Certain sequels seem to be perpetually in development, never to actually see the light of day. Will we ever actually see a Goonies 2? Will that Blade Runner sequel actually get made? Who knows? But Ghostbusters 3 might very well be the granddaddy of them all, forever rumored and perpetually pimped by co-star Dan Aykroyd, but never with anything even resembling some forward momentum. Until, perhaps, this weekend, when Hollywood Reporter declared that the film had finally found a director and an all-new direction.
Paul Feig, the director of Bridesmaids and The Heat, has reportedly been tapped to direct the third Ghostbusters movie, which is now being described as a “reboot” and allegedly has an all-female cast. Although Paul Feig has not officially confirmed this report, he did defend the new take on the franchise with a tweet that responded to criticisms that the reboot’s all-female casting was little more than a gimmick.
“Interesting how making a movie with men in the lead roles is normal but making a movie with women in the lead roles is a ‘gimmick.’ #its2014” Paul Feig tweeted, expressing support of the concept without outright saying the job was his and the movie was real.
Related: 10 Female Superhero Movies We Want
The last few years have seen female-driven motion pictures picking up steam at the box office, and not in traditionally “feminine” genres like romantic comedies and melodramas. Paul Feig was responsible for two blockbusters comedies – Bridesmaids and The Heat – and last week Luc Besson’s Lucy dominated the box office with sci-fi thrills, overpowering the big-budget action epic Hercules starring supposed draw Dwayne Johnson. And with the comedic efforts of stars like Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn feeling increasingly stale, an injection of new comedy superstars like Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne and Melissa McCarthy might be just the thing Ghostbusters 3 needs to feel fresh again after decades of repeat viewings.
To paraphrase the Ghosbusters themselves: Paul Feig, we are ready to believe in you.
William Bibbiani is the editor of CraveOnline’s Film Channel and the host of The B-Movies Podcast and The Blue Movies Podcast. Follow him on Twitter at @WilliamBibbiani.
