Ghostbusters would be a daunting task for any director. But Jason Reitman, the mastermind behind the franchise’s latest chapter Ghostbusters: Afterlife, has Ghostbusters in his blood – not only is he a massive fan of the legendary 80s adventures, he is also the son of Ivan Reitman who brought the first two entries to the big screen, and who also adds his producing chops to Afterlife.
This father-son relationship has created a high level of consistency between Afterlife and the original Ghostbusters movies, to which the new film is a direct sequel.
Despite over 30 years passing, Afterlife truly feels like a part of the same world we were first introduced to in 1984. Its tone, comedy and design will be instantly recognisable to fans of the originals.
The trailer promises appearances from old Ghostbuster technology and references, but the movie has even more surprises in store for fans.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife introduces a new generation of ghost-catchers, but it also brings back the iconic team from the original 1984 movie. The three Ghostbusters arrive just in time to help save the world. With the help of Spengler’s family, combine to defeat Gozer once more.
The most surprising thing is that original Ghostbuster Harold Ramis passed away in 2014 but makes appearances in the movie via archive footage. His likeness is replicated in Ghostbusters: Afterlife too.
An actor dressed up like an older version of him is seen at the beginning of the movie, but a CGI ghost version of him is clearly seen at the climax of the film. Each of the original Ghostbusters interact with him and his family say goodbye to his spirit, so touching and meaningful to the Ghostbusters’ fans.