appeal, and could easily fit the archetypes of the original 3 Ghostbusters.

Now, for the token black Ghostbuster.  I suggest Tyler Perry.  Just kidding.  The perfect actor for the role of Winston would be Donald Glover, the young hilarious actor from Community who has also written for 30 Rock and has a moderately successful rap career.  He is not only one of the funniest young actors on the screen, but he has serious comedic chops off as well, as shown by his writing and stand-up comedy success.  He has mass appeal, and would give a great performance.

So, to surmise, instead of getting a handful of irrelevant actors to try and revive a beloved franchise, give the franchise the new start it deserves with some of the best young comedic actors going right now.  The older actors could certainly make cameo appearances, which would likely make Bill Murray agree to show up.  But please, put the sequel into the hands of the people who will not only respect the classic film, but move it forward into relevancy today.