When Paul Feig announced this his Ghostbusters reboot would switch out all the male characters for new female leads, the internet basically exploded into marshmallow goo. Now he’s following along that exact same train of thought, by casting a male actor as one of the original female characters. The Ghosbusters’ receptionist, Janine Melnitz, will now be played by Marvel superhero Chris Hemsworth, a.k.a. The Mighty Thor. The role was originally played by Pretty in Pink co-star Annie Potts.
Paul Feig announced the casting with the following, very matter of fact tweet:
Our receptionist. #whoyougonnacall pic.twitter.com/wGTzs8KdUs
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) June 10, 2015
Related: Paul Feig Talks ‘Ghostbusters’ on CraveOnline’s B-Movies Podcast
It’s a smart casting decision, and only in part because Chris Hemsworth has proven his comedic chops in Marvel’s many superhero movies, and looks to be stealing scenes in this summer’s comedy retread Vacation. But more to the point, casting a dashing leading man as the receptionist to women who, as leads in a Hollywood movie based on a male-centric original film, is a striking image that speaks volumes about their capacity to take charge.
In other words, how badass are Kristen Wigg, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon? Thor is their god damned receptionist.
Well played, Paul Feig. Very well played. The new Ghostbusters premieres in theaters next summer, on July 22, 2016.
William Bibbiani is the editor of CraveOnline’s Film Channel and the host of The B-Movies Podcast. Follow him on Twitter at @WilliamBibbiani.
